Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsJourdan River SteamerRoyal Red Shrimp 1lb Recipe

Royal Red Shrimp 1lb Recipe

Time25m
Serves2

Peel & Eat...

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Ingredients

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Shrimp

Poaching / Cooking Liquid

Method

Shrimp Prep

  1. 1

    Rinse and Inspect

    If shrimp are frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water. Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. If not already deveined, use a small paring knife to remove the vein along the back; leave tails on or off according to preference.

Poaching / Cooking

  1. 2

    Make Poaching Liquid

    In a large wide pot, combine 6 cups water, 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tsp sugar, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp black peppercorns, the halved lemon (squeeze halves into the pot then drop them in), and 1 tbsp Old Bay or seafood seasoning. Bring to a gentle rolling boil over medium-high heat.

  2. 3

    Cook Shrimp

    Once the liquid is at a rolling boil, reduce heat to medium-low so the liquid is at a gentle simmer. Add the shrimp in a single layer and immediately cover the pot. Poach for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring once gently; cooking time will depend on shrimp size but royal red shrimp cook very quickly — they are done when opaque, pink/red, and curl into a loose 'C' (not tightly curled).

  3. 4

    Shock Shrimp (Stop Cooking)

    Prepare an ice bath (a bowl with cold water and ice). As soon as the shrimp are opaque and cooked through, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to the ice bath to stop cooking and preserve tender texture. Leave in ice bath for 2 minutes, then drain thoroughly and pat dry.

Finish & Serve

  1. 5

    Toss with Butter and Seasoning

    Place the drained shrimp in a bowl. Drizzle with 2 tbsp melted butter and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle 1 tbsp chopped parsley, 1/4 tsp flaky finishing salt, and 1/8 tsp cracked black pepper. Toss gently to coat so each shrimp has a light glaze.

  2. 6

    Serve

    Arrange shrimp on a chilled or room-temperature platter for peel-and-eat service. Garnish with lemon wedges and additional parsley. Serve immediately with cocktail sauce (about 1/2 cup) on the side and extra melted butter if desired.

  3. 7

    Storage

    Leftover cooked shrimp: refrigerate in an airtight container up to 2 days. For best texture, store drained and without the butter, adding fresh lemon and butter again when serving cold.

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