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daddy's shrimp or crab boil seasoning secret

(1 rating)
Julie_Madawi avatar
Recipe by
Julie Madawi
@Julie_Madawi
Clermont, FL

My Daddy was born and raised in Shreveport Louisiana, and absolutely loved any kind of seafood you could name (and knew how to cook it, too!). This was a frequent snack item at my house growing up; freshly boiled shrimp spiced just right. I could peel and eat my weight in them! Daddy's been gone for almost 40 years now, but I think I've hit on his special blend so that I can share a taste of Louisiana with you, too! Great way to cook shrimp for shrimp salads, shrimp cocktail, shrimp omelettes, well, you get the idea. I'm starting to sound like Bubba from Forrest Gump, lol!

(1 rating)
yield serving(s)
prep time 5 Min
cook time 10 Min

Ingredients For daddy's shrimp or crab boil seasoning secret

  • PER POUND OF SEAFOOD TO BOIL (SHRIMP OR CRAB)
  • 1 Tbsp
    chili powder (good quality, i used penzey's) use more if you like a stronger flavor
  • 1 1/2 tsp
    cajun seasoning (i use tony chacherre's)
  • 1/2 tsp
    garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp
    cayenne pepper, more or less to taste
  • 1/4 tsp
    onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp
    salt
  • 1 pinch
    peppercorns, whole black
  • 2
    bay leaves
  • 1 dash
    hot pepper sauce (i used tabasco, of course!)
  • 2 c
    ice cubes in a bowl large enough to hold the shrimp

How To Make daddy's shrimp or crab boil seasoning secret

  • 1
    First, place a small skillet on medium/medium hight heat. Add the chili powder cayenne, and cajun seasonings to the DRY skillet and toast, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant. This helps the spices to "bloom" and release their flavor.
  • 2
    SHRIMP: Place the raw, shell-on shrimp into a pot and rinse once with cool water, then just barely cover with fresh water. Place the pot on the stove, add all the spices and heat on medium high until the shrimp mixture starts to boil. Keep an eye on them at this point, stirring freguently, and they will be done as soon as they turn pinkish white and start to curl, about 3 to 5 minutes. You do not want to overcook them, or they will become rubbery. Immediately remove from heat and drain off the liquid, save for about a 1/4 cup. Add two cups of ice to a separate bowl and add the shrimp and reserved liquid, stirring for a few minutes to aid in cooling. My Dad always used to throw the steaming bowl of shrimp into the freezer to cool. You can serve them hot, warm, or chilled, shell on or off.
  • 3
    CRAB: Follow above cooking directions except cover raw crabs with an inch of cold water. Once the water boils, the crabmeat will turn opaque and the shells an orange shade, about 7 minutes. remove from water and serve hot.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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