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Steamed Shrimp with Beer and Spices
This recipe for steamed shrimp with beer and spices is a bold and flavorful take on a classic seafood boil, capturing the essence of coastal American cooking. Using beer as the steaming liquid infuses the shrimp with a malty depth, while a blend of celery seed, mustard, red pepper, vinegar, sugar, and salt balances spice, tang, and sweetness. Popular in seaside kitchens and summer cookouts, this method brings people together around a communal pot of steaming shrimp. It’s a versatile recipe that can be served hot or chilled, often paired with cocktail sauce, melted butter, or fresh lemon wedges. The aromatic spices and beer create a distinctive broth, making it both hearty and festive.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine cajun, Southern
Servings 10
Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients
  

For 10 lbs Shrimp (Full Recipe):

  • 10 lbs shrimp (raw (shell-on recommended))
  • 3 beers (12 oz each)
  • 3 tbsp celery seed
  • 3 tbsp dry mustard
  • 2 tbsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp red pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp salt

Scaled Recipe (2 lbs Shrimp):

  • 2 lbs shrimp
  • 1 beer (12 oz)
  • 1 tbsp celery seed
  • 1 tbsp dry mustard
  • ¼ cup vinegar
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp red pepper
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp

  • Rinse shrimp thoroughly under cold water. Leave shells on for best flavor.

Step 2: Prepare Steaming Liquid

  • In a large stockpot, pour in beer.
  • Add celery seed, dry mustard, black pepper, red pepper, vinegar, sugar, and salt.

Step 3: Heat the Broth

  • Bring mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 4: Cook Shrimp

  • Add shrimp to the boiling mixture.
  • Return to boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
  • Cook for 45 minutes after shrimp begin boiling.

Step 5: Serve

  • Remove shrimp from liquid and serve hot with cocktail sauce, melted butter, or lemon wedges.

Tips

  • Use shell-on shrimp for the best flavor during steaming/boiling.
  • Add lemon slices, garlic, or onion to the pot for extra aromatics.
  • Serve with melted butter, cocktail sauce, or remoulade.
  • Substitute part of the vinegar with lemon juice for brighter acidity.
  • Reduce cooking time if using smaller shrimp to avoid overcooking.
  • Chill cooked shrimp and serve as peel-and-eat for parties.
  • Add corn on the cob and small red potatoes to make a full shrimp boil.
  • Use Old Bay or Creole seasoning alongside (or instead of) the individual spices.
  • For less heat, reduce the red pepper; for more spice, add cayenne.
  • Rinse briefly after cooking if you prefer less salty shells.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 45gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 315mgSodium: 980mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 320IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 3mg
Keyword beer shrimp, Cajun-style shrimp, party food, seafood, shrimp boil, southern cooking, steamed shrimp, vintage recipe
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