Name: Peel & Eat Poached Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds shrimp; 12 cups water; 1 lemon; 1 tbsp black peppercorns; 1 tbsp kosher salt; 2 dried bay leaves; Ice; Cocktail sauce; Old Bay Seasoning

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Peel & Eat Poached Shrimp

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Ingredients

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Instructions

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Instructions

Add 12 cups water to a large pot. Cut lemon in half and juice into the water. Drop lemon halves into the water. Stir in peppercorns, salt and bay leaves.

Bring water to a boil. While water is boiling, add ice to a large bowl and cover with water.

Once pot is boiling, carefully drop in shrimp, cover with a lid and turn of heat. Set a timer for 5 minutes.

When the timer goes off, drain the pot and immediately submerge shrimp into ice water. Let sit for 8 to 10 minutes, until shrimp is chilled.

Peel and devein shrimp. Serve with Whole30 compatible cocktail sauce as an appetizer, or refrigerate shrimp in an air-tight container for grab-and-go protein for salads.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Ice Bath Timing is Critical 🧊
Immediately transfer poached shrimp to an ice bath the moment they turn pink and curl to stop the cooking process and preserve their tender, succulent texture.
Salt Your Water Properly 🧂
Use enough salt to make the poaching liquid taste like seawater (about 2 tablespoons per quart); this seasons the shrimp from the inside out for superior flavor throughout.
Don't Overcrowd the Pot 🍤
Add shrimp in a single layer and maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil—overcrowding or high heat causes uneven cooking and tough, rubbery texture.
Pre-Chill Your Cocktail Sauce 🍋
Serve cocktail sauce ice-cold on the side and use a separate small dish for each guest to keep the sauce fresh and prevent cross-contamination while peeling.
Precision Timing Matters ⏱️
Cook shrimp for only 2-3 minutes depending on size—set a timer to catch them at peak doneness when they just turn opaque, as even 30 seconds extra makes them tough and less sweet.