daddy's shrimp or crab boil seasoning secret

Name: Daddy's Shrimp or Crab Boil Seasoning Secret
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: ## PER POUND OF SEAFOOD TO BOIL (SHRIMP OR CRAB); 1 tablespoon(s) chili powder (good quality, i used penzey's) use more if you like a stronger flavor; 1 1/2 teaspoon(s) cajun seasoning (i use tony chacherre's); 1/2 teaspoon(s) garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon(s) cayenne pepper, more or less to taste; 1/4 teaspoon(s) onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon(s) salt; 1 pinch(es) peppercorns, whole black; 2 - bay leaves; 1 dash(es) hot pepper sauce (i used tabasco, of course!); 2 cup(s) ice cubes in a bowl large enough to hold the shrimp

(1 RATING)

209 Pinches 1 Photo

Julie Madawi

Clermont, FL

Updated on Feb 2, 2013

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!

Rate

prep time 5 Min

cook time 10 Min

method ---

yield Up to 4

Ingredients

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

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

Step 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.

Step 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.
Step 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.
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