Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs Head-off, shell-on shrimp (large or extra-large count)
  • 6 cups Water
  • 12 fl oz can Lager or Pilsner Beer
  • 1/4 cup White Wine Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 large Lemons, quartered
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion, peeled and quartered
  • 6 cloves Garlic, smashed lightly
  • 2 tbsp Kosher Salt
  • 3 Dried Bay Leaves
  • 1 tsp Dried Celery Seed
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Mustard Powder (Dry)
  • 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 tsp Whole Black Peppercorns
  • 1 tsp Hot Sauce (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Aromatics (Mise en Place): Quarter the onions and lemons; smash the garlic. Measure out all dry spices and liquid ingredients.
  2. Combine and Start the Boil: In a large stock pot (8-quart minimum), combine the Water, Beer, Vinegar, quartered Lemons, Onion, and Garlic. Add all ingredients from the Coastal Seasoning Blend (salt, bay leaves, celery seed, paprika, mustard, pepper flakes, peppercorns, and hot sauce).
  3. Achieve Flavour Extraction: Bring the liquid to a robust, rolling boil over high heat. Boil vigorously, uncovered, for 5 minutes to properly infuse the liquid with all the spices and aromatics.
  4. Add the Shrimp: Ensure the liquid is still at a rapid boil. Add the cold shrimp all at once. Stir immediately to distribute the shrimp evenly.
  5. Cook Rapidly: Return the liquid to a boil. As soon as the water returns to a rolling boil, reduce the heat slightly and cook for only 2–3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn opaque pink and curl slightly.
  6. Crucial Steeping Step: Remove the pot from the heat immediately. Allow the shrimp to steep in the hot, seasoned liquid for 5 minutes. This maximizes flavor absorption without overcooking.
  7. The Chill-Down (Stop Cooking): Fill a large bowl with half ice and half water (an ice bath). Using a spider skimmer, quickly transfer only the shrimp (leaving the liquid behind) into the ice bath.
  8. Cool Quickly: Stir the shrimp in the ice bath for 2–3 minutes until they are cool enough to handle. This halts the cooking process completely, guaranteeing a tender texture.
  9. Serve: Drain the shrimp thoroughly. Transfer the shrimp to a large serving platter and serve immediately with cocktail sauce or melted butter.