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Peel ’n’ Eat Old Bay and Garlic Shrimp

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Old Bay and and garlic shrimp on a platter with lemon wedges.
Photograph by Tonje Thilesen, Food styling by Lauren Stanek, Prop styling by Charlotte Autry

“I learned this recipe from my mother,” says Silver Iocovozzi, chef at Neng Jr.’s in Asheville, North Carolina. Large shell-on shrimp cook quickly (but gently thanks to the shell that prevents them from getting tough or rubbery) in a bath of Old Bay, butter, and a bit of celery for color and fresh crunch. “It’s a very, very simple dish, but a people pleaser,” says Iocovozzi. “My mother-in-law Kim requests it whenever we visit her in Savannah, Georgia—and I love making her happy!” Keep the wipes nearby; you’ll need them!

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    15 minutes

  • Yield

    8–10 servings

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
4 celery stalks, thinly sliced on a diagonal
2 lb. large shell-on shrimp
10 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into pieces
3 Tbsp. Old Bay seasoning
1 small head of garlic, cloves separated (10–12)
2 fresh bay leaves
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add 4 celery stalks, thinly sliced on a diagonal, and cook, stirring occasionally, just until softened, about 2 minutes.

    Step 2

    Add 2 lb. large shell-on shrimp, 10 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into pieces, 3 Tbsp. Old Bay seasoning, 1 small head of garlic, cloves separated (10–12), and 2 fresh bay leaves and cook, tossing occasionally, until butter is melted and shrimp are opaque, about 5 minutes.

    Step 3

    Transfer shrimp to a platter and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over.

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