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Lemon Old Bay Marinated Shrimp (Make Ahead Appetizer) Recipe

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  • Author: Ivy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 minutes
  • Total Time: 24 hours 17 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Lemon Old Bay Marinated Shrimp recipe is a vibrant and zesty appetizer perfect for make-ahead entertaining. Tender shrimp are briefly boiled and then marinated overnight in a flavorful blend of olive oil, real lemon juice, garlic, Vidalia onions, bay leaves, parsley, and the iconic Old Bay seasoning. The marination allows the shrimp to soak up bright citrus and aromatic spice notes, creating a refreshing and crowd-pleasing dish that’s ready to serve chilled.

Ingredients

Shrimp and Marinade

  • 1 ½ lb shrimp (shelled and deveined)
  • 1 ½ cups olive oil
  • 1 cup lemon juice and lemons (from 6 lemons)
  • 4 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
  • 1 medium Vidalia onion (thinly sliced)
  • 18 bay leaves
  • ½ cup parsley (fresh, chopped)
  • ¼ cup Old Bay seasoning

Instructions

  1. Boil the Shrimp: In a large saucepan, bring 8 cups of water to a boil with a handful of salt. Add the shelled and deveined shrimp, boiling them for approximately 2 minutes or until just cooked through. Quickly drain the shrimp and transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and cool thoroughly.
  2. Prepare the Lemon Juice: Cut the lemons in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl, ensuring you collect at least ¾ cup of fresh lemon juice. Set aside the lemon halves for use in the marinade.
  3. Make Marinade and Combine: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning until well combined. Place the cooled shrimp in a very large bowl, adding the thinly sliced garlic, Vidalia onion, bay leaves, chopped parsley, and 6 of the lemon halves. Pour the lemon-Old Bay dressing over the shrimp and ingredients.
  4. Marinate Overnight: Cover the large bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours. This allows the shrimp to absorb the vibrant flavors and aromas of the marinade.
  5. Drain and Serve: Before serving, drain the shrimp from the marinade to avoid excess liquid. Serve chilled as a zesty and flavorful appetizer.

Notes

  • For best flavor, marinate the shrimp for at least 12 hours but not more than 24 hours to prevent the citrus from breaking down the shrimp texture.
  • Use fresh lemons and high-quality olive oil for the brightest flavor.
  • The recipe can be doubled or halved depending on the number of guests.
  • Keep the shrimp chilled until served to maintain freshness and safety.

Find it online: https://ivysrecipes.com/lemon-old-bay-marinated-shrimp-make-ahead-appetizer-recipe/