How Much OLD BAY Seasoning Should You Use For the Perfect Shrimp Boil?

Shrimp boils are a quintessential summer tradition in many parts of the country. These casual, laid-back feasts feature piles of seasoned shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage dumped straight from the pot onto newspaper-covered tables. It’s messy, hands-on eating at its finest!

The star of any shrimp boil is always OLD BAY Seasoning. This iconic Chesapeake Bay spice blend adds bold zesty flavor that perfectly complements the sweet shrimp and smoky sausage. But exactly how much OLD BAY do you need to make an amazing shrimp boil?

Why OLD BAY is Essential for Shrimp Boils

OLD BAY was created specifically to season shrimp and crab boils by a German immigrant named Gustav Brunn in the 1940s He worked in a Baltimore spice factory and was tasked with creating the perfect seafood seasoning.

The resulting OLD BAY blend contains celery salt, mustard, peppers, bay leaves, mace, cloves, ginger, paprika, and more. It provides a tangy, spicy kick that brings out the sweetness and inherent flavor of shrimp and other seafood That’s what makes it a must for shrimp boil seasoning!

Over 75 years later, OLD BAY is still the go-to seasoning for shrimp and crab boils from Maryland to Louisiana. Its flavor is intrinsically linked with the casual fun and laidback vibe that make shrimp boils so enjoyable.

How Much OLD BAY Goes in a Shrimp Boil?

The amount of OLD BAY you use depends on a few factors:

• Personal taste – Some like it spicier than others. Adjust to your desired spice level.

• Quantity of seafood – Use more OLD BAY for larger shrimp boils.

• Other ingredients – Potatoes, sausage, and corn also absorb some flavor.

But there are some general guidelines you can follow:

For the Boiling Liquid

Use 1-3 tablespoons of OLD BAY per quart of water. The boiling liquid flavors everything so make it boldly seasoned.

For a 12-quart pot, use:

• 1⁄4 cup OLD BAY (mild spice level)
• 1⁄3 cup OLD BAY (moderate spice)
• 1⁄2 cup OLD BAY (very spicy)

You can also add some to the corn and potatoes during cooking.

For Seasoning the Shrimp

Once cooked, sprinkle additional OLD BAY directly onto the shrimp just before serving. Use about:

• 1 teaspoon per pound of shrimp for moderate spice
• 1 tablespoon per pound of shrimp for high spice

Sprinkle a little extra on each portion as you eat for a flavor boost.

OLD BAY Shrimp Boil Recipe

To see exactly how much OLD BAY you need in context, here’s a classic shrimp boil recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 quarts water
• 12 oz beer (optional)
• 1⁄2 cup OLD BAY Seasoning, divided
• 2 Tbsp salt
• 8 medium red potatoes, quartered
• 2 large onions, cut into wedges
• 2 lbs smoked sausage, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 8 ears of corn, halved
• 4 lbs large shrimp, shells on

Instructions:

1. Bring water, beer, 1⁄4 cup OLD BAY, and salt to a boil.

2. Add potatoes and onions. Cook 8 minutes.

3. Add sausage. Cook 5 minutes.

4. Add corn. Cook 7 minutes.

5. Add shrimp and remaining 1⁄4 cup OLD BAY. Cook 4 minutes.

6. Drain and dump into a paper-covered table or serving platter.

7. Sprinkle each portion with extra OLD BAY if desired.

This uses a moderate 1⁄2 cup of OLD BAY total. You can increase it to 3⁄4 cup or even 1 cup if you like really spicy boils.

Creative Ways to Use Extra OLD BAY

Don’t stop at just sprinkling on some extra OLD BAY at the end! Here are some fun ways to use up the rest of that OLD BAY box:

• Rim glasses for Bloody Mary’s and shrimp cocktail
• Add to tarter sauce or remoulade sauce for dipping
• Sprinkle on french fries, wings, burgers, or fish tacos
• Make a spicy seasoning salt by mixing with salt
• Use in place of regular salt when boiling eggs or potatoes
• Rub onto corn on the cob, steaks, chicken, or pork chops before grilling
• Mix into mayo or cream cheese for a spread or dip
• Add to beer or vodka for a michelada or Bloody Mary cocktail
• Shake into flour or cornmeal for blackened fish or shrimp
• Stir into melted butter for seafood dips and sauces

So don’t be shy about seasoning generously with OLD BAY for your next shrimp boil. Any extra can find plenty of uses in other recipes rather than sitting forgotten at the back of your spice cabinet. Just make sure to have plenty of paper towels, beers, and hungry friends on hand when boiling up this finger-licking summer feast.