I really enjoy Peel and Eat Shrimp. It’s one of my favorite starters by the beach. And it’s one of the easiest appetizers I make at home for friends and family.
There’s something magical about shrimp, and when you say “shrimp for dinner,” everyone gets excited. And Peel and Eat Shrimp is a great way to impress your family and friends.
They will be a hit whether you serve them hot or cold, and they’ll probably be better than the ones you get at your favorite bar or restaurant.
Peel and eat shrimp also known as cocktail shrimp, are a delicious appetizer that can be found at many seafood restaurants. They are shrimp that are served in the shell meaning you have to peel off the shell yourself before eating the shrimp. While they may seem intimidating to eat at first, learning how to properly eat peel and eat shrimp is easy. In this ultimate guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to enjoy peel and eat shrimp like a pro.
What are Peel and Eat Shrimp?
Peel and eat shrimp are shrimp that are cooked with the shell still on. They are typically served warm or chilled with the tails on. The flavorful seasoning and liquids they are cooked in permeate the shells, infusing the shrimp with extra flavor. Popular seasonings for peel and eat shrimp include Old Bay seasoning, cajun spices, and lemon.
Unlike pre-peeled cocktail shrimp served without the shell, eating peel and eat shrimp is interactive and fun. You get to peel off the shell yourself and enjoy the flavors that have seeped into the shell while it was cooking. It’s a tasty, hands-on eating experience!
Why are They Called Peel and Eat?
The name “peel and eat shrimp” comes from the eating method You first peel off the shell, then eat the shrimp inside Simple as that!
Some other common names for peel and eat shrimp are:
- Cocktail shrimp
- U peel shrimp
- Shell on shrimp
No matter what you call them, the eating method is the same. Peel, then eat!
How to Eat Peel and Eat Shrimp – Step by Step
Eating peel and eat shrimp is super easy and fun once you get the hang of it. Follow these simple steps for peeling and eating shrimp like a pro:
Step 1: Twist Off the Head
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Hold the body of the shrimp firmly in one hand. With your other hand, grasp the head and give it a quick twist to detach it.
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Discard the head or set it aside in a discard pile if eating them socially. The head can be messy and hard to peel. Focus your peeling efforts on the tails.
Step 2: Peel the Shell
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With the head removed hold the tail end firmly.
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Using your other hand, grab onto the very tip of the shell where it meets the tail.
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In one swift motion, peel the shell straight off. It should come off smoothly in one piece.
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Discard the peeled shell or place in a discard pile.
Step 3: Eat and Enjoy!
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Once peeled, go ahead and pop the shrimp right in your mouth!
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Savor the seasoning flavors infused into the shrimp during cooking.
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Peel and eat more shrimp until satisfied. Provide plenty for your guests if serving a crowd.
Watching someone peel shrimp can also help visualize the process before trying it yourself. This YouTube video demonstrates quickly peeling and eating shrimp.
Tips for Peeling and Eating Shrimp
Peeling shrimp gets even easier with practice. Here are some handy tips and tricks for getting the hang of eating peel and eat shrimp:
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Use your hands. Don’t be afraid to get messy! Using your fingers gives you the dexterity needed to swiftly peel the shells.
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Go for the tail shell first. Focus on removing the tail shell in one piece first. The rest of the body shell will come off easier after.
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Apply pressure. For easier peeling, apply pressure under the shell as you peel it up and off. This helps release the shrimp meat.
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Keep a discard pile. Place any discarded shells, tails, or heads into a pile on your plate or napkin. This keeps your eating space clean.
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Provide tools. Cocktail forks, wet wipes, and lemon wedges are useful for neatly eating. Offer them to your guests.
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Chill ahead of time. Refrigerating the shrimp for 30+ minutes firms them up for easier peeling.
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Serve with sauce. Offer cocktail or tartar sauce for dipping peeled shrimp. The sauces pair deliciously!
What to Drink with Peel and Eat Shrimp
Peel and eat shrimp pair nicely with crisp, light drinks that won’t overpower their sweet brininess. Here are some excellent choices:
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Beer: Light lagers, pilsners, or wheat beers. Avoid heavy, bitter IPAs.
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Wine: Dry white wines like pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, or sparkling wines.
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Cocktails: Refreshing drinks like mojitos, gin and tonics, or vodka sodas.
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Non-alcoholic: Fresh lemonade, ginger ale, or sparkling water with citrus.
The key is choosing chillable, palate-cleansing beverages. Iced tea, spritzers, and tropical cocktails also make good pairings.
How Much to Eat
Wondering how many peel and eat shrimp to eat? As an appetizer, 3-5 shrimp per person is a good estimate if also serving other apps, dishes, or tapas. For a shrimp-focused meal, plan for at least a dozen or more shrimp per person. Provide extra because they go quickly!
When serving guests, have at minimum 1 pound of shrimp per 3-4 people. Leftovers are better than running out. Peel and eat shrimp also keeps well refrigerated for 2-3 days to enjoy again.
Make Your Own Peel and Eat Shrimp
You can easily make restaurant-quality peel and eat shrimp at home. Boil or steam the shrimp briefly with ample seasoning until just cooked through. Chill completely before serving for the best texture to peel and enjoy.
This top-rated recipe for peel and eat shrimp uses an amazing seasoning blend that rivals shrimp shacks. I highly recommend it for perfect peel and eat shrimp anytime. Serve piled high on a platter with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce for dipping.
Enjoy the Hands-On Experience
With their interactive, hands-on eating style, peel and eat shrimp are a fun party food or summer appetizer. Keep these tips in mind for expertly peeling and savoring their briny sweetness. Soon you’ll be eating shrimp like a pro! Invite over friends and family to enjoy peeling, eating, and unwinding together.
How do I make Old Bay Seasoning?
You can make your own Old Bay Seasoning if you live somewhere that doesn’t have it. It won’t be as good as the original, but you can still enjoy the seasoning that most people on the East Coast love, even on french fries.
- 1 tablespoon ground dried bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons celery salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground celery seeds
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ⅛ teaspoon ground mace
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
Mix all the seasonings well (pulsing a few times in a food processor if possible). Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
That’s really all there is to making your own restaurant-style peel and eat shrimp.
You’ll also need to make your own cocktail sauce if you want to make famous peel and eat shrimp. And the secret is the Heinz Chili Sauce….
Should I serve the Peel and Eat Shrimp Hot or Cold?
If you’d rather chill the shrimp you can place them on ice in the fridge until they’re cold. You can serve them however you like; I like them both ways. They’re tasty either way.
How To Peel and Eat Shrimp Easy
What is Peel & eat shrimp?
Peel and Eat Shrimp is a great shrimp appetizer especially when you have fresh Key West pink shrimp! Everyone loves boiled shrimp, and this make-ahead dish is so easy to make, it’s going to become your new favorite. What is Peel ‘n Eat Shrimp? What Do Key West Shrimp Taste Like? The Best Peel ‘n Eat Shrimp Recipe! What is Peel ‘n Eat Shrimp?
Can you eat Peel and eat shrimp Hot?
If you enjoy eating peel and eat shrimp hot you can serve them before they cool. Peel and eat shrimp can also be served cool which will allow you to prepare them ahead of time. Mix the ketchup, chili sauce, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.
How long does it take to peel and eat shrimp?
It takes only 10 minutes start to finish and leaves you with tender, juicy shrimp dressed in a salty, kicked-up butter sauce. Peel-and-eat shrimp make a perfect appetizer, especially in the summer when you can eat them outside with less worry about shrimp shells getting all over.
What size shrimp should I use for Peel and eat shrimp?
For Peel and Eat Shrimp I like to use 21-25 count (per pound) or 26-30 count (per pound) shrimp. Any smaller and it’s really not worth the effort. How Do I make Peel and Eat Shrimp? Peel and Eat Shrimp aka U-Peel Shrimp couldn’t be easier to make and really comes down to using a few ingredients to take shrimp from simply good to Ah-mazing.