DADDY'S SHRIMP OR CRAB BOIL SEASONING SECRET

Daddy's Shrimp or Crab Boil Seasoning Secret image

Provided by Julie Madawi

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 11

PER POUND OF SEAFOOD TO BOIL (SHRIMP OR CRAB)
1 Tbsp chili powder (good quality, i used penzey's) use more if you like a stronger flavor
1 1/2 tsp cajun seasoning (i use tony chacherre's)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, more or less to taste
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 pinch peppercorns, whole black
2 bay leaves
1 dash(es) hot pepper sauce (i used tabasco, of course!)
2 c ice cubes in a bowl large enough to hold the shrimp

Steps:

1. First, place a small skillet on medium/medium hight heat. Add the chili powder cayenne, and cajun seasonings to the DRY skillet and toast, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant. This helps the spices to "bloom" and release their flavor.
2. SHRIMP: Place the raw, shell-on shrimp into a pot and rinse once with cool water, then just barely cover with fresh water. Place the pot on the stove, add all the spices and heat on medium high until the shrimp mixture starts to boil. Keep an eye on them at this point, stirring freguently, and they will be done as soon as they turn pinkish white and start to curl, about 3 to 5 minutes. You do not want to overcook them, or they will become rubbery. Immediately remove from heat and drain off the liquid, save for about a 1/4 cup. Add two cups of ice to a separate bowl and add the shrimp and reserved liquid, stirring for a few minutes to aid in cooling. My Dad always used to throw the steaming bowl of shrimp into the freezer to cool. You can serve them hot, warm, or chilled, shell on or off.
3. CRAB: Follow above cooking directions except cover raw crabs with an inch of cold water. Once the water boils, the crabmeat will turn opaque and the shells an orange shade, about 7 minutes. remove from water and serve hot.