Old Bay Pan Fried Shrimp

Come try my Old Bay Pan Fried Shrimp recipe, a Cajun-style delight that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor! With just a handful of ingredients and a sizzling hot pan, you can enjoy juicy shrimp seasoned with zesty Old Bay seasoning and aromatic garlic. It’s a simple yet delicious dish perfect for any occasion, offering a taste of the sea with a spicy kick that makes this recipe a must-try!

Pan fried shrimp seasoned with bay seasoning, garlic, lemon juice, and chili pepper served in a bowl with chopped parsley being sprinkled on.

Why I Love This Recipe

If you’re craving a taste of the Gulf Coast with minimal effort, you’re in for a treat with my Old Bay Pan Fried Shrimp recipe! Inspired by Cajun cuisine and seasoned with my signature Cajun-style seasoning base found in my beloved Cajun Shrimp Boil, Cajun Cauliflower Rice and my newest Pan Fried Cajun Shrimp dish, I developed this dish to offer a delightful burst of flavor with every bite!

Made by quickly pan-frying shrimp using the same technique found in my Shrimp Asparagus Stir Fry and my Pan Seared Garlic Butter Shrimp, and generously seasoning them with Old Bay, it’s a simple yet mouthwatering main course that’s perfect for anyone seeking a hassle-free meal bursting with Cajun flair. So why wait? Dive into this savory sensation now and elevate your dinner experience tonight!

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • Shrimp – large peeled shell with tail-on or off.
  • Garlic– freshly grated garlic.
  • Old Bay SeasoningOld Bay Seasoning is a mixture of spices celery salt, and paprika found in the seafood section of grocery stores.
  • Cayenne Pepper ground Cayenne Pepper.
  • Neutral Oil no taste or flavor with high cooking temperature. Some choices are sunflower oil, peanut oil, sallower oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil. 
  • Lemon – fresh lemons.
  • Parsley – fresh or dried for garnish.

Additional Add Ins

For additional flavor, consider adding Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Cajun Seasoning, and Olive Oil to the recipe. Use them sparingly to avoid over-seasoning the shrimp.

🦐 Shrimp Note

Opt for fresh Large to Jumbo Shrimp for a meatier bite and easier handling. Ensure they’re peeled and deveined. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them properly following package instructions for even cooking.

Shrimp on a prep board.

Directions

☑ Before Getting Started

Before getting started, ensure you have a Large Deep Skillet or Wok on hand to provide ample space for cooking the shrimp.

Step 1 Start by tossing large shrimp in a blend of Old Bay seasoning and cayenne pepper.

Shrimp in mixing bowl.

 

Step 2 Heat a skillet with a neutral oil and cook the shrimp for 45-60 seconds per side on medium heat until they turn pink.

Old bay shrimp being pan fried.

 

🦐 Shrimp Cooking Pro Tip

When cooking shrimp, Avoid Overcooking them. Once they turn opaque and pink in color, they’re ready to be removed from the heat. Overcooking can result in tough and rubbery shrimp.

Step 3 Add freshly grated garlic and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added flavor. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Old bay shrimp served in a plate.

Recipe Variation

Rather bake this in the oven? Check out my new Baked Old Bay Shrimp recipe that takes the base flavors from this recipe and instead prepare the dish right in the oven for a simple fuss free recipe! Or you could even grill this to make my Cajun style Grilled Shrimp, perfect to serve with my Old Bay Aioli sauce!

Pairing Recommendations

If looking to elevate this dish, consider serving it with Lime Chicken Fried Rice, Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice, or Peruvian Chicken Soup. Each dish pairs well with the bold flavors of the shrimp, adding variety and satisfaction to your meal!

Seasoning for pan fried shrimp recipe in measuring spoons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use smaller shrimp for this recipe?

While you can use smaller shrimp, larger shrimp are recommended for a meatier texture and easier handling during cooking.

Can I substitute Old Bay seasoning with another seasoning blend?

While Old Bay seasoning is recommended for its distinct flavor, you can experiment with other Cajun or seafood seasoning blends if preferred.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences.

 

Pan fried shrimp seasoned with bay seasoning, garlic, lemon juice, and chili pepper served in a bowl being picked up with a fork.

Storage Tips

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days.

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Watch How To Make It

Pan fried shrimp seasoned with bay seasoning, garlic, lemon juice, and chili pepper served in a bowl with chopped parsley being sprinkled on.

Old Bay Pan Fried Shrimp

Indulge in a flavorful delight with my Old Bay Pan Fried Garlic Shrimp recipe! This easy-to-follow pan-fried shrimp recipe features the perfect blend of juicy shrimp and zesty Old Bay seasoning, offering a Cajun-inspired dish that's sure to satisfy your seafood cravings.
4.49 from 45 votes
Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Worldwide
Keyword: old bay seasoning shrimp, old bay shrimp recipe, pan fried shrimp recipe
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2
Print Recipe
Calories: 231kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lbs Shrimp peeled and thawed
  • 3 Clove Garlic
  • 1/2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
  • 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 2 tbsp Cooking Oil neutral, no flavor or taste
  • 2 tsp Lemon Juice
  • 1/4 tsp Parsley optional garnish

Instructions

  • Gather all the ingredients.
    Ingredients for old bay pan fried shrimp.
  • Grate garlic with a grater and set aside.
    Grated garlic.
  • Prepare shrimp by deveining, peeling, drying off any liquid with a paper towel and transferring to a mixing bowl.
    Shrimp in mixing bowl.
  • Combine Old Bay seasoning and cayenne pepper in a clean mixing bowl. Once combined, sprinkle onto prepared shrimp and mix until evenly coated.
    Old bay shrimp in mixing bowl.
  • In a fry pan, add cooking oil and bring up to temp on medium heat. Once up to temp, add in shrimp and cook for 45-60 seconds per side or until pink.
    Old bay shrimp being pan fried.
  • Once the shrimp is cooked, add in grated garlic and lemon juice. Stir until well combined and then transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with optional dried parsley flakes and enjoy hot!
    Old bay shrimp served in a plate.

Nutrition

Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 189mg | Sodium: 252mg | Potassium: 285mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 53IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg
*Values Based Per Serving
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4.49 from 45 votes (45 ratings without comment)

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