We're big fans of peel-and-eat shrimp in the summer. The cooking is easy and the eating is simple and satisfying. All you need to boil a big pot of well-seasoned shrimp (or crab or crawfish, as the box suggests) is this mesh bag full of spices.
But what's in the bag? And could you make your own? We'll tell you, below...
Seafood boils usually contain a combination of allspice, coriander, dill, and mustard seeds. Zatarain's blend is secret (of course), but there's definitely some pepper in there. We've taken a big whiff of the bag before and it knocked us out.
Essentially, it's a super potent bouquet garni — a pouch of flavor that infuses the water while you boil the shrimp.
And, because we love a DIY project, here's a recipe from Martha Stewart on making your own seafood boil: Shrimp Boil Spice Bundle
Related: D.I.Y. Recipe: Garam Masala
(Images: Zatarain's; Martha Stewart)
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I'm a Maryland girl--I boil shrimp in water and an ungodly amount of Old Bay seasoning.
view mandarinmarie's profile
I agree with mandarinmarie. Can't beat the old standard!
view spaceagemouse's profile
Old Bay now makes a crab boil packet you just toss in the water. I find Zatarains in general to be too salty and tastes too processed so I'm afraid of their seasoning. Then again, I'm a Maryland girl and Old Bay is my "secret spice" for just about everything.
view Miss Pea's profile
My favorite is Louisiana brand crawfish boil - sprinkled on steamed veggies with butter and a squeeze of lemon, smells and tastes awesome!
Also - while I was scoping out a supermarket in Baton Rouge for relocation research, the store's director picked out a seasoning that he said is a favorite of locals which turned out to be great - Dis N Dat cajun seasoning mix, I like it on mac and cheese. Unfortunatly it's not available outside of La. that I can see so I'll have to load up my suitcase on my next visit.
view Lenny's profile