"Appetizers are the heart of a good party, or the perfect start to a sumptuous meal."
- Carolyn Quick Tillery
We love seafood and the kids can all agree shrimp is a favorite. I'm sure you can imagine the interest it generated when we decided to boil it in a Boston beer. This boiled shrimp is a simple appetizer that satisfies a hungry crowd of spectators.
Learn more about cooking with kids.
If you like this shrimp recipe, you'll love the whiskey & sweet tea glazed salmon.
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The African-American Heritage Cookbook
For the best shrimp boil, we turned to the pros with The African-American Heritage Cookbook: Traditional Recipes and Fond Remembrances from Alabama's Renowned Tuskegee Institute.
The Tuskegee Institute was founded by Booker T. Washington in 1881. This cookbook highlights the rich history of Tuskegee as well as the diversity of Southern African-American cuisine.
During WW II blacks were not permitted to serve in the U.S. Air Service, an elite officer flying corps. It was thought that black officers giving orders to white enlisted men would create social problems. Despite these opinions, Dr. Patterson invited Alfred 'Chief' Anderson to Tuskegee Institute in 1940 to start a flight training program. 'Chief' was the first black to receive a commercial pilot license in 1929 and the father of black aviation.
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, in a public show of support and confidence, came to Tuskegee to be flown by flight trainer Chief Anderson. Despite her recommendations to the President, the strong opposition and public debate regarding the "fitness" of blacks to serve continued.
However, in late spring of '41, B.O. Davis, Jr., received orders to Tuskegee. Subsequently, on July 10, 1941, the War Department announced that 'the first class of ten colored aviation cadets would begin training at Tuskegee Air Force Base.' Once trained, the cadets would serve with the newly activated all-black 99th Pursuit Squadron...
'For the next seven months I immersed myself in the miracle of flight.' 'In December we got the news...it was a Sunday afternoon...I was at Tuskegee Institute having a quiet dinner in a restaurant..."when it was learned"...the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor.'"
- Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. from American: An Autobiography
related recipe!
Persian-Style Shrimp & Rice
So quick and simple, it'll leave you in high spirits.
Learn more about allergies and your family.
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Discover recipes for every continent! Sign up to receive free cooking lessons for the whole family. Learn from some of the most talented chefs around the world and participate in the quality practical life experiences Montessori education is known for.
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Sam Adams Just the Haze is the perfect beer for this shrimp boil. However, you can choose what works with your preferences.
How to Make Shrimp Boiled in Beer
Ingredients
- shrimp - large shrimp are best for this boiled shrimp recipe
- beer - Sam Adams Just the Haze is perfect for this recipe but you can choose your preference
- garlic - peeled and crushed
- seafood seasoning - we like Old Bay for a quick and easy shrimp boil, for this recipe we used the seafood seasoning recipe in the cookbook
- salt
- bay leaves - we like this bay laurel and use it in all our recipes that call for bay leaves
- Tabasco
- celery seed
- cayenne pepper
- lemons - the juice of 2 lemons
- butter - margarine will also work
Equipment
- Apron
- Prep Bowls
- Butcher Block
- Child-Friendly Knife
- Kitchen Scale
- Molcajete y Tejolote, Mortar & Pestle
- Measuring Spoons
- Wooden Spoon
- Stock Pot
- Small Saucepan
Wash the Shrimp
Wash your hands with soap and water. Place the shrimp in a bowl and rinse them with water. Do not remove the shells.
Add the Beer and Spices to a Large Pot
Pour the beer into the pot. Add the garlic. Use a measuring spoon to add the seafood seasoning, salt, bay leaves, Tabasco, celery seed, and cayenne pepper.
If you're making your seafood seasoning, a molcajete is really helpful. To make the seafood seasoning from the cookbook you'll need to combine:
- 2 tablespoon celery salt
- 1 tablespoon ground bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
Then add half of the seafood seasoning to the stock pot.
Bring to a Boil
Turn the stove on high heat and bring the beer mixture to a boil.
Add the Shrimp & Boil Again
Add the shrimp to the pot and allow it to come to a boil.
Simmer for 2 to 5 Minutes
Turn the heat to low. While the shrimp simmer, the kids can watch as they transform to a pink color. After 2 to 5 minutes, the shrimp should be tender and pink.
Melt the Butter
While the shrimp simmer, you can melt the butter. Be sure to add seafood seasoning and Tabasco to taste. Turn off the stove when finished.
Remove the Shrimp
Use a wooden spoon to remove the shrimp from the pot. Add the lemon juice on top or serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy your boiled shrimp with the seasoned butter. You may need to give a quick demo or refresher on how to peel the shrimp.
free recipe!
Shrimp Boiled in Beer
A simple appetizer to satisfy a hungry crowd.
Free Boiled Shrimp Recipe for Pre-Readers & Up
Grab your free printable recipe cards above. Kids can gather ingredients using the ingredient list, gather their equipment with the tools list, and prepare the meal using the step-by-step recipe cards, with assistance as needed.
The cards are easy to use, include pictures, and encourage confidence and independence in the kitchen. They also make an excellent addition to your Montessori continent box for North America.
Montessori Continent Boxes
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Shrimp Boiled in Beer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 lbs shrimp large
- 36 oz beer
- 8 cloves garlic peeled and crushed
- ¼ cup seafood seasoning
- 2 tablespoon salt
- 3 bay leaves
- 4 teaspoon Tabasco
- 1 ½ teaspoon celery seed
- 2 teaspoon Cayenne
- 2 lemons juice of
- butter or margarine
Instructions
- Wash the Shrimp: Wash your hands with soap and water. Place the shrimp in a bowl and rinse them with water. Do not remove the shells.
- Add the Beer and Spices to a Large Pot: Pour the beer into the pot. Add the garlic. Use a measuring spoon to add the seafood seasoning, salt, bay leaves, Tabasco, celery seed, and cayenne pepper.
- Turn the stove on high heat and bring the beer mixture to a boil.
- Add the shrimp to the pot and allow it to come to a boil.
- Turn the heat to low. While the shrimp simmer, the kids can watch as they transform to a pink color. After 2 to 5 minutes, the shrimp should be tender and pink.
- While the shrimp simmer, you can melt the butter. Be sure to add seafood seasoning and Tabasco to taste. Turn off the stove when finished.
- Use a wooden spoon to remove the shrimp from the pot. Add the lemon juice on top or serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy your boiled shrimp with the seasoned butter. You may need to give a quick demo or refresher on how to peel the shrimp.
Notes
- Learn more about allergies and your family.
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
- See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
- Full Lesson Info and Pictures at: https://happyhomeschooladventures.com/shrimp-boiled
Nutrition
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
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