Fresh shrimp, salt, lemon or Shrimp Boil (for odor).
Options: black pepper, celery, or paprika for flavor.
Wash fresh shrimp in clear water and drop in plain boiling water. Salt added to boiling water will toughen the shrimp. Remove shrimp from the boiling water as soon as they float to the top. If allowed to stay in the water, they become tough or mushy. Do not let it boil over or it will cause “housitosis”. Some add lemon or Shrimp Boil to the water to prevent an unpleasant odor.
Black pepper, celery, or paprika can be added to the water for flavor.
Shrimp may be boiled with their heads on. Many say they are tastier cooked this way.
If the shrimp is to be served cold or used in a recip, drop it into cold water to cool. Peel, devein and drop in cold salted water for a few minutes.