Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A shrimp boil is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining rich flavors and fresh ingredients in a fun, communal way. The smoky sausage, savory shrimp, and the sweetness of corn and potatoes come together in a flavorful, hearty meal. This recipe is perfect for outdoor parties, casual gatherings, or family dinners, offering both comfort and excitement in every bite. The added Old Bay seasoning gives it a delicious, distinctive flavor, while the optional red pepper flakes add a spicy kick to satisfy all palates.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large shrimp, deveined and shells on
- 1/2 pound smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 ears of corn, broken in half
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Begin by filling a large stockpot with enough water to cover all the ingredients. Add the kosher salt, Old Bay seasoning, bay leaf, garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the water.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the baby potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
- Add the smoked sausage to the pot and continue boiling for another 5 minutes.
- Add the corn and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to soften slightly.
- Finally, add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked.
- Carefully drain the contents of the pot into a large colander, ensuring the liquid doesn’t splash.
- Transfer the shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes to a large serving platter or a clean surface covered with butcher paper for a rustic, fun presentation.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the shrimp boil, then sprinkle with lemon juice and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side and extra Old Bay seasoning, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Add crab or clams for extra seafood flavor.
- For a spicier kick, include fresh sliced jalapeños or increase the red pepper flakes.
- Swap out the sausage for other meats like andouille sausage or smoked chicken for a different flavor profile.
- Try adding bell peppers or celery for extra texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover shrimp boil in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm in a covered pan over low heat or microwave in short intervals, adding a little water or broth to retain moisture. You can also reheat it in the oven, covered with foil, at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well for a shrimp boil. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before adding them to the pot.
2. Can I make this recipe in advance?
It’s best to prepare the shrimp boil just before serving for the best texture and flavor. However, you can prep the potatoes, sausage, and corn in advance to save time on the day of your gathering.
3. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, but pre-cooked shrimp will require less cooking time, so add them at the very end to avoid overcooking.
4. What other seafood can I add to the shrimp boil?
In addition to shrimp, you can add crab, clams, lobster tails, or mussels for a more diverse seafood feast.
5. Can I make the shrimp boil spicier?
Definitely! You can add more red pepper flakes, sliced fresh jalapeños, or even a hot sauce of your choice to give it a spicier kick.
6. Do I need to peel the shrimp before cooking?
No, this recipe uses shrimp with the shells on. The shells add flavor during cooking, and you can peel the shrimp after it’s cooked.
7. Can I use regular sausage instead of smoked sausage?
While smoked sausage adds extra flavor, you can substitute with regular sausage or any type of sausage you prefer.
8. Can I use different seasoning besides Old Bay?
Yes, you can use other seasonings like Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or a homemade spice blend to suit your taste.
9. How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked?
Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink and form a C shape. If they’re still gray or translucent, they need more time.
10. Can I cook this shrimp boil in a smaller pot?
If you have a smaller pot, you may need to cook the ingredients in batches. Just make sure to have enough room to properly boil everything.
Conclusion
This shrimp boil recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to bring a crowd together. The combination of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes in a savory broth seasoned with Old Bay creates a memorable dish that’s perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or a family dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress and satisfy everyone at the table. The fun part is that you can customize it with different seafood or spice levels, making it truly your own. Enjoy the bold flavors and communal dining experience of a classic shrimp boil!
Shrimp Boil
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Description
A shrimp boil is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining rich flavors and fresh ingredients in a fun, communal way. The smoky sausage, savory shrimp, and the sweetness of corn and potatoes come together in a flavorful, hearty meal. This recipe is perfect for outdoor parties, casual gatherings, or family dinners, offering both comfort and excitement in every bite.
Ingredients
2 pounds large shrimp, deveined and shells on
1/2 pound smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 ears of corn, broken in half
1 pound baby potatoes, halved
1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon kosher salt
4 cloves garlic, smashed
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
1 onion, quartered
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Begin by boiling: Fill a large stockpot with enough water to cover all ingredients. Add the kosher salt, Old Bay seasoning, bay leaf, garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Cook the potatoes: Once boiling, add the baby potatoes and cook for 10 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
- Add sausage and corn: Add the smoked sausage to the pot and cook for 5 minutes. Add the corn and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Cook the shrimp: Finally, add the shrimp and cook for 3-5 minutes until pink and fully cooked.
- Drain and serve: Carefully drain the contents into a large colander. Transfer the shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes to a large serving platter or butcher paper for a rustic presentation.
- Finishing touches: Drizzle the melted butter over the shrimp boil, sprinkle with lemon juice, and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve: Serve with lemon wedges on the side and extra Old Bay seasoning, if desired.
Notes
Feel free to add other seafood like crab, clams, or lobster tails to make the boil more varied.
If you prefer extra spice, increase the red pepper flakes or add fresh jalapeños.
Switch the sausage for other varieties, such as andouille or smoked chicken, to suit different flavor preferences.
Adding bell peppers or celery can enhance the dish with more flavor and texture.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated over low heat or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
