This classic shrimp boil contains fresh shrimp, potatoes, corn and sausage, all boiled in a flavorful broth. A complete meal in one pot that’s perfect for feeding a crowd!
Shrimp is always a quick and easy meal option, whether it’s grilled shrimp skewers, shrimp pasta or this impressive looking shrimp boil.
When I’m looking to enjoy some fresh seafood, I often end up making a shrimp boil. It’s a great option because everything gets tossed into one pot, it’s fun to eat, and of course, it’s super flavorful.
How do you make a shrimp boil?
This recipe contains shrimp, potatoes, corn and sausage. All of the ingredients are boiled in a seasoned broth, then tossed in a little butter. Add a sprinkling of parsley and some lemon wedges, and dinner is served.
Tips for shrimp boil
- I recommend buying the largest shrimp you can find for this recipe. I use 16-20 count jumbo shrimp.
- You can boil your shrimp with or without the shells. I typically remove the shells and just leave the tails on as it’s easier to eat this way.
- Fresh corn on the cob tastes best in this recipe – you can use white, yellow or bi-color corn.
- I use small red potatoes, but Yukon gold potatoes are also a great choice.
- You can use kielbasa or andouille sausage. Andouille sausage can be a bit spicy, so I’d recommend using that variety if you prefer a little heat.
How long to boil shrimp
Shrimp cook very quickly, and it only takes about 2-3 minutes to boil shrimp. You can tell when your shrimp are done because they’ll be bright pink and opaque.
HOW TO PEEL SHRIMP
This recipe calls for raw shrimp which are cooked in seasoned boiling water. I typically buy my raw shrimp with just the tail attached, but many shrimp also come still in the shell. If your shrimp have shells on them, you can easily remove them by pulling the main part of the shell and legs off with your fingers. I like to leave the tails on for a nicer presentation. You may also need to devein your shrimp. If you see a dark line running across the top of the the shrimp, you can remove it by using a paring knife to cut a slit along the top of the shrimp, then use the knife or a wooden skewer to remove and discard the vein.
What to serve with shrimp boil
A shrimp boil can be served as-is, but some people prefer to add more side dishes to round out the meal. Some great options include a green salad, french or sourdough bread, coleslaw or potato salad. I typically keep things simple with a loaf of garlic bread and sometimes a green veggie such as asparagus, broccoli or green beans.
You just can’t go wrong with a shrimp boil, especially for a party. The tender shrimp pair so well with the creamy potatoes, smoky sausage and sweet corn. Everyone will be coming back for seconds!
More great seafood recipes
Shrimp Boil
Ingredients
- 3 lemons divided use
- 1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning plus more for garnish
- 6 cloves garlic smashed
- 1 onion peeled and cut into 6 pieces
- 1 pound small red potatoes halved
- 4 ears corn on the cob cut into 3-4 inch pieces
- 2 pounds shrimp peeled and deveined (leave tails on)
- 1 pound smoked sausage cut into 1 inch pieces, kielbasa or andouille are preferred
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cut 2 of the lemons into quarters. Cut the remaining lemon into wedges and reserve the wedges for later use.
- Fill a large pot with 12-14 cups of water. Place the 2 quartered lemons in the water along with the Old Bay seasoning, garlic and onion. Bring to a boil.
- Add the potatoes to the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes or until just tender. Add the corn and sausage and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes or until pink and opaque.
- Drain the shrimp mixture from the pot, reserving 1 cup of the broth.
- Melt the butter and whisk it into the reserved broth. Pour the broth over the shrimp mixture.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Sprinkle with additional Old Bay seasoning to taste, then serve.
Trina says
Can you make this without the sausage? If so, should I change anything?
Sara says
You can omit the sausage, no changes needed!
Marcella says
Hello can I add crab legs to this recipes?
Sara says
Yes that would be great!
Stacey Parzik says
Very good! I added a little more butter to make a slightly thicker sauce and subbed some of the liquid with beer. My family loved it!
Sherrel says
I made this tonight for the first time for my family. It came out prefect and everyone loved it! The flavor was excellent! I’ll definitely be making this again.
Charlena says
Can you use small gold potatoes instead of red? And if so is cooking time the same?
Sara says
Yes you can use small gold potatoes, cook time is the same!
Lauren Robinson says
Broth meaning the “water” from the beginning that everything was added to? Is quarter lemon and wedge lemon the same thing?
Sara says
Yes that would be the broth. Lemon wedges are typically more like 1/8th of a lemon but it doesn’t really m atter in this case!
Ash says
Do you add everything to the pot or cook potatoes and then take out, sausage and then take out?
Sara says
You add everything, you don’t take anything out until the end.
Luz says
Can you use frozen shrimp?
Sara says
I would thaw them first if possible!
Lindsey Abendroth says
First time making a shrimp boil and WOW!!! This recipe is delish! Thank you!
Angela Fusco says
Ahhhhmazing!! I used Savannah Seafood Shacks Seafood Boil Seasoning and it was PERFECT.
Carmen says
Where do you purchase?
Ashley says
Hello! I’m attempting this recipe tonight and I was curious about the onion added? I didn’t see any onion in your personal shrimp boil photos. Am I just cutting it into big chin is and then placing it in the pot?
Sara says
The onion flavors the cooking liquid, I discard it before serving!
Renee says
Could I put scallops in this recipe too?
Sara says
That would be fine, just be sure not to overcook them!
Mark M says
Just made this for my family of 4 tonight. I’ve never made a shrimp boil before, but I really enjoy cajun flavors. The directions here were great and easy to follow, and the results were delicious! The whole family liked the consistency of the corn, sausage, shrimp, and potatoes, so the cooking times were really spot on. We’ll definitely make this again some time. Thank you!
Karen says
Looks great! Use fresh kielbasa or already cooked like hillshire farm?
Sara says
I used pre-cooked kielbasa.
Loren Russell says
I made this the other day and it was amazing!! I think I impressed my husband and this will definitely be a two a month meal!!!