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.
Jamie says
Amazing!!! I’m making it for the second time and it is absolutely a family favorite now!
Donna says
Made this tonight and it was delicious!! Perfect seasoning for me. I will definitely be making it again, hopefully sooner than later!!
Christine Devin says
Just made this! Awesome recipe and easy to follow instrctions. Delicious 😋 Definitely saving to make again
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Betty says
Steph ,what did you make with the broth?
Lisa Junkermann says
I followed the recipe exactly, as I like to do the first time I make something. The broth was AMAZING! I used andouille sausage, which added so much flavor! I can’t wait to make this again!
Heather says
Sounds amazing! Do you use frozen shrimp that is already peeled and deveined with tail on?
Sara says
Yes that’s what I use!
Debbie says
Could you add scollops to this? If so, how long do you keep them in?
Sara says
Yes cook for 2-3 minutes!
Joe says
I used beef sausage and medium golden potatoes cut in half. This recipe was scrumptious! The seasoning was spot on and everything was cooked to perfection. We loved every bite and will be making this again (soon😉)!
Tiffany says
So good!! Made it for Father’s Day today! I would add more butter, cuz it’s butter ya kno!? Lol I also topped ours with a bit of Creole seasoning nommmm thank you for the recipe!
Jeanette says
Great simple recipe! Everything is on point! I did add andouille sausage but that’s just my preference.
Kimberly Boehm says
This was terrific. The family loved it Nd I made it exactly as directed.!
Kristin says
This was a hit. I added boiled eggs. I used frozen corn cob nibs and frozen ez peel shrimp- peels on while cooking. Turned out phenomenal and it was much simpler than other shrimp boil recipes. Thank you.
Jessica says
Love it! I need alittle more time with cooking the potato’s I would dice them smaller next time. But otherwise amazing. Personally didn’t need parsley but loves lemon on it
Steph says
This was so delicious! I doubled the recipe for a group of six and there was no leftovers. I saved the liquid for a soup broth the next day.
Karin says
One of my faves…comes out delish every time.
Kristin says
I wish I would have done that!!!!