Made with fresh shrimp, tender potatoes, and sweet corn in a perfectly seasoned broth, this shrimp boil recipe is one of the easiest yet tastiest dishes to prepare. A complete meal with all the right flavors and textures, it’s perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Shrimp Boil Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Shrimp Boil brings together a perfect mix of savory, spicy, and citrusy flavors. The combination of succulent shrimp, tender potatoes, and sweet corn cooked in a seasoned broth makes it a one-pot wonder that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The buttery, herby drizzle added at the end brings everything together for a delicious, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

8 cups water
2 large lemons, used in 2 steps
4 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning, used in 2 steps
1 large yellow onion, cut into large chunks
3 dried bay leaves
4 cloves garlic
1 pound small red potatoes, cut in half
4 ears sweet corn, husks removed and each cut into 4 pieces
2 pounds large jumbo shrimp, deveined with shells and tails
½ cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning, used in 2 steps
2 large lemons, used in 2 steps

tip: you’ll find the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below

Directions

Prepare the Broth: Add 8 cups of water, 4 tablespoons of Old Bay Seasoning, 1 large yellow onion (cut into chunks), 3 dried bay leaves, and 4 cloves of garlic (peeled) to a large stock pot. Cut 2 large lemons into quarters and add them to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Cook the Potatoes: Once boiling, add the 1 pound of small red potatoes (halved) to the boiling liquid and cook for 8-10 minutes or until just barely fork-tender.
Add the Corn: After 8-10 minutes, add the 4 ears of sweet corn (husks removed and cut into 4 pieces each) to the pot. Cook for another 6 minutes.
Cook the Shrimp: After 6 minutes, add the 2 pounds of large jumbo shrimp and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn bright pink/reddish and the potatoes are fully tender.
Drain and Serve: Remove the pot from the heat, and use a slotted spoon or colander to drain off the cooking liquid. Transfer the shrimp, onions, potatoes, and corn to one or two large rimmed baking sheets.
Make the Butter Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter. Add 2 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley and 1 tablespoon of Old Bay Seasoning to the melted butter and whisk well.
Drizzle and Toss: Drizzle half of the butter mixture evenly over the shrimp boil on the baking sheet and gently toss to coat.
Serve: Serve immediately with the remaining butter mixture, lemon wedges (from the 2 large lemons), chopped parsley, and hot sauce on the side if desired.

Serving and Timing

Yield: 10 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

This Shrimp Boil is perfect for sharing with a large group. Serve it on a big platter or directly on the table with a few sides like coleslaw or cornbread for a complete meal.

Variations

Cajun Shrimp Boil: For a spicier twist, replace Old Bay seasoning with Cajun seasoning. If your Cajun seasoning is unsalted, add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to the cooking liquid.
Vegetarian Option: Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to make a vegetarian-friendly version.
Spicy Kick: If you like it spicy, add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cooking liquid for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover shrimp boil can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the shrimp boil in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?

This version omits sausage, but feel free to add your favorite sausage if you prefer. Kielbasa or smoked sausage works well.

2. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp will work fine. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the pot for best results.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best to serve shrimp boil fresh, but you can prep the potatoes, corn, and other ingredients in advance. Cook everything just before serving.

4. Can I use larger potatoes?

If you use larger potatoes, just cut them into smaller pieces to ensure they cook evenly with the other ingredients.

5. Can I substitute beer?

This recipe no longer uses beer, but you can substitute it with vegetable broth or extra water for the cooking liquid.

6. Can I make this with smaller shrimp?

Yes, you can use smaller shrimp, but make sure to reduce the cooking time slightly, as smaller shrimp cook faster.

7. Can I use a different seasoning?

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you don’t have Old Bay, you can use a combination of paprika, celery salt, and cayenne pepper.

8. How do I know when the shrimp are done?

The shrimp are done when they turn bright pink and have curled into a “C” shape. If they are overcooked, they can become tough.

9. Can I add crab to the shrimp boil?

Absolutely! Adding crab legs would be a delicious addition to the boil. Just cook them for the last 5 minutes to ensure they are heated through.

10. How do I serve the shrimp boil?

Serve the shrimp boil on large platters or directly on the table covered with newspaper or a large serving tray for a fun, casual dining experience.

Conclusion

This Shrimp Boil is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines all the classic flavors of seafood boils in one hearty meal. With juicy shrimp, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and plenty of seasoning, it’s perfect for sharing with a crowd. Whether it’s a summer gathering or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite