The first time I ever experienced the magic of a shrimp boil was during a vacation in New Orleans. The city’s rich food culture is legendary, and this simple yet flavorful meal captured my heart.
We gathered around a newspaper-covered table, enjoying the vibrant blend of jumbo shrimp, smoky sausage, tender corn, and perfectly cooked potatoes, all seasoned with that unforgettable Old Bay flavor.
Recreating this Recipe at Home
After our trip, we were determined to recreate that experience at home. It’s a great way to bring the lively spirit of New Orleans into our own backyard. There’s something special about how a shrimp boil brings people together, with everyone reaching in for plump shrimp, sweet corn, and chunks of andouille sausage.
What makes a shrimp boil so great is how easy it is to prepare for a large group. Whether it’s for a summer cookout or a casual family dinner, this classic seafood boil recipe is simple yet packed with flavor. Once you learn the cooking process, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Easy Shrimp Boil Recipe
To ensure that your shrimp boil has the perfect blend of flavors, make sure to use Old Bay shrimp boil seasoning and the right amount of garlic cloves, lemon juice, and bay leaves.
The best part is how flexible this dish is. Feel free to add fresh seafood like crab or crawfish to make it your own. If you’re planning a large group gathering, this recipe scales easily, and any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for a second round the next day.
Easy Shrimp Boil Recipe: The Ultimate Seafood Party
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 3-4 Quarts of Water
- 1/4 Cup Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 2-3 Whole Heads Garlic halved
- 1-2 Lemons halved
- 1-2 Pounds Small Red Potatoes or baby potatoes
- 4 Ears Fresh Corn cut into pieces
- 1 Pounds Sausage andouille or kielbasa sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 Pounds Jumbo Raw Shrimp deveined (shell-on or off)
- 1 Small Onion quartered
- Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish
- Optional: 1 tsp red pepper flakes for spice light beer for added flavor
Instructions
- In a large stock pot or big pot, bring 3-4 quarts of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add Old Bay seasoning, bay leaves, garlic cloves, lemon halves, and small onion. Let it boil for about 5 minutes to infuse the water with flavor.3-4 Quarts of Water, 1/4 Cup Old Bay Seasoning, 2 Bay Leaves, 2-3 Whole Heads Garlic, 1-2 Lemons, 1 Small Onion
- Add the potatoes to the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes or until just tender. Then, add the corn cobs and andouille sausage and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the corn is tender.1-2 Pounds Small Red Potatoes, 4 Ears Fresh Corn, 1 Pounds Sausage
- Finally, add the raw shrimp. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked. Be careful not to overcook them, as tender shrimp are the goal!2 Pounds Jumbo Raw Shrimp
- Drain the mixture and transfer it to a large bowl or spread it out on a newspaper-covered table. Serve immediately with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, melted butter, cocktail sauce, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Don’t forget the hot sauce for a spicy kick.Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish, Optional: 1 tsp red pepper flakes for spice
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
Shrimp Boil Recipe Tips
The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your shrimp and potatoes. Use jumbo or large shrimp to ensure they don’t overcook.
For a richer broth, add a cup of light beer to the boiling pot before adding the shrimp.
Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more Old Bay seasoning, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce.
Serve with sourdough bread to soak up all the tasty broth.
Recipe Variations
Add fresh crawfish for a true New Orleans-style crawfish boil experience.
For a lower-carb version, replace the potatoes with cauliflower or broccoli.
Swap out the andouille sausage for kielbasa or smoky sausage depending on your preference.
How much shrimp per person for shrimp boil?
For a shrimp boil, plan on ½ to 1 pound of shrimp per person depending on the size of your shrimp and your guests’ appetites. If you’re serving jumbo shrimp, ½ pound per person is often enough, but for large shrimp or if your crowd loves seafood, you may want to go with closer to 1 pound per person.
Side Dishes for a Shrimp Boil
Here are some great options to serve alongside your shrimp boil.
Cornbread. Adds a comforting, slightly sweet contrast to the spicy boil.
Coleslaw. A crunchy, refreshing side that complements the rich flavors of the boil.
Sourdough Bread. Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth from the boil.
Roasted Vegetables. A healthier, colorful addition like roasted zucchini, squash, or bell peppers.
Garlic Butter Dipping. Melted butter with a touch of garlic for dipping shrimp and corn.
Green Salad. A simple green salad with fresh herbs and a lemon vinaigrette for a light side.
Potato Salad. If you want more potatoes on the side, a classic creamy or mustard-based potato salad is great.
Macaroni and Cheese. A crowd-pleaser, especially for kids or those looking for comfort food.
Grilled Vegetables. Grilled asparagus or peppers can add a smoky touch to your meal.
Watermelon Slices. A refreshing, sweet treat to balance the spiciness of the shrimp boil.
These side dishes will round out your meal and provide great options for everyone at the table.
My family loved this!