Shrimp Boil
A classic Southern one-pot feast brimming with juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, sweet corn, and tender potatoes, all boiled together in a seasoned broth and dumped straight onto newspaper for a hands-on, communal meal. Perfect for backyard gatherings and summer nights.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prep the ingredients.
1.Cut the smoked sausage into 1-inch thick slices.2.Halve the baby potatoes if they are large.3.Husk the corn and cut each cob into 3-inch pieces.4.Smash the garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife. - boil · ~10 min
Bring the seasoned water to a boil.
1.Fill the large stockpot with 4 liters of water.2.Add the Old Bay seasoning, Cajun seasoning, smashed garlic, and bay leaves.3.Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.TIPDon't be shy with the seasoning in the water—this is what flavors the entire dish. - boil · ~10 min
Cook the potatoes first.
1.Add the baby potatoes to the boiling seasoned water.2.Cook for 10 minutes until almost tender when pierced with a fork. - boil · ~5 min
Add the sausage and corn.
1.Add the sliced smoked sausage and corn pieces to the pot.2.Continue boiling for 5 minutes. - boil · ~2 min
Cook the shrimp.
1.Add the shell-on shrimp to the pot.2.Cook for exactly 2 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.3.Immediately turn off the heat.TIPShrimp cook fast—pulling them at exactly 2 minutes prevents rubbery texture. - other
Drain the boil.
1.Carefully drain the contents of the pot into a large colander.2.Return the drained shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn to the dry pot. - rest · ~5 min
Rest with melted butter.
1.Pour the melted butter over the drained boil in the pot.2.Squeeze the juice from one lemon over the top.3.Cover the pot and let it rest for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.TIPThe resting step melds the butter and seasonings into every ingredient. - assemble
Serve on newspaper.
1.Cover the table with newspaper or butcher paper.2.Dump the rested shrimp boil directly onto the paper.3.Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with the remaining lemon halves and salt on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use shell-on shrimp to protect the meat from overcooking and to boost the broth's flavor.
- 2Cut corn into 3-inch pieces so they're easy to pick up and eat with your hands.
- 3Add shrimp in the last 2 minutes only; they turn rubbery if boiled longer.
- 4Let the boil rest covered with butter for 5 minutes so every piece soaks up seasoning.
- 5Spread newspaper in multiple layers to absorb grease without soaking through the table.
- 6Serve with extra lemon halves and melted butter on the side for dipping.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Cajun
Add 1-2 chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the boil water for extra heat, perfect for those who love a fiery kick.
Lemon HerbLemon-Herb
Swap half the Old Bay for a tablespoon of dried oregano and add an extra lemon half to the boil, giving a brighter, Mediterranean twist.
Low CarbLow-Carb
Replace the baby potatoes with cauliflower florets and boil them for 5 minutes instead, reducing carbs while keeping the texture.
Garlic Butter Shrimp BoilGarlic Butter Shrimp Boil
Double the melted butter and stir in 2 minced garlic cloves before pouring over the drained boil, for an intensely rich, garlicky finish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Lean Protein
Shrimp provide a low-fat, high-quality protein source, supporting muscle repair and satiety.
Rich in Fiber and Vitamins
Corn and potatoes supply dietary fiber, vitamin C, and B vitamins that aid digestion and energy metabolism.
Source of Selenium and Antioxidants
Shrimp are a natural source of selenium, an antioxidant mineral that helps protect cells from damage.
Contains Healthy Fats
Smoked sausage and butter provide some fat for flavor, while the shrimp offer omega-3 fatty acids in small amounts.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely under cold running water first, then pat dry before adding to the boil to avoid diluting the seasoned broth.
