Shrimp Boil
A classic Southern feast! Juicy shrimp, spicy andouille sausage, sweet corn, and tender potatoes all simmered together in a flavorful, zesty broth. Perfect for a backyard gathering and ready in under an hour.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Aromatic Broth
- b.In a very large stockpot (at least 12-16 quarts), combine the water, Old Bay seasoning, salt, one halved lemon, the quartered onion, and the halved head of garlic.
- c.Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Potatoes
- b.Once the water is boiling, carefully add the baby red potatoes.
- c.Return to a boil and cook for 10-12 minutes. The potatoes should be just starting to feel tender when pierced with a fork, but not fully cooked.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Add Sausage and Corn
- b.Add the sliced andouille sausage and the halved ears of corn to the pot.
- c.Continue to boil for another 5-7 minutes. The corn will turn a vibrant yellow and the potatoes should be fork-tender.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Shrimp
- b.Add the shell-on shrimp to the pot and stir gently to submerge them.
- c.Cook for only 2-3 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Watch them closely to prevent overcooking.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Drain and Serve
- b.Immediately remove the pot from the heat. Carefully drain the entire contents into a large colander, discarding the cooking liquid, boiled lemon, onion, and garlic.
- c.Traditionally, the boil is poured directly onto a table lined with newspaper or butcher paper. Alternatively, use a very large serving platter.
- d.Drizzle the melted butter over everything, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite hot sauce 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 the largest pot you have. A crowded pot can cook unevenly and lower the water temperature too much.
- 2Don't skip the shell-on shrimp. The shells add immense flavor to the broth and protect the shrimp from becoming tough.
- 3The cooking times are a guide. The key is to not overcook the shrimp. As soon as they turn pink, they're done.
- 4For an authentic flavor boost, add a 12-ounce can or bottle of a light American lager to the water at the beginning.
- 5Have small bowls of melted butter for individual dipping to enhance the experience.
- 6Set up a 'cleanup station' with a large bowl for discarded shells, cobs, and napkins.
Adapt it for your goals.
Seafood
Add 1-2 pounds of crawfish, clams, or mussels along with the shrimp. They will cook in about the same amount of time.
SausageSausage
If you can't find andouille, a good quality smoked kielbasa or other spicy smoked sausage can be substituted.
VegetablesVegetables
Add other hearty vegetables like whole mushrooms or chunks of artichoke along with the potatoes.
Spice LevelSpice Level
For extra heat, add a tablespoon of cayenne pepper or a few dried chiles de árbol to the boiling water.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Shrimp is packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and supporting muscle mass.
Rich in Selenium
Shrimp is one of the best dietary sources of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and plays a crucial role in thyroid health and immune function.
Provides Key B Vitamins
This meal offers a good source of B vitamins, particularly B12 from the shrimp and B6 from the potatoes. These vitamins are vital for energy metabolism and brain function.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Shrimp Boil contains approximately 700-850 calories, largely depending on the amount of sausage and butter used.