If you’re craving a delicious, hearty meal that feels like a celebration in every bite, this Simple Shrimp Boil Recipe is exactly what you need. Loaded with plump shrimp, sweet corn, tender baby potatoes, and smoky sausage, all seasoned to perfection, it’s an effortless way to bring that festive, seaside vibe right to your kitchen. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, this dish brings comfort and joy with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing its own vibrant flavor and satisfying texture to make the Simple Shrimp Boil Recipe truly shine. From the smoky sausage that adds depth to the juicy shrimp that offer freshness, every element serves a purpose.
- 2 pounds large shrimp, shell-on: Using shell-on shrimp helps lock in flavor and juiciness during cooking.
- 4 ears corn, halved: Sweet corn provides a perfect contrast to the savory sausage and shrimp.
- 1 pound baby potatoes: These tender potatoes soak up the seasoning beautifully and add a hearty bite.
- 1/2 pound smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces: Adds a smoky, spicy twist that complements the seafood.
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning: Classic seasoning that infuses the entire boil with traditional coastal flavor.
- 1 tablespoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the pot.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of heat and depth.
- 1 lemon, quartered: Adds a touch of bright, fresh acidity just before serving.
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed: Releases fragrant notes that infuse the boil with warmth.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted: Used for tossing the finished boil, adding richness and silkiness.
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley brightens the dish with a pop of color and herbal brightness.
How to Make Simple Shrimp Boil Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Boiling Water and Seasonings
Start by filling a large pot about halfway with water, then bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. As the water heats, add Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring to ensure these bold flavors dissolve evenly and scent the water beautifully.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Sausage
While you wait for the water to boil, halve the ears of corn and rinse the baby potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt. Next, cut the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces and smash the garlic cloves to release their aromas and flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the baby potatoes first, as they take the longest to soften. Allow them to cook for about 10 to 12 minutes until they are just tender but still hold their shape.
Step 4: Add Corn and Sausage
With the potatoes nearly finished, add the corn halves to the pot. Let them cook alongside the potatoes for 5 minutes so the kernels become tender and sweet. Then, stir in the smoked sausage and garlic, cooking for an additional 5 to 7 minutes to infuse the liquid with those smoky and garlicky notes.
Step 5: Poach the Shrimp
Finally, drop the shrimp into the pot. They only need 3 to 5 minutes to cook until pink and opaque, which means they’re perfectly tender and full of flavor. Keep an eye on them, as overcooking can turn the shrimp rubbery.
Step 6: Prepare the Butter Sauce
While the shrimp finishes cooking, melt the butter in a small pan over low heat. Stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh, herbal lift that pairs beautifully with the richness of the butter.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Turn off the heat and use tongs to transfer the shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage to a large serving platter. Drizzle the melted parsley butter over the top, then squeeze fresh lemon juice for a burst of bright acidity. Arrange the lemon wedges on the tray for extra zest and garnish. Serve hot for the best experience.
How to Serve Simple Shrimp Boil Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a hearty drizzle of lemon butter elevates the flavors and creates an inviting presentation that makes everyone eager to dive in. Adding extra lemon wedges on the side lets each person customize the tang to their liking.
Side Dishes
Serve your Simple Shrimp Boil Recipe with crusty bread to soak up the buttery juices, or pair it with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast. A cold coleslaw can also add a crisp, crunchy element that balances the richness of the boil.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spread the entire boil on a large newspaper-covered table for a communal feast that encourages casual, hands-on indulgence. Alternatively, serve everything in individual bowls layered with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley for an elegant, plated approach.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. The seafood and veggies keep well for up to two days, making it easy to enjoy the next day without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
While the potatoes and sausage freeze okay, shrimp tends to lose some texture after freezing and reheating. If you want to freeze any part of your Simple Shrimp Boil Recipe, it’s best to do so without the shrimp and add fresh cooked shrimp when reheating for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. To keep everything juicy and flavorful, add a splash of water or broth and a drizzle of melted butter during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your shrimp completely before adding them to the boil to ensure even cooking and prevent the water temperature from dropping too much.
Is it necessary to use Old Bay seasoning?
Old Bay is traditional and really adds that classic coastal flavor everyone loves, but you can substitute with your favorite seafood seasoning blend if needed.
What type of potatoes work best for a shrimp boil?
Baby potatoes or small new potatoes are ideal because they cook quickly and absorb all the delicious seasoning in the pot without falling apart.
Can I customize the spice level?
Definitely! If you prefer more heat, feel free to add cayenne pepper or extra black pepper. For a milder version, reduce or leave out the pepper ingredients altogether.
How do I know when the shrimp is perfectly cooked?
Look for shrimp that have turned completely pink and opaque—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes in boiling water. Overcooking will make shrimp tough, so keep a close eye.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Shrimp Boil Recipe is the kind of dish that brings people together effortlessly. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a cozy evening, the combination of juicy shrimp, tender potatoes, corn, and smoky sausage is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to recipe for celebrations big and small!
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Simple Shrimp Boil Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and hearty Shrimp Boil featuring succulent large shrimp, tender baby potatoes, sweet corn, and smoky sausage, all cooked together in a seasoned broth and served with a fragrant parsley butter sauce and fresh lemon wedges.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 2 pounds large shrimp, shell-on
Vegetables
- 4 ears corn, halved
- 1 pound baby potatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
Meat
- 1/2 pound smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, quartered
Others
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare boiling water. Fill a large pot about halfway with water and place it on the stove over medium-high heat to start warming.
- Season the water. As the water warms, add Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to dissolve and infuse the water with flavor.
- Prep corn. Cut the ears of corn in half and set aside for later use.
- Clean potatoes. Rinse baby potatoes under cold water thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Add potatoes to boiling water. Once the water is at a rolling boil, add the baby potatoes to begin cooking.
- Cook potatoes. Let the potatoes cook for 10 to 12 minutes until they begin to soften but are not fully cooked through.
- Prep sausage. While potatoes cook, slice smoked sausage into 1-inch pieces and set aside.
- Prepare garlic. Smash garlic cloves with the side of a knife to release their aroma and flavor; set aside.
- Add corn to pot. When potatoes are nearly tender, add the halved corn to the pot to cook alongside.
- Cook corn and potatoes together. Continue boiling for about 5 minutes until corn becomes tender.
- Add sausage to pot. Add sausage pieces and cook everything together for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Add shrimp last. Add shrimp and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque, signaling they are fully cooked.
- Make parsley butter. While shrimp cook, melt butter in a separate pan over low heat, then stir in chopped parsley and remove from heat.
- Remove ingredients. Once shrimp are cooked, turn off the heat and carefully remove all ingredients with tongs onto a large serving platter.
- Dress the boil. Pour the melted parsley butter evenly over the shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage for added flavor.
- Add lemon. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the entire dish and arrange the lemon wedges on the platter for garnish.
- Serve immediately. Serve the shrimp boil hot to enjoy the vibrant flavors at their best.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are cooked just until pink and opaque to avoid rubbery texture.
- Old Bay seasoning adds authentic flavor but can be adjusted to your taste preference.
- Use fresh parsley for the best herbal aroma in the melted butter sauce.
- Serve with crusty bread or melted butter on the side for dipping.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently but are best enjoyed fresh.
