Easy Shrimp Boil Recipe (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
4 quarts of hot water
02 -
1 large red or yellow onion, cut into 4-6 wedges
03 -
1 whole garlic head, sliced in half crosswise
04 -
1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning blend
05 -
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme)
06 -
1 1/2 pounds medium red potatoes, quartered
07 -
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Proteins & Vegetables
08 -
4 fresh corn ears, husked and cut into halves or quarters
09 -
14 ounces andouille sausage, sliced into 1-inch rounds
10 -
1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, cleaned and deveined (shells optional)
→ Finishing Touch
11 -
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
12 -
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, or to taste
13 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
# Instructions:
01 -
Fill your largest pot (around 12-quart capacity) with 4 quarts of hot water. Add the onion wedges, halved garlic head, Old Bay seasoning, and thyme leaves. Bring this fragrant mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
02 -
Add the quartered potatoes to the boiling water and season generously with salt (about 1 tablespoon works well). Let them cook until they're nearly fork-tender, which takes about 10-15 minutes.
03 -
Toss in the corn pieces and let them cook for 3 minutes. Then add the sliced andouille sausage and continue cooking for another 4 minutes.
04 -
Gently add the shrimp to the pot and cook just until they turn pink and opaque, about 1-2 minutes. Don't overcook them or they'll become rubbery.
05 -
Drain everything well (save about 1/4 cup of the flavorful cooking liquid if you want extra sauce). Spread the mixture on a large serving platter or rimmed baking sheet.
06 -
Drizzle the melted butter and fresh lemon juice over everything. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, extra Old Bay seasoning, and freshly cracked pepper. Serve immediately while hot.
# Notes:
01 -
This classic Southern one-pot meal brings together the perfect combination of seafood, vegetables, and spicy sausage in a single flavorful boil.
02 -
The key to perfect shrimp is timing - add them last and cook just until they turn pink to avoid overcooking.
03 -
Save some of the seasoned cooking liquid to drizzle over the finished dish for extra flavor.