Why You’ll Love Shrimp Boil Recipe

This recipe is quick and easy to make without sacrificing bold flavor. The Old Bay and Cajun seasonings give the dish a smoky, slightly spicy kick that complements the shrimp and veggies, and it’s ideal for sharing with friends or family.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
water, for boiling
4 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
8 oz baby potatoes, cut into halves
2 ears corn on the cob, cut into pieces
12 oz smoked sausage, cut into pieces
1 lb shrimp, shelled and deveined with tails on
1 tablespoon chopped parsley, for garnish

Cajun Butter
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

Directions

Fill a large stockpot halfway with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the Old Bay seasoning, then the potatoes and corn. Cover and boil until potatoes are tender, about 8–10 minutes.
While the potatoes and corn cook, mix the melted butter with Cajun seasoning and set aside.
Add the shrimp and sausage to the boiling water and cook for about one minute, until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Carefully drain the pot using a colander.
Heat a large skillet over high heat, add the Cajun butter mixture, and then stir in the boiled ingredients to coat everything evenly.
Transfer to a platter, sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 people
Prep time: about 5 minutes
Cook time: about 15 minutes
Total time: about 20 minutes

Variations

• Swap the smoked sausage for andouille sausage for a more traditional Cajun flavor.
• Add extra seafood like clams or crawfish to turn this into a larger seafood boil.
• Increase the spice level by adding a splash of hot sauce or extra Cajun seasoning to the butter sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container and eaten within about 2–3 days if stored properly. Seafood quality can decline faster than some other proteins, so eating sooner is best.
To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to retain moisture, or use the microwave in short bursts until heated through. Avoid overcooking to keep the shrimp tender.

FAQs

What type of shrimp should I use?

Use medium‑sized fresh or thawed shrimp shelled and deveined for best results.

Can I leave the shrimp shells on?

Yes — if you prefer guests peel shrimp at the table, you can leave shells on before boiling.

Do I have to use Old Bay seasoning?

Old Bay is traditional, but you can use another seafood or Cajun seasoning blend.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, adding extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce to the butter sauce will up the heat.

What can I serve with shrimp boil?

Cornbread, coleslaw, or a green salad are great side dishes with shrimp boil.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them fully before cooking for even texture and flavor.

How long do I boil the shrimp?

Shrimp cooks very quickly — about one minute in boiling water before adding to the sauce.

Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?

Yes, you can easily scale the ingredients up to serve more people.

Can I replace smoked sausage?

Yes, andouille or another spicy sausage works well as a substitute.

Can I freeze leftover shrimp boil?

Freezing is not recommended for best texture because seafood tends to become rubbery after freezing and reheating.

Conclusion

This Shrimp Boil recipe brings classic Cajun flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum taste. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings and versatile enough to adapt with more seafood or spice. Serve it hot with your favorite sides for a crowd‑pleasing meal everyone will enjoy.