Shrimp Boil

Shrimp Boil

A shrimp boil is a beloved Southern American dish that brings together fresh shrimp, corn on the cob, potatoes, and sausage in a flavorful, aromatic broth. This one-pot meal is perfect for gatherings, backyard parties, or a casual family dinner.

The combination of seafood and vegetables seasoned with Old Bay spice blend creates a hearty and satisfying dish that is easy to prepare and enjoyable to share. Follow this recipe to learn how to make a classic shrimp boil that captures the essence of Southern hospitality and flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs large shrimp, shell-on
• 1 lb smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 4 ears of corn, husked and halved
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 lemons, halved
• 4 bay leaves
• 1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Melted butter, for serving
• Cocktail sauce or remoulade sauce, for serving (optional)

How to Make Shrimp Boil

Prepare the Broth:

Fill a large stockpot with water, about 4-5 quarts, and bring to a boil over high heat.

Add quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, halved lemons, bay leaves, Old Bay seasoning, whole black peppercorns, and salt to the boiling water. Stir to combine and allow the broth to simmer for 10-15 minutes to develop flavors.

Cook the Potatoes and Sausage:

Add halved baby potatoes to the simmering broth. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are just tender when pierced with a fork.

Add sliced smoked sausage to the pot. Continue simmering for another 5 minutes to heat through.

    Add Corn and Shrimp:

Carefully add halved ears of corn to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the corn is tender.

Add the large shrimp to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the broth. Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking the shrimp as they can become tough.

Serve the Shrimp Boil:

Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the pot from heat. Drain the shrimp boil mixture using a colander or slotted spoon, discarding the bay leaves, lemon halves, and peppercorns.

    Garnish and Serve:

Transfer the shrimp boil mixture to a large serving platter or a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn.

Serve hot with melted butter on the side for drizzling over the shrimp boil. Optionally, offer cocktail sauce or remoulade sauce for dipping.

Chef’s Note

Seafood Variation: Customize the shrimp boil by adding other seafood such as crab legs, mussels, or clams along with the shrimp.

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Old Bay seasoning based on your preference for spiciness.

Enhance Flavor: For extra flavor, you can add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of Cajun seasoning to the broth.

Feeding a Crowd: This recipe is easily scalable for larger gatherings. Simply increase the quantities of ingredients accordingly.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 300mg
• Sodium: 1500mg
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 7g

Enjoy the vibrant flavors and communal spirit of a shrimp boil, a hearty dish that brings together seafood, vegetables, and spices in a delightful combination. Whether enjoyed outdoors or indoors, shrimp boil promises a memorable dining experience with its delicious taste and easy preparation.

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