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The Ultimate Shrimp Boil (Ready in 35 Minutes!)

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This Shrimp Boil is the kind of meal that gets everyone crowded around the table. It is made with potatoes, corn, sausage, and shrimp all simmered together in a seasoned broth until they’re packed with flavor. And the garlic butter sauce is what makes it so unforgettable. Drizzle it over everything or keep a bowl on the side for dipping.

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Overhead view of a sheet pan shrimp boil lined with parchment paper, loaded with seasoned shrimp, sliced smoked sausage, corn on the cob, and red potatoes, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro.

You will love this shrimp boil recipe because…

  • It’s easy to make. You can have this delicious shrimp boil on the table in about 35 minutes, making it perfect even for a busy day.
  • It’s perfect for gatherings. Everything cooks together, making it an easy and fun meal to serve when you have family or friends over.
  • It’s packed with flavor. The shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes soak up all those delicious seasonings, especially the garlic butter sauce.
Close-up of a sheet pan shrimp boil coated in spiced butter sauce, with juicy shrimp, sliced smoked sausage, corn on the cob, and red potatoes, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro.

Shrimp Boil List of Ingredients

Scroll down to the recipe card to see the complete list of ingredients.

  • Water: You can start with hot water to bring the broth to a boil faster. For an extra level of flavor, you can also replace some of the water with beer.
  • Lemons: They add a bright, fresh burst of citrus that balances all the rich flavors of this shrimp boil. If all you have are limes, they will work too.
  • Onion and garlic: They give the broth depth and flavor. Use as much garlic as you want; some people use a whole head of garlic for the broth! Minced garlic will also make the butter sauce incredibly delicious.
  • Old Bay Seasoning: It’s what gives this classic dish an unforgettable seafood-seasoned taste. Use your favorite variety. I have made it with the garlic & herb blend, and it comes out amazing! You could also make your own with this recipe.
Close-up of a can of Old Bay Seasoning surrounded by shrimp boil ingredients: raw shrimp, smoked sausage, red potatoes, lemons, and a small bowl of salt, on a dark surface.
  • Salt: Add it to taste while keeping in mind that Old Bay Seasoning comes with a bit of salt.
  • Red potatoes: Petite red potatoes are tender and delicious. You can also use regular-sized red potatoes and cut them into smaller pieces.
  • Corn on the cob: For this recipe, I buy 4 fresh ears of corn (when in season) and cut them into pieces before I add them to the broth. Frozen corn works as well when fresh corn is not available.
  • Shrimp: I love using the jumbo-sized shrimp from Costco. It comes deveined and with the peel on, which helps keep the shrimp juicy. The peels also add extra flavor to the boil.
  • Smoked sausage: Use any variety of kielbasa sausage (if you want it less spicy). But if you want it spicy, andouille sausage is the way to go.
Overhead flat lay of shrimp boil ingredients on a dark surface: raw shrimp, red potatoes, smoked sausage, garlic cloves, a can of Old Bay seasoning, a white onion, salt, lemons, and corn on the cob, each labeled with text overlays.
  • Butter: Makes the garlic butter sauce rich and smooth. I usually use unsalted.
  • Seasonings: Besides Old Bay Seasoning, we’ll also use paprika, Cajun seasoning, cayenne, and Lemmon pepper to make the sauce spicy and smoky.
  • Fresh parsley: You can use it for garnishing and to add a pop of color. Not gonna lie, I love serving my shrimp boil with chopped cilantro. So good!
Overhead flat lay of shrimp boil butter sauce ingredients on a dark surface: a plate with butter sticks, a bowl of garlic cloves, and a plate with paprika, lemon pepper, cayenne pepper, Old Bay seasoning, and Cajun seasoning, each labeled with text overlays.

How to Make a Shrimp Boil

Scroll down to the recipe card to see detailed step-by-step instructions.

This shrimp boil comes together easier than you’d think, and most of the work is just letting everything simmer together. Here’s a quick summary of how to make it from start to finish:

  1. Fill a large pot with water and add the lemons, onion, garlic cloves, Old Bay Seasoning, and salt to taste. Bring to a boil.
  1. Add the red potatoes and cook them for 10-12 minutes.
  2. Add the corn on the cob and cook for 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes. Drain the broth before serving.
  1. In the meantime, cook the sausage in a large pan over medium-high heat until browned. Remove and set aside. (You can also add the sausage in with the corn to cook in the broth).
  2. In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Then add the garlic and seasonings and cook for a few minutes to let the flavors blend.
  1. Spread all of the cooked ingredients on a serving platter or large sheet pan, and drizzle with some of the sauce, leaving the rest for dipping.

Watch the Reel

Tips and Tricks for the Best Shrimp Boil

  • Use fresh shrimp when possible. Fresh shrimp have a delicious texture and flavor, but frozen shrimp will work too. If using frozen, thaw them completely before cooking.
  • Don’t overcook the shrimp. Since shrimp cook super quick, add them last and cook just until they turn pink.
  • For a more neutral flavor, make the sauce with just butter and garlic. It’s still rich, delicious, and lets the shrimp and other ingredients shine.

 

Close-up of a gold spoon lifting garlic-spiced butter sauce from a decorative bowl, with a sheet pan seafood boil of shrimp, smoked sausage, corn, and red potatoes in the background.

🦐 Shrimp boils are traditionally served right on a table covered with newspaper or butcher paper (I use parchment paper), with everything piled into one big, colorful mound. No plates needed, just grab, peel, and dig in! This makes them especially fun for parties and gatherings because the meal becomes part of the experience.

A hand dipping a seasoned shrimp into a bowl of spiced garlic butter sauce, with a sheet pan seafood boil of corn, shrimp, sausage, and potatoes in the background.

Basic Tools for Making a Shrimp Boil

  • Large stockpot: You’ll need a large pot with enough room to cook all of the ingredients comfortably.
  • Large colander: Use a large colander to drain everything all at once. 
  • Large slotted spoon: Makes it easy to scoop out the shrimp boil ingredients if a colander is not available.
  • Sharp chef’s knife: For cutting the potatoes, sausage, onion, and lemons.
  • Large pan: You can use it to brown the sausage and to make the garlic butter sauce.
  • Large serving platter or baking sheet: Great for spreading everything out and serving it family-style.
  • Optional: If you want the classic shrimp-boil experience, line your table with parchment paper or butcher paper and pour everything right onto it!
Close-up of a sheet pan shrimp boil with seasoned shrimp, sliced smoked sausage, corn on the cob, and red potatoes, all garnished with fresh chopped cilantro.

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Overhead view of a sheet pan shrimp boil lined with parchment paper, loaded with seasoned shrimp, sliced smoked sausage, corn on the cob, and red potatoes, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro.

Classic Southern Shrimp Boil

Diana Lopez
This easy Shrimp Boil is packed with jumbo shrimp, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and smoky sausage, all tossed in a flavorful spicy garlic butter sauce. It comes together in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for family dinners, parties, and special gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Dish, Seafood
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 718 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

For the Shrimp Boil:

  • 6 cups water
  • 2 large lemons, halved
  • 1 large onion, halved
  • 4 cloves garlic, whole
  • ½ cup Old Bay Seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • 1½-2 lbs petite red potatoes, whole, or medium red potatoes, quartered
  • 4 ears corn (cut into smaller pieces)
  • 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced (andouille or kielbasa)
  • 1½-2 lbs jumbo shrimp, shell-on and deveined
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnishing)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ Tbsp paprika
  • 1½ Tbsp Old Bay Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or to taste if you want it less spicy)
  • ¼-½ tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste if you want it less spicy)
  • 1½ tsp lemon pepper

Instructions
 

  • Make the cooking broth. Fill a large stockpot with water. Squeeze the juice from the lemons into the pot, then add the lemon halves, onion, whole garlic cloves, Old Bay Seasoning, and salt to taste. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Cook the potatoes. Once the broth is boiling, add the potatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they are starting to become tender.
  • Add the corn. Add the corn pieces and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes.
  • Cook the shrimp. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.
  • Cook the sausage. While the vegetables and shrimp are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
    Alternatively, you can add the sausage directly to the pot along with the corn and cook it in the broth.
  • Drain the boil. Carefully drain the broth using a large colander. Transfer the shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage to a large serving platter or baking sheet.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

  • Melt the butter. Using the same skillet you used for the sausage, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
  • Add the seasonings. Stir in the paprika, Old Bay Seasoning, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and lemon pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors come together.
  • Drizzle and serve. Drizzle some of the garlic butter sauce over the shrimp boil and serve the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.
  • Garnish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Video

Notes

  • To make it less spicy, use less Cajun and/or cayenne pepper or skip them altogether. Also, use kielbasa sausage, which is less spicy than andouille sausage.
  • You can use frozen shrimp instead of fresh. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. For an easy option, you can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, or place it under cold running water for a few minutes until fully thawed.
  • Use frozen corn when fresh corn isn’t in season or readily available. Simply add it to the boiling broth and cook it the same way you would fresh corn.
  • Refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat any leftover shrimp boil in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutritional values are approximate and calculated per serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 718kcal, Carbohydrates: 45g, Protein: 30g, Fat: 49g, Saturated Fat: 25g, Cholesterol: 264mg, Sodium: 1272mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 9g
Keyword easy shrimp boil, garlic butter sauce, shrimp boil
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