Name: Shrimp Boil Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: Water, for boiling; 4 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning; 8 oz (230g) baby potatoes, halved; 2 ears corn on the cob, cut into 2-inch (5cm) pieces; 12 oz (350g) smoked sausage, sliced (Hillshire Smoke Sausage Rope); 1 lb (500g) shrimp, shelled, deveined, tail-in; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, for garnish; Cajun Butter:; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning (McCormick)

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A shrimp boil is the ultimate summer feast—vibrant, flavorful, and ready in just 20 minutes. Juicy shrimp, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and smoky sausage come together in a rich Cajun butter sauce for a dish that feels festive yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

Shrimp Boil Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: ready in 20 minutes, start to finish.
Perfect for gatherings: serve it on a big platter or sheet pan for a fun, family-style meal.
Bold flavors: Cajun butter sauce and Old Bay seasoning make every bite irresistible.
Flexible: easy to customize with your favorite seafood or vegetables.

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 2-inch pieces
12 oz smoked sausage, cut into pieces
1 lb shrimp, shelled, deveined, tail-in
1 tablespoon chopped parsley, for garnishing

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 Old Bay seasoning, potatoes, and corn. Cover and boil for 8–10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
While the vegetables cook, prepare the Cajun butter by mixing melted butter with Cajun seasoning. Set aside.
Add the shrimp and sausage to the pot. Boil for about 1 minute, or until the shrimp turns orange-pink.
Drain all the ingredients in a colander. Work in batches if needed.
Heat a skillet over high heat and toss the boiled ingredients with the Cajun butter until well coated.
Transfer everything to a sheet pan or large platter, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

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

Variations

Swap shrimp for crab legs, clams, or lobster tails.
Add extra veggies like green beans, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Use andouille sausage for a spicier kick.
Try lemon wedges for added freshness.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to keep everything moist.
Avoid microwaving shrimp for too long, as it can make them rubbery.

FAQs

Can I make shrimp boil ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the vegetables and sausage ahead of time to save minutes.

Do I need to peel the shrimp before cooking?

Yes, this recipe calls for peeled and deveined shrimp with the tails left on for presentation.

Can I make this without Old Bay seasoning?

You can replace Old Bay with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and celery salt.

How do I keep the shrimp from overcooking?

Shrimp cooks very quickly—just 1–2 minutes in boiling water is enough. Remove them as soon as they turn pink.

What kind of sausage is best?

Smoked sausage works best, but andouille adds a spicier, authentic Cajun flavor.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, add extra Cajun seasoning, cayenne, or even hot sauce to the butter mixture.

Can I cook this in the oven instead?

Yes, roast all the ingredients on a sheet pan at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then toss with Cajun butter.

What can I serve with shrimp boil?

Crusty bread, garlic butter, or a fresh salad pair beautifully with this dish.

Can I freeze leftovers?

It’s not recommended because shrimp and potatoes don’t freeze well after being cooked.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, simply use a larger stockpot and double the ingredients. Adjust the cooking time slightly for larger batches.

Conclusion

This shrimp boil recipe is a quick, crowd-pleasing way to bring Cajun flavors to your table. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for family dinners, summer cookouts, or a special weekend treat. With its mix of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes coated in Cajun butter, it’s a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.