If you are craving a hearty and festive meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, this Shrimp Boil with Corn, Potatoes, and Sausage Recipe is just what you need. Imagine juicy, tender shrimp mingling with smoky sausage, sweet corn, and soft baby potatoes all bathed in zesty Old Bay seasoning and buttery parsley sauce. This dish is a wonderful celebration of flavors and textures, making it perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or any time you want a taste of coastal comfort food without fuss. It’s simple to prepare yet impressive in every bite—guaranteed to become one of your favorite go-to recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this dish is a breeze, but each one plays an essential role in building those layers of flavor and texture that make a shrimp boil so irresistible. From the bold seasoning to the silky butter finish, every element counts.
- 2 pounds large shrimp, shell-on: Shell-on shrimp help lock in moisture and add flavor during cooking.
- 4 ears corn, halved: Sweet corn brings vibrant color and a natural sweetness that balances the spice.
- 1 pound baby potatoes: These tender potatoes soak up the spicy broth and add comforting heartiness.
- 1/2 pound smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces: Smoked sausage adds a smoky depth and satisfying chew.
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning: Old Bay is the soul of this dish, infusing it with classic coastal flavor.
- 1 tablespoon salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors in every ingredient.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle hint of heat and aroma.
- 1 lemon, quartered: Lemon juice brightens the entire dish with a fresh citrus zing.
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed: Garlic infuses the broth with a subtle savory sweetness.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted: Butter adds richness and helps carry the herbs and seasoning over every bite.
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley provides color and a peppery crispness at the end.
How to Make Shrimp Boil with Corn, Potatoes, and Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoned Boiling Pot
Start by filling a large pot halfway with water and placing it over medium-high heat. As the water warms up, stir in the Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper to create the flavorful base of your boil. This seasoned water is what will infuse every ingredient with that unmistakable taste we all love.
Step 2: Prep Your Veggies and Sausage
While waiting on the water to boil, cut the corn ears in half and thoroughly rinse your baby potatoes. Also, slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized, 1-inch pieces. Don’t forget to smash the garlic cloves gently with the side of your knife to release their essence—it’s those little touches that add depth.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
Once your water reaches a rolling boil, carefully add the baby potatoes. Let them cook for about 10 to 12 minutes until they’re starting to soften but still hold their shape. Potatoes are a little patient, but the payoff comes when they soak up all that flavorful broth.
Step 4: Add Corn and Sausage
Next, toss the halved corn into the pot and continue boiling for five more minutes. The corn should become tender and take on the seasoning without losing its crunch. After that, add the smoked sausage and cook everything together for an additional five to seven minutes, stirring occasionally so all the flavors mingle beautifully.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Finally, add the shrimp to the pot and let them simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous pink and become opaque. Shrimp cook quickly, so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking—they should be tender and juicy.
Step 6: Prepare the Herbed Butter
While the shrimp finish cooking, melt your butter over low heat in a separate pan. Stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh pop of flavor and bright color. This luscious butter drizzle is the perfect finishing touch to elevate the entire dish.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Once everything is cooked, turn off the heat and carefully transfer the shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage onto a large platter using tongs. Pour the warm parsley butter over the top, then squeeze fresh lemon juice all over the dish, leaving the wedges on the side for added zest at the table. Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp boil at its hottest and most flavorful.
How to Serve Shrimp Boil with Corn, Potatoes, and Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley freshens the dish’s presentation and taste. Lemon wedges not only add a burst of citrus but also make for an inviting plate. For those who like a hint of spice, a dusting of smoked paprika or a few dashes of hot sauce can complement the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This shrimp boil stands out on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, crusty bread, or simple coleslaw to balance the richness. A chilled cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast that brightens the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and casual vibe, serve the shrimp boil directly on a newspaper-covered table or butcher paper for a communal feast experience. Alternatively, portion the shrimp boil into individual bowls for a more refined touch. Adding small ramekins of garlic butter or cocktail sauce on the side invites your guests to customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any shrimp boil leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the butter sauce separate to maintain its fresh flavor and reheat it just before serving.
Freezing
Because of the delicate texture of shrimp and potatoes, freezing is not recommended for this dish. Freezing can cause the shrimp to become rubbery and the potatoes mushy, diminishing the delightful textures that make this recipe so special.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist. Reheat the butter sauce separately and drizzle it over the dish once warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp in this Shrimp Boil with Corn, Potatoes, and Sausage Recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp will work perfectly as long as you thaw them completely before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and keeps the shrimp tender and juicy.
What type of sausage is best for shrimp boil?
Smoked sausage like Andouille or kielbasa offers a delicious smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Choose your favorite smoked variety for maximum taste.
Can I make the dish spicier?
Absolutely! Increase the amount of Old Bay seasoning or add a few crushed red pepper flakes to the boiling water. For extra kick, serve with hot sauce on the side.
Is it necessary to leave the shrimp shells on?
Cooking shrimp with the shells on helps keep them moist and flavorful, but if you prefer, you can peel them before cooking. Just watch the cooking time carefully to avoid drying out the shrimp.
Can this recipe be scaled up for large gatherings?
Yes, this recipe is fantastic for feeding a crowd. Just multiply the ingredients proportionally and use a very large pot or split the cooking into batches to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Boil with Corn, Potatoes, and Sausage Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings together the warm, comforting flavors of the sea and smoky land delights in one glorious pot. Its simplicity and soulfulness make it perfect for sharing with family and friends any time you’re craving a fun, flavorful feast. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved classic you’ll return to again and again.
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Shrimp Boil with Corn, Potatoes, and Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 45m
- Total Time: 1h 00m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic and flavorful Shrimp Boil featuring large shell-on shrimp, sweet corn, tender baby potatoes, and smoky sausage, all cooked together in a seasoned boil with Old Bay seasoning, garlic, and fresh lemon. This dish is finished with a garlic parsley melted butter drizzle, perfect for a communal and satisfying seafood feast.
Ingredients
Seafood and Meat
- 2 pounds large shrimp, shell-on
- 1/2 pound smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
Vegetables
- 4 ears corn, halved
- 1 pound baby potatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Seasonings and Others
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the boiling water: Fill a large pot about halfway with water and place it on the stove over medium-high heat to warm up.
- Season the water: Add Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the warming water, stirring well to dissolve the seasonings evenly.
- Prep the corn: Cut the ears of corn in half and set aside for later addition to the pot.
- Clean the potatoes: Rinse the baby potatoes thoroughly under cold water to clean off any dirt.
- Add potatoes to boil: Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the baby potatoes to the pot.
- Cook potatoes partially: Let them boil for 10 to 12 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Cut sausage: While potatoes cook, slice smoked sausage into 1-inch pieces and set aside.
- Prepare garlic: Smash garlic cloves with the side of a knife to release flavors and set aside.
- Add corn to boil: When potatoes are nearly cooked, add corn halves to the boiling water.
- Cook potatoes and corn: Boil them together for about 5 minutes until corn becomes tender.
- Add sausage to pot: Stir in sausage pieces and cook all ingredients together for another 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add shrimp to pot: Put the shrimp into the pot after the sausage has cooked for a few minutes.
- Cook shrimp: Boil shrimp for 3 to 5 minutes until pink and opaque.
- Melt butter and add parsley: In a separate pan over low heat, melt butter and stir in chopped parsley. Set aside.
- Remove cooked ingredients: Turn off heat, use tongs to transfer shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage onto a large serving tray.
- Drizzle butter mixture: Pour the melted parsley butter over the seafood and vegetable spread.
- Add lemon juice and garnish: Squeeze lemon quarters over the dish and place remaining wedges on the tray as garnish.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately while hot for the best taste.
Notes
- Be sure to keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook quickly; overcooking can make them tough.
- You can adjust the amount of Old Bay seasoning to suit your taste preference.
- Serve with additional lemon wedges and cocktail sauce if desired.
- This dish is ideal for communal dining and pairs well with crusty bread or coleslaw.
- Shell-on shrimp adds flavor and keeps shrimp moist during cooking, but you may peel after cooking for easier eating.
