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Shrimp Boil Recipe

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3.8 from 12 reviews

This classic Shrimp Boil is a flavorful and hearty seafood feast perfect for gatherings. It features tender shrimp, smoky andouille sausage, sweet corn, and red potatoes all boiled together in a seasoned broth infused with Old Bay seasoning, fresh thyme, onion, and garlic. Finished with a drizzle of melted butter, lemon juice, and fresh parsley, this dish is simple to prepare and delivers a delicious, comforting meal that celebrates Southern coastal flavors.

Ingredients

Broth and Seasoning

  • 4 quarts hot water
  • 1 large red onion (or yellow onion, sliced into 4 – 6 wedges)
  • 1 garlic bulb (whole head, halved horizontally)
  • 1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 1/2 tsp dried)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables

  • 1 1/2 lbs medium red potatoes, cut into fourths
  • 4 ears corn, husked, cut into fourths or broken into halves

Protein

  • 14 oz. andouille sausage, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
  • 1 1/2 lbs shrimp, deveined, peeled if preferred

Finishing

  • 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, or more to taste
  • 2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the broth: Fill a large 12-quart pot with 4 quarts of hot water. Stir in the sliced onion, halved garlic bulb, Old Bay seasoning, and fresh thyme leaves. Bring this mixture to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat to infuse all the flavors.
  2. Cook the potatoes: Add the quartered red potatoes into the boiling broth. Season with salt (about 1 tablespoon). Let them cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until they are nearly tender when pierced with a fork.
  3. Add corn and sausage: Add the cut corn pieces to the pot and cook for 3 additional minutes to allow them to soften. Then add the sliced andouille sausage and cook for 4 more minutes, allowing the sausage to heat through and release its smoky flavor into the broth.
  4. Cook the shrimp: Gently stir in the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque and pink. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp cook quickly.
  5. Drain and serve: Drain the entire mixture using a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of the flavorful broth if desired for serving. Spread the cooked ingredients over a large serving platter or baking sheet for easy family-style serving.
  6. Finish with butter and lemon: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter and fresh lemon juice over the seafood boil. Sprinkle minced fresh parsley along with additional Old Bay seasoning and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor experience.

Notes

  • For a spicier boil, add extra Old Bay seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the broth.
  • Keep the shrimp size consistent for even cooking; medium shrimp are ideal for this recipe.
  • You may substitute andouille sausage with kielbasa or chorizo for a different smoky flavor.
  • Reserve some of the cooking broth and serve it as a flavorful dipping sauce or drink alongside.
  • Serve with crusty bread or coleslaw for a complete meal.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/shrimp-boil-recipe/