There’s something magical about a shrimp boil. It’s like a summer day wrapped in old newspaper, bursting with flavors that dance on your tongue. I remember the first time I made it—everyone gathered around, the air filled with laughter and the irresistible aroma of spices, corn, and perfectly cooked shrimp. It’s an experience more than a meal, a celebration in a pot.
Steps
- Fill a large stockpot with water and add two quartered lemons, onion, garlic, and Old Bay seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Cut potatoes into halves and add them to the boiling broth. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes until they are just barely fork tender.
- Add the corn pieces and sliced smoked sausage to the pot. Continue cooking for an additional 5 to 6 minutes.
- Introduce the shrimp to the boiling mixture and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink.
- Drain the liquid and spread the shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes onto a large baking sheet.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then mix in salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Pour half of this seasoned butter over the shrimp mixture and toss to coat.
- Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges. Sprinkle additional Old Bay seasoning if desired, and serve immediately with the remaining butter mixture.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on
- 1 pound smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 ears of corn, each cut into 4 pieces
- 1 pound small red potatoes, halved
- 1 medium onion, cleaned and cut into large pieces
- 4 lemons (2 for cooking, 2 for serving)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, cleaned and smashed
- ? cup seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 4182kcal | Carbohydrates: 258g | Protein: 276g | Fat: 240g | Saturated Fat: 108g | Cholesterol: 2862mg | Sodium: 12246mg | Potassium: 5964mg | Fiber: 36g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 5802IU | Vitamin C: 348mg | Calcium: 2364mg | Iron: 60mg
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp in a shrimp boil?
- Yes, frozen shrimp can be used, but it’s important to thaw them first. Large shrimp, in particular, will need adequate time to thaw, so plan accordingly.
- How long should I boil shrimp for the perfect texture?
- The shrimp should be boiled for approximately 2-3 minutes, depending on their size. It’s essential to monitor them closely and remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink to prevent overcooking.
- Is it possible to substitute frozen corn on the cob in this recipe?
- Absolutely, you can use frozen corn on the cob. It cooks in the same amount of time as fresh corn and is a great alternative during the winter months.
- What are some serving suggestions for a shrimp boil?
- A shrimp boil can be served directly from the sheet pan or you can lay out newspapers on the table and place everything on top for a rustic presentation. It’s also a good idea to have plenty of napkins available, especially if you’re serving it outdoors during the summer.
- What are some recommended side dishes to accompany a shrimp boil?
- While a shrimp boil is a complete meal on its own, you can serve it with bread, summer salads like macaroni or potato salad, or classic sides such as fried okra or macaroni and cheese for added variety.
Tips
- Follow the Cooking Order: It’s essential to add ingredients to the pot at the right times, starting with potatoes, followed by corn and sausage, and finally shrimp. This ensures each ingredient is perfectly cooked without overcooking any components.
- Use Fresh Ingredients When Possible: Fresh shrimp and corn enhance the flavor and texture of your shrimp boil. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely beforehand for the best results.
- Enhance with Seasoned Butter: After draining the boiled ingredients, drizzle them with a mixture of melted butter, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. This adds a rich and flavorful finish to the dish.
- Serve with a Dipping Sauce: For added flavor and fun, consider serving your shrimp boil with a flavorful dipping sauce. It complements the dish and offers an extra layer of taste for your guests to enjoy.
Equipment
- Large Stockpot: A very large pot is necessary to boil all the ingredients together.
- Baking Sheet: Used for placing the drained shrimp mixture.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting butter in the microwave.
- Strainer: To drain the liquid from the cooked ingredients.
