Description
This classic Southern Shrimp Boil is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender shrimp, red potatoes, sweet corn, and spicy andouille sausage all boiled together in a seasoned broth. Finished with a drizzle of melted butter, fresh lemon juice, and parsley, it’s an easy and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Boil Base
- 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
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs medium red potatoes, cut into fourths
- 4 ears corn, husked, cut into fourths or broken into halves
- 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
- Prepare the Boil Base: Fill a large pot (about 12 quarts) with 4 quarts of hot water. Stir in the sliced onion, halved garlic bulb, Old Bay seasoning, and thyme leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat to infuse the water with aromatic flavors.
- Cook the Potatoes: Add the quartered red potatoes to the boiling broth. Season with about 1 tablespoon of salt and pepper to taste. Let the potatoes cook until they are nearly tender, which should take around 10 to 15 minutes. This ensures they are cooked through but not mushy.
- Add Corn and Sausage: Add the prepared corn pieces to the pot and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Then add the sliced andouille sausage and continue cooking for another 4 minutes. This step infuses the sausage flavor into the broth while heating it sufficiently.
- Cook the Shrimp: Gently stir in the shrimp and cook just until they turn opaque and pink, about 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Drain and Serve: Drain the entire mixture using a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of the broth if desired for serving. Spread the cooked ingredients over a large serving platter or baking sheet for a communal presentation.
- Finish and Garnish: Drizzle the melted butter and fresh lemon juice over the shrimp boil. Sprinkle with minced parsley, additional Old Bay seasoning, and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy this classic Southern feast!
Notes
- This Southern favorite combines tender shrimp, hearty potatoes, juicy sausage, and sweet corn all cooked together in one big pot for easy cleanup.
- The dish can be customized by adding other seafood or vegetables based on preference.
- Reserving some of the cooking broth allows for dipping or serving as a flavorful drink alongside the meal.
- Use fresh thyme if available for brighter flavor; dried thyme works just as well if not.
- If preferred, keep shrimp shells on for more flavor during boiling then peel before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 589 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 826 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 372 mg
