Easy Shrimp Boil Recipe with Sausage, Corn & Potatoes

This easy shrimp boil recipe is made in one pot with tender shrimp, smoky sausage, sweet corn, red potatoes, beer, and Old Bay seasoning. Everything cooks together in layers so each ingredient is perfectly done, making this a simple and delicious meal for a family dinner or a crowd.

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There's something about a classic shrimp boil that feels like summer, especially when it's served outside with plenty of melted butter and lemon wedges. But you don't need to wait for warm weather to enjoy one.

P.S. If you love Old Bay shrimp, you might also enjoy my steamed shrimp recipe, which is another quick way to prepare shrimp with plenty of Old Bay flavor.

Why You'll Love This Shrimp Boil Recipe

This easy shrimp boil can be made any time of year. It's a fun meal for a crowd, but it's also easy to scale down when you're cooking for a smaller group.

This recipe is super easy, and you can make it in one large pot so there's less cleanup afterward. However, the pot I use is pretty big. It's a great one to take with us to the beach.

My shrimp boil is similar to a Southern Lowcountry Boil. Traditional Lowcountry Boil typically includes shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes, just like this recipe. You can also turn it into more of a general seafood boil by adding other seafood such as clams, mussels, crawfish, lobster, or crab.

What Goes in a Shrimp Boil?

Shrimp: I use 2 pounds of large fresh shrimp that have been deveined but are still in the shells. Leaving the shells on helps keep the shrimp flavorful while they cook.

Kielbasa or Andouille sausage: Savory sausages work well. Kielbasa gives a mild flavor, while Andouille adds a little more spice.

Red potatoes: Red potatoes hold their shape well while cooking and make the shrimp boil hearty enough to serve as a complete meal.

Corn: Fresh corn on the cob is wonderful in the summer, but frozen ears of corn make it possible to enjoy this recipe all year long.

Old Bay seasoning: This is the key seasoning for this recipe. It adds that classic seafood-boil flavor to the broth.

Beer: Beer adds another layer of flavor to the cooking liquid. If you don't want to use beer, you can substitute chicken broth, seafood stock, or vegetable stock.

Lemon: A halved lemon goes into the cooking liquid, and fresh lemon wedges are perfect for serving on the side.

Tips & Ingredient Substitutions

Use a large pot. This recipe makes enough for 8 servings, so you'll need a large stockpot or steamer.

Choose large shrimp. Large shrimp work particularly well because they can withstand the short cooking time without becoming overcooked.

Don't add the shrimp too early. This is probably the most important tip. The potatoes, sausage, and corn all need more cooking time than the shrimp, so add the shrimp last.

Potatoes: I like red skinned potatoes however, waxy white or yellow potatoes would work well too.

Fresh or frozen corn is fine. Fresh corn is wonderful during the summer, but you can easily substitute frozen corn.

No beer? No problem. You can substitute chicken broth, seafood stock, or vegetable stock for the beer. One reader made this recipe with low-sodium vegetable stock and enjoyed the results.

What to Serve with Shrimp Boil

A shrimp boil is practically a complete meal by itself. However, you could serve it with:

• Crusty bread
• Coleslaw
• Cornbread
• Green salad

The cooking liquid already contains plenty of Old Bay seasoning that's salty, so use unsalted butter if you'd like to keep the overall salt level down.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 days. Reheat gently until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw them first and drain off any excess water before adding them to the pot. Since shrimp cook quickly, add them near the end so they don't become tough or rubbery.

Can I use frozen corn?

Absolutely. Frozen corn is a convenient option and works especially well when fresh corn isn't in season.

What kind of sausage is best?

Kielbasa, smoked sausage, and Andouille sausage all work well in a shrimp boil.

Can I make a shrimp boil without beer?

Yes. If you don't want to use beer, substitute chicken broth, seafood stock, or water. The Old Bay seasoning and other ingredients will still give the broth plenty of flavor.

How do you know when shrimp are done?

Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and pink. They cook quickly, in just a few minutes, so watch them closely and avoid overcooking them.

Can I make this ahead of time?

A shrimp boil is best served soon after cooking, but you can prepare some of the ingredients ahead of time. Cut the potatoes and sausage, devein the shrimp, and have the corn and seasonings ready to go so everything can be added to the pot in the proper order.

What seasoning is best for a shrimp boil?

Old Bay seasoning is a classic choice for shrimp boil and pairs especially well with shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste or add additional hot sauce or cayenne for more heat.

About Old Bay

The key ingredient in this shrimp boil is Old Bay seasoning, and my husband absolutely loves it. He puts it on corn, eggs, potato salad, and just about anything else that could use a little extra flavor.

His love of Old Bay probably comes from growing up around Eastern Pennsylvania and eating steamed Maryland crabs. There's just something about that combination of Old Bay, seafood, and summer that brings back those memories.

Note: Some of the Old Bay seasoning tends to stick to the corn because the corn floats toward the top of the pot. Honestly, that's one of my favorite parts because it makes the corn extra tasty.

A traditional shrimp boil with Old Bay somehow screams summer and the beach to me. But since you can use frozen shrimp and corn, there's really no reason you can't make this delicious meal any time of year.