Cajun Shrimp Boil Recipe

Whether you call it a Cajun Shrimp Boil, Lowcountry Boil, or Frogmore Stew, this classic southern dish is a summertime favorite for many. Not only is it delicious, it is easy to make and the entire meal is cooked in one pot.

However, it is more than just a meal. Because of how it’s made, I like to refer to it as an event.

That is because it is most often made outside, over a fire. Then when everything is ready, the ingredients are spread out on top of newspaper on a large table.

It is a great meal to serve and enjoy with your family and friends. However, don’t worry if you don’t have an outdoor space designated for campfire cooking, you can still make this delicious dish inside.

Simply follow the recipe and cook it in a large pot on your stove. Or if you prefer, you can make this Lowcountry Boil in your Instant Pot.

Regardless of how you cook it, it is an easy recipe to make and one that can be ready to eat in minutes!

What Is A Shrimp Boil?

For those that are unfamiliar with this classic dish, let me explain. It is a Southern classic meal that includes Andouille sausage, new potatoes, sweet corn and shrimp.

Although the origin of this dish is often debated, it definitely became popular in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and in southern Georgia.

It is a ‘dump and go’ recipe that takes little preparation. Simply dump the ingredients in a large pot and let it boil until everything becomes tender.

However, the most important ingredient is the seasoning that is cooked with. To add that classic flavor, Old Bay Seasoning is most often used.

Although, if you don’t have any on hand, you can also flavor the ingredients with your favorite Cajun seasoning as well. Some will insist that only Old Bay seasoning can be used for a shrimp boil, but I also enjoy the flavor that the Cajun seasoning provides.

Equipment Required?

So what equipment do you need to have a shrimp boil? There are very few things that you need for this recipe.

First, you need a cutting board and a sharp knife to cut the corn on the cob and slice the sausage. Then you will need a large stockpot to cook in.

However, if you are going to be making this over a campfire, be sure to use a cast iron kettle that can withstand the heat of a direct fire.

Finally, you will need a large colander or Spider Mesh Strainer to fish the ingredients out of the pot. And don’t forget a large table for serving!

Cajun Shrimp Boil Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 quarts water
• 2 lemons, divided
• 1 red onion, cut into 4 wedges
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 ½ lb red baby potatoes, cut in half or quarters if large
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 4 ears sweet corn, each cut into 4 pieces
• 14 oz smoked Andouille sausage, sliced into 1 inch slices
• 1 ½ lb raw large shrimp, unpeeled, deveined, with tails on
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• Fresh ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for serving)

INSTRUCTIONS

To start your shrimp boil add 4 quarts of water to a large pot, dutch oven, or cast iron kettle if you are cooking outside. Then add one lemon that is cut in 8 wedges, the red onion that is cut in 4 wedges, garlic cloves that are cut in half, and the Old Bay Seasoning.

Stir the pot and place over the direct heat. If you are making this indoors, place the pot over high heat to bring the mixture to a boil.

Once the water begins to boil add the salt and potatoes. You can leave tiny potatoes whole, but I find it best to cut the potatoes in half or in quarters if they are large potatoes.

Cutting the potatoes also allows the seasoning to penetrate directly into the flesh, providing more flavor in every bite.

Allow the potatoes to cook just until they are fork tender. Depending on the size of the potatoes, it will take approximately 10-12 minutes.

While the potatoes are boiling, cut each ear of corn into 4 sections. Then slice the Andouille sausage into 1 inch pieces.

When the potatoes are fork tender, add the cut corn and sausage to the pot. Continue to boil for an additional 5 minutes.

Add The Shrimp In The Hot Liquid

Then remove the pot from the heat source and add the shrimp. Let the shrimp cook in the hot water for 1-2 minutes, or until the shells turn pink and the shrimp turns opaque.

As soon as the shrimp are ready, remove 1/4 cup of the Cajun shrimp boil liquid and reserve for later use. Then using a large colander to drain the remaining water from the pot.

If you are nervous about draining the hot mixture you can use a spider mesh to gather the ingredients out of the pot instead. Then place all of the ingredients on a serving platter, sheet pan, or a picnic table lined with newspaper or butcher paper.

Before serving, drizzle the ingredients with melted butter and the reserved cooking liquid. Squeeze the juice of the remaining lemon on top and sprinkle more Old Bay seasoning & ground black pepper on top.

Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What other ingredients can I add to a Cajun Shrimp Boil?

Although the basics of this recipe include potatoes, Andouille sausage, sweet corn and shrimp, you can adjust the ingredients to your preference.

For instance, you can use Kielbasa sausage, smoked turkey sausage or Chicken Andouille sausage in place of the traditional Andouille sausage.

Feel free to add in crab or crawfish in addition to the shrimp in this recipe and make it a seafood boil.

2. Can I use frozen shrimp?

You can use frozen shrimp in place of raw shrimp in this recipe. However, in order for it to completely cook through, add it during the last minute of the boiling process.

Then remove the pot from the heat source and let the shrimp sit in the hot liquid for 1-2 minutes or until the shrimp turns opaque.

3. Can I use peeled shrimp?

If the thought of peeling the shrimp disgusts you, you can certainly purchased peeled and deveined shrimp. However, I highly suggest having the tails left one for the ease of eating by hand.

4. What can I serve with a Cajun Shrimp Boil?

Although this is a complete meal itself, here are some other dishes that pair well with a Lowcountry boil:

• Watermelon Salad
• Light & Creamy Coleslaw
• Southern Cornbread
• Easy Garlic Knots

Enjoy! Mary

To receive our 3 Recipe Articles in your inbox each week, sign up for our free email list located in the middle of each recipe or email me at contact@makeyourmeals.com. You can also follow us on Facebook and Pinterest. This article may contain affiliate links where a small commission is paid if you purchase a product at no additional cost to you.