If you’re looking to impress with a hearty, crowd-pleasing seafood feast, then this Shrimp Boil Recipe with Old Bay Seasoning Recipe is exactly what you need. The blend of tender shrimp, smoky sausage, sweet corn, and those perfectly cooked potatoes all infused with the classic, zesty Old Bay flavor—oh my, it’s downright addictive. I absolutely love how this turns out every time, and I promise once you try it, you’ll be coming back for seconds (and thirds!). So grab your pot and let me show you how to make a shrimp boil that your family and friends will rave about.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in one big pot, saving you from kitchen chaos and loads of dishes.
Flavor-Packed: Old Bay seasoning gives it that unmistakable punch that turns simple ingredients into something spectacular.
Customizable Classic: You can easily swap sausage types, add extra spice, or toss in your favorite veggies for a personal touch.
Quick & Easy: In under an hour, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish you’ll be proud to serve.

The image shows a colorful seafood boil with several layers mixed together. The first layer consists of chunky pieces of bright yellow corn on the cob with visible kernels, evenly spread across the dish. On top of that are many plump shrimp with an orange-pink color and a slightly shiny, cooked texture. Interspersed among the shrimp and corn are thick slices of reddish sausage with a smooth surface, and chunks of red-skinned potatoes with a soft texture. Thin lemon wedges with yellow skin and juicy white flesh are scattered in various places. The entire dish is sprinkled with finely chopped green parsley, adding a fresh touch. The food rests on a white marbled surface that enhances the vibrant colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Shrimp Boil, Shrimp Boil with Old Bay Seasoning, seafood boil recipe, easy seafood boil, Cajun shrimp boil

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here work beautifully together to create that iconic Southern shrimp boil flavor. The key is quality shrimp and of course, Old Bay seasoning—trust me, it’s non-negotiable! When shopping, look for fresh shrimp if you can, but frozen works well too.

Flat lay of a large red onion quartered into wedges, a whole garlic bulb halved horizontally showing cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright reddish Old Bay seasoning powder, fresh thyme sprigs with delicate green leaves, several medium red potatoes cut into fourths with smooth skin, four husked corn ears broken into halves with bright yellow kernels, thick slices of reddish-brown andouille sausage showing marbling, a pile of plump raw pink shrimp with shells peeled and deveined, a small white bowl of melted golden butter, another small white bowl with fresh lemon juice, and a few sprigs of finely chopped fresh green parsley, all arranged symmetrically and naturally without any packaging, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Shrimp Boil, Shrimp Boil with Old Bay Seasoning, seafood boil recipe, easy seafood boil, Cajun shrimp boil

Hot water: The base for boiling everything — use filtered if you want the purest taste.
Red onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth; yellow onion works as well if that’s what you have.
Garlic bulb: Using the whole head lends a mellow garlic essence without overpowering the dish.
Old Bay seasoning: The signature spice blend that brings a perfect balance of savory, herbal, and a touch of heat.
Fresh thyme leaves: This adds a hint of earthiness; dried thyme is fine in a pinch.
Red potatoes: Their waxy texture holds up well and soaks up the flavors nicely.
Salt and pepper: Basics to season perfectly—don’t skip or skimp!
Corn on the cob: Sweet and juicy, it’s a must-have that contrasts perfectly with the spiced sausage and shrimp.
Andouille sausage: Smoky and spicy, it’s the secret weapon that makes this boil sing, but feel free to swap for kielbasa or your favorite sausage.
Shrimp: Peeled and deveined is easiest to eat, but if you prefer tails-on, go for it—it’s just a little messier!
Unsalted butter: Melted and drizzled at the end for richness and a touch of indulgence.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances all the rich, savory flavors.
Minced fresh parsley: For a fresh herbal finish that makes your shrimp boil visually pop and taste amazing.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Shrimp Boil Recipe with Old Bay Seasoning Recipe is super versatile. You can easily tweak it based on what you have on hand or dietary needs, making it perfect for any occasion or season.

Vegetarian: I once swapped sausage for hearty smoked tofu and added extra corn and potatoes; the Old Bay still shone through beautifully!
Spicy Upgrade: If you like heat, don’t be shy to add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce right into the boil or on the butter drizzle.
Seafood Mix: Feel free to throw in crab legs, clams, or mussels for a variety that feels like a real Southern seafood fest.
Healthy Swap: Using turkey sausage reduces fat but keeps the smoky flavor; I’ve found it works well without sacrificing taste.

How to Make Shrimp Boil Recipe with Old Bay Seasoning Recipe

Step 1: Build your flavorful broth

Fill a large 12-quart pot with 4 quarts of hot water and toss in the sliced onion, halved garlic bulb, Old Bay seasoning, and fresh thyme leaves. Bring this aromatic mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. This is where the magic starts — those seasonings infuse everything that cooks in here, so don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Cook the potatoes until tender

Add the quartered red potatoes and season the broth with a generous amount of salt (I usually use about a tablespoon). Let the potatoes simmer until they’re nearly tender, which takes around 10 to 15 minutes. To test, pierce a potato wedge with a fork — it should go in easily but not be mushy.

Step 3: Add corn, sausage, then shrimp

Next, toss in the corn pieces and cook for about 3 minutes. Immediately after, add the sliced andouille sausage, letting it cook for another 4 minutes. Finally, gently stir in the shrimp and watch closely – they only need 1 to 2 minutes to turn pink and opaque. Overcooking shrimp is my biggest pet peeve, so keep an eye on them!

Step 4: Drain and dress your boil

Drain everything carefully, reserving a little (about a quarter cup) of that flavorful broth if you want to keep things moist when serving. Spread your beautifully cooked shrimp boil onto a large platter or even a baking sheet for a casual, rustic vibe. Drizzle with the melted butter and fresh lemon juice, then sprinkle with minced parsley, some extra Old Bay, and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Serve immediately while it’s warm and inviting.

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Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Boil Recipe with Old Bay Seasoning Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Give your ingredients enough space to cook evenly by using a large pot; this keeps shrimp from turning rubbery.
Save That Broth: Reserving a bit of the cooking liquid is a great trick to keep leftovers moist or to use as a flavorful base for soups.
Peeling Tip: If you prefer shrimp with tails on, peel after cooking for easier handling and less mess during the boil.
Timing is Everything: Add ingredients in order of cooking time to get everything perfect—especially those shrimp, which cook incredibly fast.

How to Serve Shrimp Boil Recipe with Old Bay Seasoning Recipe

The dish is served on a white plate filled with several layers of food. The bottom layer has lemon wedges and chopped green herbs scattered all over. On top of that, there are bright yellow corn pieces cut into chunks with a rough texture, and light brown potato halves with a smooth surface. Orange shrimp with a slightly rough texture are placed on and around the corn and potatoes. There are also round slices of reddish sausage with a firm texture and some purple onion pieces adding color contrast. On one side of the plate, a thick square of golden-yellow cornbread with a coarse crumb sits. All the ingredients have a light sprinkling of green herbs and spices. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a dark teal cloth visible at the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Shrimp Boil, Shrimp Boil with Old Bay Seasoning, seafood boil recipe, easy seafood boil, Cajun shrimp boil

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple here — fresh chopped parsley for color and brightness, a generous sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning for an extra pop of flavor, and a wedge or two of lemon for guests to squeeze over their serving. Those simple garnishes elevate the entire experience.

Side Dishes

One of my favorite pairings is crusty garlic bread to soak up all that buttery juice. I also love a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. For something heartier, coleslaw or grilled veggies work beautifully alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try spreading the shrimp boil over butcher paper on a big table, letting everyone dig in family-style for a fun and casual vibe. I’ve also arranged it in mason jars for easy individual servings at parties — trust me, it’s a hit and looks fantastic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and recommend adding a splash of the reserved broth before reheating to keep everything from drying out. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as tasty.

Freezing

While shrimp boils are best fresh, I’ve had luck freezing just the sausage, potatoes, and corn in separate containers without shrimp (to avoid texture issues). When you want a quick meal, thaw those first, then quickly sauté fresh or thawed shrimp to add on top.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water and a drizzle of butter. This prevents the shrimp from toughening and keeps those potatoes nice and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Boil Recipe with Old Bay Seasoning Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before adding to the boil so they cook evenly and don’t water down the broth.
Is Old Bay seasoning essential?

Old Bay is what gives this recipe the classic, iconic flavor. You can substitute with a Cajun or Creole seasoning blend, but nothing quite matches that signature taste.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?

Shrimp cook very quickly—look for them to turn pink and opaque with a slight curl. As soon as this happens, remove them from heat to avoid rubbery texture.
Can I make this recipe spicy?

Sure thing! Add crushed red pepper flakes to the boil or mix some hot sauce in with the melted butter for a spicy kick your whole crew will enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Boil Recipe with Old Bay Seasoning Recipe is more than just a meal to me—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients turned extraordinary with a little spice and a lot of love. Whether it’s a lazy weekend with family or a festive gathering with friends, this dish always brings everyone together. I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try; once you do, it might just become your go-to seafood feast too!