Description
A classic Southern shrimp boil combining succulent shrimp, hearty red potatoes, sweet corn, and smoky andouille sausage, all simmered together in a seasoned broth flavored with Old Bay seasoning, garlic, onion, and fresh thyme. This one-pot meal is perfect for a casual gathering or family dinner, served with a buttery lemon parsley drizzle for added zest and richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Broth and Seasonings
- 4 quarts hot water
- 1 large red onion, sliced into 4 – 6 wedges (or yellow onion)
- 1 garlic bulb, halved horizontally
- 1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning
- 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Protein
- 1 1/2 lbs medium red potatoes, cut into fourths
- 4 ears corn, husked and cut into fourths or halved
- 14 oz andouille sausage, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
- 1 1/2 lbs shrimp, deveined and peeled if preferred
Finishing Touch
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (or more to taste)
- 2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: Fill a large 12-quart pot with 4 quarts of hot water. Add the sliced onion, halved garlic bulb, Old Bay seasoning, and fresh thyme leaves. Stir the mixture, then bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat to infuse the flavors.
- Cook Potatoes: Add the quartered red potatoes to the boiling broth. Season with about 1 tablespoon of salt, and cook until the potatoes are nearly tender, about 10 to 15 minutes, checking with a fork for tenderness.
- Add Corn: Once potatoes are nearly done, add the cut corn pieces to the pot and continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes so the corn begins to soften but remains crisp.
- Cook Sausage: Add the sliced andouille sausage to the pot and cook for 4 more minutes to heat through and infuse the flavors into the broth and other ingredients.
- Add Shrimp: Gently stir in the shrimp, cooking just until they turn opaque and pink, about 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough.
- Drain and Serve: Drain the entire mixture, reserving up to 1/4 cup of the flavorful broth if desired for serving. Spread the shrimp boil mixture over a large serving platter or baking sheet for easy sharing.
- Finish with Butter and Garnish: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter and fresh lemon juice over the shrimp boil. Sprinkle with minced fresh parsley, additional Old Bay seasoning, and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- This shrimp boil is a Southern favorite showcasing tender shrimp, hearty potatoes, flavorful sausage, and sweet corn all cooked together for a simple yet delicious one-pot meal.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add extra Old Bay seasoning or some cayenne pepper.
- Peeling shrimp is optional based on preference; peeling beforehand offers easier eating.
- Reserve a small amount of boiling liquid to serve alongside if guests want to dip or moisten the seafood and vegetables.
- Use fresh herbs when possible for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 589 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 826 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 372 mg
