Old Bay Shrimp Boil – A one-pot wonder that’s as easy as it is flavorful. Packed with tender shrimp, juicy corn, smoky sausage, and baby potatoes, all coated in a zesty Old Bay seasoning blend, perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
What is an Old Bay Shrimp Boil?
At its core, an Old Bay Shrimp Boil is a simple but flavorful seafood dish where shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage are boiled together with Old Bay seasoning to create a savory, spicy, and aromatic meal.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Shrimp Boil
- Use fresh shrimp: Whenever possible, use fresh, shell-on shrimp for maximum flavor. The shells help protect the shrimp from overcooking and infuse the broth with rich seafood flavor.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Old Bay seasoning. For more heat, you can add a couple of teaspoons of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Don’t skip the sausage: The smoked sausage adds a ton of depth and a savory bite that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the corn and the briny shrimp.
- Use beer in the boil: For a flavorful twist, substitute some of the water with your favorite beer. It adds another layer of flavor and richness to the boil.
Old Bay Shrimp Boil Variations
While the classic shrimp boil is a crowd-pleaser, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking:
- Seafood Mix: Add clams, mussels, or crab legs to the pot for a more elaborate seafood feast.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Include other veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more variety.
- Cajun Shrimp Boil: Swap out Old Bay for a Cajun seasoning mix and add a bit of hot sauce for a Louisiana-style boil.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Boil: After draining the boil, toss the ingredients in a garlic butter sauce for an extra indulgent flavor.
How to Serve an Old Bay Shrimp Boil
Shrimp boils are traditionally served family-style, making them perfect for casual gatherings or outdoor parties. Here’s how to serve it for maximum enjoyment:
- Dump and Dig In: For a fun, interactive experience, spread newspapers or butcher paper across the table and dump the drained boil right onto the surface. Let everyone grab what they want!
- On a Platter: For a more formal presentation, transfer the shrimp, potatoes, sausage, and corn onto a large serving platter. Garnish with parsley, melted butter, and lemon wedges.
- Side Dishes: While the boil itself is a hearty meal, you can serve it with crusty bread to soak up the juices or with coleslaw and a green salad for a refreshing contrast.
Dipping Sauces:
- Melted Butter: Simple, classic, and delicious with shrimp.
- Garlic Aioli: A creamy and garlicky dip that elevates the shrimp.
- Cocktail Sauce: A tangy and spicy dip perfect for seafood.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your shrimp boil (though that’s a rare occurrence!), they can be stored and enjoyed later:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to peel the shrimp before storing to make reheating easier.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
- Freezing: You can freeze the shrimp (peeled) and sausage from the boil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make an Old Bay Shrimp Boil in advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep some of the ingredients ahead of time. Cut the corn, potatoes, and sausage, and have everything ready to go. When it’s time to cook, the boil comes together in under 30 minutes!
What’s the best type of shrimp to use?
Large or jumbo shrimp, either fresh or frozen, are ideal. Wild-caught shrimp tend to have a better texture and flavor, but farmed shrimp can also work well.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work just as well. Just be sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the boil.
What can I substitute for Old Bay seasoning?
If you don’t have Old Bay on hand, you can make your own by mixing together celery salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and a touch of mustard powder.
Old Bay Shrimp Boil
Old Bay Shrimp Boil - A one-pot wonder that's as easy as it is flavorful. Packed with tender shrimp, juicy corn, smoky sausage, and baby potatoes, all coated in a zesty Old Bay seasoning blend, perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs large jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 1 lb smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 4 ears corn, each cut into 4 pieces
- 1 lb small red potatoes, halved
- 1 medium onion, chopped into large pieces
- 4 lemons (2 for cooking, 2 for serving)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- ⅓ cup seafood seasoning (like Old Bay)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add quartered lemons, onion, garlic, and seafood seasoning. Bring to a boil.
- Add halved potatoes to the boiling water and cook for 10-12 minutes until just fork-tender.
- Toss in the corn and sliced sausage, cooking for another 5-6 minutes.
Add shrimp to the pot and boil for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink. - Drain the pot, then spread the shrimp boil onto a large baking sheet.
Melt butter in the microwave, whisk in salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. - Pour half the butter mixture over the shrimp mixture and toss to coat. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges, and sprinkle additional seafood seasoning if desired.
- Serve immediately with the reserved butter sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 717Total Fat 41gSaturated Fat 18gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 19gCholesterol 406mgSodium 4059mgCarbohydrates 41gFiber 5gSugar 7gProtein 49g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
An Old Bay Shrimp Boil is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. With its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and easy preparation, it’s no wonder this dish is a favorite for summer gatherings and seafood lovers. Whether you’re sticking to the classic recipe or adding your own twist, this boil is sure to be a hit at your next event!
Check my other shrimp recipes:
