Easy Shrimp Boil Recipe

This sheet pan Shrimp Boil bursts with deliciously plump shrimp, juicy corn, perfectly cooked potatoes, and savory sausage without all the fuss. It’s the easiest shrimp boil you’ll ever make, and it’s so incredibly tasty!
We love the ease of a sheet pan dinner like our Salmon and Asparagus or Spatchcock Chicken. It’s easy to prep, simple directions, and fast clean up. Our shrimp boil recipe is quick and easy, but the flavors of butter, old bay seasoning, and lemon juice are unmistakably authentic.

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As the name suggests, a seafood boil is a dish made by boiling the ingredients in a large pot of seasoned liquid. The cook adds each ingredient at the precise time for even cooking, but with our old bay shrimp boil recipe, we’ve cut out the time it takes to babysit the boiling pot without sacrificing flavor.
What is a Shrimp Boil?A classic shrimp boil is a southern meal and experience all wrapped into one. Ingredients vary slightly by region, but they always include:

Shrimp or seafood

Potatoes

Corn

Sausage

Old Bay seasoningIn the Southeast, it’s called a Low Country Boil or Frogmore Stew and it features local fresh-caught shrimp, crab, or crawfish. On the other hand, cajun shrimp boil uses andouille sausage for a spicy kick and sometimes a bit of Zatarain’s.

The seafood, sausage, and vegetables are boiled over an open flame outside in a large stock pot. Then, when the cooking is done, the food is drained and served spread out across a large picnic table that’s been covered in newspaper. Guests gather around a heaping pile of boiled goodies and then chow down using their hands and an occasional napkin.

Shrimp Boil RecipeOur shrimp boil recipe keeps true to the fun experience without the hassle of cooking, cleaning, and serving. We parboil the potatoes and corn, then cover everything in an irresistible coating of Old Bay, lemon juice, and butter to bake to perfection in the oven.
The best part comes after the cooking. Take it out and serve dinner right off the sheet pan! No plates, and no serving utensils, so it’s the perfect summer meal and fun experience in one!
IngredientsSome seafood boil ingredients may vary slightly by region, but our recipe stays true to the classic mixture of hearty seafood, sausage, and vegetables. It’s a simple list of ingredients, but it delivers big flavor.

Baby Potatoes – cut into equal-sized chunks so the potatoes cook evenly. Yukon Gold potatoes or red potatoes work well cut into equal pieces.

Corn – cut into 2” slices. You can also use frozen corn as it will cook at about the same time as fresh cobs

Unsalted Butter – coats the ingredients to help the seasoning stick

Garlic – fresh is best, but pre-minced works, too

Old Bay seasoning – this seasoning is a must. It’s what makes the shrimp boil authentic! You can find it at most local grocery stores or even online.

Smoked Andouille sausage – cut into pieces. Any cajun-style sausage will work, but you can use Polish kielbasa for less heat.

Large shrimp – Tail-on, large, or jumbo shrimp work best. If you can get your hands on tiger shrimp, do it!

Lemons – cut into wedges to serve on the side

Pro TipIf you don’t have time to thaw your shrimp in the refrigerator overnight, thaw it quickly by placing it in a colander in your sink. Run cool water over the frozen shrimp for 7-8 minutes until the ice dissolves then drain and pat dry with paper towels.

Seafood Boil VariationsThis basic shrimp boil recipe features the classic ingredients, but you can always make some simple swaps to fit your tastes. Try these variations:

Add a can of beer to the water when boiling the potatoes and corn
Include other seafood, like clams, crawfish, crab, or lobster
Add vegetables to the mixture: asparagus, red or yellow onion, or okra
Try including other spices, like bay leaf, red pepper flakes, or parsley
Serve with a garnish of fresh parsley, lemon wedges, cornbread, and some hot sauce

How to Make a Shrimp BoilFollow these easy steps to nail this sheet pan shrimp boil. Bon appetite!

Boil – potatoes in a large pot of salted water for 10 minutes. Add corn to the boiling pot and cook until the potatoes are nearly tender, about 5 more minutes.

Drain – the corn and potatoes and place into a large bowl.

Prepare – the shrimp by cleaning and patting them dry (we keep the tails on). Add the shrimp and sausage to the potato and corn bowl.

Combine – butter, garlic, and Old Bay seasoning in a small bowl. Pour the mixture over the meat and vegetables. Toss to coat.

Arrange – the mixture onto a large baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until the shrimp is cooked. Serve with lemon wedges.

Pro TipYou’ll know when the Boiled Potatoes are done when you can easily pierce them with a fork. The shrimp is done when it is opaque and the tail curls to form a “C” shape.

What to Serve with a Shrimp BoilA shrimp boil is a hands-down crowd-pleaser and a meal in itself, but just add a few of these sides to the mix, and you’ve got a feast on your hands.

Garlic Bread
Coleslaw
Avocado Corn Salad
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Mac and Cheese

Common QuestionsWhat is the classic shrimp boil seasoning? Old Bay seasoning is classically used for seafood boils. It’s a mix of many spices including celery seed, paprika, pepper, mustard, and red pepper. You could substitute cajun seasoning, but it won’t have exactly the same flavor.
Can I substitute the shrimp? Shrimp is the traditional ingredient, but you can use crab, lobster, or clams as well. You can also omit the shrimp and double the smoked sausages.
Do I have to boil the potatoes before cooking in the oven? Potatoes and corn take longer to cook than shrimp. We quickly boil the veggies before mixing everything together to ensure they are cooked when the shrimp are finished. Don’t skip this step!