Description
A quick and easy Low Country Shrimp Boil recipe featuring smoky paprika, fresh shrimp, corn, and sausage, perfect for family gatherings and casual feasts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 pounds large shrimp, shell-on (fresh or thawed)
- 2 pounds small red potatoes, washed
- 4 ears of corn, cut into thirds
- 1 pound smoked Andouille sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces (or kielbasa)
- 1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning (or seafood boil spice blend)
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- Optional: 1/2 pound crab legs or clams
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Butter, melted (for drizzling when serving)
Instructions
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and set aside. Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Cut the corn into thirds and slice the sausage into 1-inch pieces. Smash the garlic cloves gently with the side of a knife.
- Fill a large stockpot with about 6 quarts of water. Add kosher salt, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, bay leaves, smashed garlic, and lemon halves. Stir and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the potatoes to the boiling water and cook for 10-12 minutes until tender but not mushy.
- Add the corn pieces and sausage slices to the pot and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and curl tightly.
- Drain the shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage using a colander. Discard bay leaves and lemon halves.
- Optionally toss everything with melted butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve the boil spread out on newspaper or a serving tray with lemon wedges and hot sauce.
Notes
Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; cook until shrimp curl and turn pink. Toast dry spices before adding to water for deeper flavor. Use shell-on shrimp to lock in moisture. For gluten-free, check sausage label. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheat gently in a skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Southern, Low Country
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/6 to
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 1100
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Low Country Shrimp Boil, shrimp boil recipe, Southern seafood boil, easy shrimp boil, seafood feast, smoked sausage, Old Bay seasoning