Seafood Shrimp Boil

A seafood boil with shrimp, corn, potatoes, smoked sausage, onions, and garlic is a delightful and flavorful dish that brings together the delicious taste of seafood and savory sausage with the sweetness of corn and the heartiness of potatoes. Here's a detailed original recipe to prepare this scrumptious variation on a low country boil:

How Long Should I Boil Shrimp in Seafood Boil?

While the total recipe requires 17 to 18 minutes of boiling, the shrimp should be added last and only boiled for 2 to 3 minutes. Overcooked shrimp will ruin the centerpiece of this dish, so make sure you’re on top of your boiling time once they’re added to the pot.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (about 900g) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6-8 ears of corn, shucked and cut into halves or thirds
• 1 lb (about 450g) baby potatoes, halved or quartered depending on size
• 1 lb (about 450g) smoked sausage (e.g., Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 large onions, peeled and quartered
• 1 whole head of garlic, halved horizontally
• 2 lemons, halved
• 4 bay leaves
• 1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)
• Salt to taste
• 10 cups water or seafood broth (adjust quantity based on pot size)
• For serving:
• Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro
• Melted butter
• Lemon wedges
• Hot sauce (optional)

How To Make a Seafood Shrimp Lowcountry Boil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Seafood Boil Pot:

• Use a large stockpot or a dedicated seafood boil pot with a strainer basket. The pot should be big enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably.

2. Add Water and Seasonings:

• Pour the water or seafood broth into the pot.
• Add the Old Bay seasoning, black peppercorns, cayenne pepper, and bay leaves. Stir well to distribute the flavors.

3. Bring to a Boil:

• Place the pot on high heat and bring the seasoned water to a rolling boil.

4. Add Potatoes, Onions, and Garlic:

• Carefully add the halved baby potatoes, quartered onions, and halved garlic head into the boiling water.
• Let them cook for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes are almost tender.

5. Add Smoked Sausage and Corn:

• Add the sliced smoked sausage and corn pieces into the pot with the other ingredients.
• Continue boiling for an additional 5 minutes or until the corn is tender.

6. Add Shrimp:

• Finally, add the peeled and deveined raw shrimp into the pot.
• Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.

7. Drain and Serve:

• Once everything is cooked to perfection, turn off the heat, and carefully lift the strainer basket from the pot to drain the seafood boil.
• Discard the cooking liquid or reserve some as a flavorful seafood broth for dipping or to use in other dishes.

8. Serve:

• Transfer the drained seafood boil onto a large serving platter or directly onto a newspaper-covered table for a more casual experience.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or cilantro over the seafood boil for added freshness and color.
• Serve with melted butter, lemon wedges, and hot sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

9. Enjoy!

Dig in and savor the delicious flavors of this seafood boil with shrimp, corn, potatoes, smoked sausage, onions, and garlic. It's a delightful feast perfect for sharing with family and friends, and delivers that seaside feeling, no matter where you are, especially when paired with a Bermudan Dark and Stormy! Remember to have plenty of napkins and enjoy the messy, finger-licking goodness of this mouthwatering seafood boil!