A Southern Seafood Feast in One Pot

Brimming with juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and sweet corn, this Classic Shrimp Boil is a celebration of big flavors and easy entertaining. Cooked in one pot and tossed in seasoned garlic butter, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing meal—whether you're hosting a backyard get-together or just craving a taste of the coast.

This dish is rustic, hearty, and totally satisfying. No fancy plating needed—just a newspaper-lined table, a roll of paper towels, and good company.

🌟 Why This Recipe Works

A good shrimp boil is all about balance, timing, and bold seasoning. Here’s what makes this one a standout:

One-Pot Wonder
Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor—everything simmers together in one large pot.

Perfectly Timed Cooking
Each ingredient is added at just the right moment so nothing overcooks.

Classic Seasoning Blend
Old Bay and garlic butter bring authentic coastal flavor.

Feeds a Crowd
A single batch serves 4–6 generously—and scales up easily.

Customizable and Fun
Toss in crab legs, swap the sausage, or go spicier—make it your own!

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Boil

  • 1½ lbs large shrimp (shell-on, deveined) – Tail-on for best flavor

  • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch chunks

  • 1½ lbs baby potatoes (red or yellow), halved if large

  • 4 ears of corn, cut into halves or thirds

  • 1 lemon, halved

  • ½ cup Old Bay seasoning (or your favorite seafood boil mix)

  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed

  • 1 small onion, quartered

  • 8–10 cups water

For the Garlic Butter

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning

  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

  • Juice of ½ lemon

💡 Pro Tip: Shell-on shrimp gives the best flavor—but you can use peeled if preferred for easier eating.

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Start the Boil

In a large stockpot, add water, Old Bay, garlic, onion, and lemon halves. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Add Potatoes

Once boiling, add potatoes and cook for 10–12 minutes, until just starting to soften.

Step 3: Add Corn and Sausage

Add corn and sliced sausage to the pot. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, until corn is tender.

Step 4: Add Shrimp

Finally, stir in the shrimp. Cook for 2–3 minutes, or just until shrimp turn pink and curl into a C-shape. Do not overcook!

🦐 Shrimp Cook Fast! Keep a close eye—they’re done as soon as they’re opaque and pink.

Step 5: Drain and Transfer

Drain the entire pot carefully and discard the lemon, garlic, and onion. Transfer the shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes to a large platter or directly onto a parchment-lined table for a true Southern-style presentation.

🍋 Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the boil drains, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in Old Bay, lemon juice, and parsley. Pour the warm garlic butter over the boil and toss to coat everything.

🔥 Want it spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the butter.

🔄 Variations to Try

Make it your own with any of these tasty additions:

  • Add Crab Legs or Clams – Boil seafood for 5–6 minutes at the end.

  • Use Kielbasa or Andouille Sausage – Adds more smokiness or spice.

  • Cajun Twist – Use Cajun seasoning instead of Old Bay and add a bay leaf.

  • Add Mushrooms or Onion Wedges – For extra bulk and flavor.

  • Beer Boil – Replace some water with light beer for a richer broth.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

No-Fuss Setup
Serve it straight on a newspaper- or parchment-lined table for rustic charm. Give everyone a bib and a cold drink.

Dipping Sauces

  • Extra garlic butter

  • Cocktail sauce

  • Spicy remoulade

  • Lemon aioli

Sides to Pair

  • Coleslaw or potato salad

  • Cornbread or crusty bread

  • Watermelon slices

  • Sweet tea or cold beer

📦 Make Ahead + Storage Tips

Make Ahead

  • Prep all your ingredients ahead of time and store separately in the fridge.

  • Make the garlic butter sauce up to 3 days ahead and reheat before serving.

Storing Leftovers

Store cooked components in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or water—or enjoy cold over salad!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw first and pat dry before adding to the boil.

Do I need to peel the shrimp before serving?
Not at all—shell-on shrimp keep the flavor locked in. Just provide plenty of napkins and enjoy!

Can I cook this indoors?
Absolutely—any large pot on the stovetop will work.

Is this dish spicy?
Not by default, but you can turn up the heat with cayenne, hot sauce, or spicy sausage.

How do I scale this up?
Double the ingredients and use a larger pot—or cook in two batches if needed.

🦐 Final Thoughts

This Classic Shrimp Boil is more than a meal—it’s a casual, communal experience that brings people together around a big pile of savory goodness. With tender shrimp, smoky sausage, buttery corn, and zesty garlic butter, every bite is a celebration of coastal flavors and laid-back living.

So gather your friends, roll up your sleeves, and dig in—this is summer on a plate, all year round.