Description
Shrimp Boil is a delicious, one-pot Southern classic that brings together shrimp, potatoes, and corn in a flavorful, seasoned broth. Perfect for a crowd, this seafood feast is easy to make and great for parties, family dinners, or special occasions. The bold spices infuse each ingredient with savory flavor, and you can customize the heat level to suit your taste. Serve it family-style and enjoy a fun, communal dining experience!
Ingredients
For the boil:
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2 lbs large shrimp (peeled and deveined, with tails on)
- 4 medium potatoes (cut into quarters)
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4 ears corn (cut in half)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 lemons (cut into wedges)
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1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
For the seasoning:
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4-6 cups water (enough to cover the ingredients)
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1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning (or your preferred seafood seasoning)
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1 tablespoon paprika
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1 tablespoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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2 bay leaves
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3 cloves garlic (smashed)
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a touch of tang)
Instructions
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Prepare the broth:
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In a large pot or stockpot, add the water and bring it to a boil.
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Stir in the Old Bay seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, bay leaves, garlic, and apple cider vinegar (if using). Let it boil for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Cook the potatoes:
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Add the potatoes to the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. (Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes.)
Add corn halves to the pot. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, is heated through and the corn is tender.
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Add the shrimp:
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Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
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Drain and serve:
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Carefully drain the contents of the pot, keeping some of the seasoned broth aside.
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Spread the shrimp, potatoes, and corn out on a large platter or serving tray.
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Drizzle with some of the reserved seasoning broth for extra flavor, and garnish with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley.
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Serve:
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Serve the Shrimp Boil hot with optional dipping sauce like melted butter or cocktail sauce, and enjoy the feast!
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Notes
Spicy version: Add more cayenne pepper, or toss in chopped fresh jalapeños for extra heat.Different proteins: Add crab legs, clams, or lobster tails for a more decadent boil.Vegetarian version: Omit the shrimp , adding more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots.Seasoning alternatives: Use Cajun seasoning or your preferred seafood boil mix instead of Old Bay.
