Name: Ultimate Shrimp Boil Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-489636H57M20S
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2-1/2 lbs. extra large shrimp, unpeeled; 1 lb. kielbasa, sliced; 1-1/2 lbs. small red potatoes; 4 large ears of corn, broken into smaller pieces; 1 large onion, quartered; 2 lemons, juiced plus rinds; 5 quarts water; 1 (12 oz.) beer; 1 bag shrimp and crab boil seasoning (usually found at the seafood counter); 1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning; 2 tbsps. kosher salt; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 2 tsps. finely minced garlic

Jump to Recipe·5 from 110 reviews

If you’re craving a seafood feast that captures the heart of Southern comfort food, this Ultimate Shrimp Boil Recipe is your new go-to. I absolutely love how everything—juicy shrimp, tender potatoes, smoky kielbasa, and sweet corn—simmers together in a fragrant, spicy broth. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a celebration every time you make it, whether it’s a family dinner or a backyard gathering. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find it hard to go back to your usual dinners!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-off Magic: Once everything is in the pot, you just let it cook—minimal fuss, maximum flavor.
Flavor Explosion: The combo of Old Bay, lemon, and beer creates a broth that’s salty, tangy, and just a little spicy.
Perfect for Sharing: This recipe feeds a crowd, making it ideal for family dinners or casual parties.
Customizable Ingredients: You can swap out or add veggies and proteins based on your mood or what’s in season.

The image shows a mixed seafood boil spread out over a layer of newspaper. The dish includes several large pink shrimp with visible tails and light seasoning scattered on them. There are multiple chunks of bright yellow corn on the cob, halved into small sections, positioned evenly throughout the seafood. Red potatoes, both whole and sliced, add a round and smooth texture, with some pieces garnished with chopped green herbs. Sliced sausage rounds with a slightly browned surface are scattered among the other ingredients. Bright yellow lemon wedges are placed on top and around the mix, adding a fresh pop of color. A small white bowl filled with thick red sauce is positioned near the top center, completing this rustic, colorful seafood spread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Ultimate Shrimp Boil, shrimp boil recipe, seafood boil, Southern shrimp boil, seafood boil dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays a part in building layers of vibrant flavor. From the smoky kielbasa to the citrusy punch of fresh lemons, these components make the shrimp boil sing. When shopping, look for fresh, extra-large shrimp with shells on – they lock in juiciness while cooking.

Flat lay of extra large unpeeled shrimp with vibrant pink shells, small glossy red potatoes, four large ears of corn broken into smaller pieces with bright yellow kernels, sliced kielbasa with a rich reddish-brown color, two whole fresh lemons with bright yellow peel alongside lemon rinds, one large quartered white onion with purplish skin, a small white ceramic bowl of finely minced fresh garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of reddish-orange Old Bay seasoning, a small white ceramic bowl containing a dark amber beer, and a rustic bag of shrimp and crab boil spice mix beside the ingredients all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Ultimate Shrimp Boil, shrimp boil recipe, seafood boil, Southern shrimp boil, seafood boil dinner

Shrimp: Extra-large and unpeeled for maximum flavor and easy peeling at the table.
Water & Beer: The beer adds a subtle malty flavor that deepens the broth’s complexity.
Shrimp and Crab Boil Spice Bag: This seasoning mix is classic and packs authentic Low Country flavor—grab it at your seafood counter.
Old Bay Seasoning: A must-have that brings that signature coastal spice punch.
Kosher Salt: Balances the flavors and helps with seasoning the potatoes and shrimp.
Lemons: Both the juice and rinds add brightness and a fresh tang.
Onion: Quartered for sweet, savory undertones in the broth.
Small Red Potatoes: They hold their shape well and soak up all those delicious spices.
Corn on the Cob: Break into smaller pieces so they cook evenly and are easy to eat.
Kielbasa Sausage: Adds a smoky, meaty depth that’s just irresistible.
Butter & Garlic: Melted together to create a luscious dipping sauce to drizzle over everything.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how this recipe invites your own spin. Over the years, I’ve found a few tweaks that help tailor the shrimp boil to what I have on hand or the occasion. Don’t be shy—you can easily swap or add ingredients to make this a family favorite your way.

Vegetable Boost: Adding mushrooms or bell peppers makes the boil heartier and vibrant — I recommend tossing them in when you add the potatoes.
Spice It Up: If you crave heat, I like to add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce right into the broth.
Dairy-Free Option: For dairy-free diets, simply skip the butter dip or replace with olive oil infused with garlic and herbs.
Surf and Turf: Adding cooked sausage or even chunks of crab meat makes this a full-on celebratory feast.

How to Make Ultimate Shrimp Boil Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp and Ingredients

Start by deveining your shrimp and setting them on ice to keep fresh while you prep everything else. Don’t skip the shell here—cooking shrimp with their shells on locks in so much flavor and keeps them succulent. Meanwhile, quarter the onion and juice your lemons, keeping the rinds handy to add to the boil. I like to lay everything out before starting; it makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Build the Boil Base

In your biggest stockpot, combine water, beer, the shrimp and crab boil seasoning bag, Old Bay, kosher salt, lemon juice and rinds, plus the quartered onion. Bring this aromatic mix to a boil and let it simmer for about 5 minutes—you’ll start to smell those incredible spices working their magic. This step infuses all the flavor that makes the Ultimate Shrimp Boil Recipe so memorable.

Step 3: Timing the Veggies and Sausage

Add your potatoes to the broth and let them cook for 10 minutes—this gives them time to get tender without turning to mush. Next, toss in the corn and sliced kielbasa and cook for an additional 5 minutes. These layers of ingredients soften up perfectly, soaking up the boiling broth’s spices. Timing is everything here so everything finishes simultaneously.

Step 4: Finish with the Shrimp

Finally, add the shrimp to the pot and let them cook just 3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking shrimp is a rookie mistake I made early on—note the color change as your cue to pull them out. From here, drain the entire pot and toss everything with melted butter blended with minced garlic for that rich, garlicky finish.

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Pro Tips for Making Ultimate Shrimp Boil Recipe

Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast—once they’re pink and opaque, they’re done. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so watch closely!
Use the Shell On: Cooking shrimp with shells keeps them juicy and infuses the broth with extra flavor.
Double the Recipe for a Crowd: I often double this in two batches to avoid crowding the pot, but if you have a big enough pot, cook at once.
Butter-Garlic Sauce Boost: Melt butter with fresh garlic to toss with the boil—this elevates the dish to next-level indulgence.

How to Serve Ultimate Shrimp Boil Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, I love serving lemon wedges alongside the shrimp boil—squeezing fresh citrus over the seafood brightens every bite. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds color and a fragrant touch. If you’re feeling extra, a dash of smoked paprika or even a drizzle of spicy mayo makes for fantastic dipping options.

Side Dishes

This shrimp boil stands tall on its own, but some crusty bread is perfect for sopping up the buttery garlic sauce. I also love pairing it with a crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw for some balance. If you want to get a bit more indulgent, creamy mac and cheese is a total crowd-pleaser here.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to present this shrimp boil is on a large table covered in newspaper or butcher paper—it instantly creates a casual, festive vibe where everyone digs in family style. For special occasions, I spread out the boil on large platters or trays with fresh herbs scattered on top for a beautiful, rustic look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, separating the shrimp from the veggies if possible. They stay fresh for up to two days—perfect for a quick reheat the next day. The potatoes and corn soak up the flavors even more overnight!

Freezing

While shrimp is best fresh, you can freeze the broth and veggies if you want to save some for later. When freezing, lay everything flat in freezer bags to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pour the shrimp boil into a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid to warm evenly without drying out the shrimp. Adding a splash of water or broth helps keep the potatoes and corn tender. Avoid the microwave to prevent rubbery shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Using frozen shrimp won’t alter the flavor much as long as they’re cooked properly and not overdone.
What can I substitute if I don’t have shrimp and crab boil seasoning?

If you can’t find that seasoning bag, you can combine Old Bay seasoning with a few bay leaves, some crushed red pepper, and even a pinch of cayenne to mimic the flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley also add nice notes.
How spicy is the Ultimate Shrimp Boil Recipe?

It has a mild to medium spice level thanks to the Old Bay and crab boil spices. You can always adjust the heat by adding more crushed red pepper or hot sauce, depending on your preference.
Can I make this shrimp boil dairy-free?

Yes! Simply skip the butter or replace it with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for the garlic drizzle at the end. The rest of the dish is naturally dairy-free.

Final Thoughts

This Ultimate Shrimp Boil Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to bring people together around the table. It’s relaxed, flavorful, and a little bit indulgent—everything a great meal should be. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, I promise this recipe delivers that warm, happy feeling with every bite. So grab a pot, gather your favorite people, and dive in—you’re going to love it!