If you crave that classic Southern seafood feast—juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and buttery potatoes—without all the fuss, this Instant Pot Shrimp Boil is your weeknight savior! You’ll get all the vibrant flavors and crowd-pleasing fun of a traditional shrimp boil, but it comes together in just about 25 minutes with hardly any effort. Trust me, this is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in constant rotation for busy nights or casual gatherings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone gets excited for a shrimp boil, and this Instant Pot version makes it easy and low-mess for casual get-togethers or family dinners.
- Flavor-Packed Layers: Each ingredient—shrimp, sausage, veggies, and potato—soaks up bold Old Bay seasoning and buttery broth, giving you big Southern flavor in every bite.
- Incredibly Fast: No more hovering over a boiling pot; the Instant Pot Shrimp Boil comes together in under 30 minutes from start to finish!
- Easy Clean Up: Everything cooks in one pot, so there’s no mountain of dishes at the end—just happy, satisfied eaters.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Classic shrimp boil flavors shine thanks to just a handful of accessible, colorful ingredients. Each one adds something special—whether it’s the pop of sweet corn, smoky sausage richness, or zesty lemon. Here’s why each is important:
- Baby potatoes: Tender, creamy, and perfect for absorbing every drop of seasoned broth—choose a mix of red and yellow for a pretty, vibrant plate.
- Smoked sausage (beef and pork): Thick slices infuse the boil with irresistibly hearty, smoky flavor; blending both types keeps things interesting!
- Sweet onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and depth that brings all the savory flavors together.
- Old Bay seasoning: This classic spice blend makes a shrimp boil sing; don’t skip it, as it’s the unmistakable backbone of the entire dish.
- Hot sauce: A kick of heat keeps this boil lively and fun—use your favorite brand and adjust to your spice level.
- Corn on the cob: Juicy, sweet, and tender—cut into thirds so every scoop has a bit of gold.
- Chicken stock: Adds savory depth and ensures everything cooks up juicy and flavorful.
- Medium shrimp: The star of the show! Choose peeled and deveined shrimp for the ultimate easy meal.
- Unsalted butter: Makes everything rich and silky; you’ll drizzle this over at the end for a luscious finish.
- Garlic: For that extra pop of savory warmth—fresh or prepared both work beautifully here.
- Lemon: Bright, fresh lemon slices add a final splash of sunshine to your platter.
Variations
One of the best parts about this Instant Pot Shrimp Boil is how forgiving and customizable it is. You can effortlessly swap ingredients or tweak spice levels to suit your family’s tastes or dietary requirements—don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Seafood medley: Add chunks of crab, scallops, or mussels alongside the shrimp for an extra-luxe, seafood-forward feast.
- Spicy Cajun twist: Swap out some of the Old Bay for Cajun seasoning and add a few dashes of cayenne for extra kick.
- Lighter version: Use chicken or turkey sausage, and substitute half the butter with olive oil for a lighter but still delicious result.
- Vegetarian option: Omit sausage and shrimp, doubling up on corn, potatoes, and adding mushrooms for a hearty, meatless crowd-pleaser.
How to Make Instant Pot Shrimp Boil
Step 1: Build the Flavorful Broth
Start by pouring your chicken stock into the Instant Pot, then add 3 teaspoons of Old Bay seasoning and all your hot sauce. Stir well. This creates that signature punchy broth that’ll season everything and give the Instant Pot Shrimp Boil its irresistible aroma.
Step 2: Layer the Veggies and Sausage
Add your potatoes, sausage, onion, and nestle the corn pieces right on top. The corn steams beautifully this way, and all the flavors marry together as they cook under pressure—no babysitting required!
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Lock the lid and set your Instant Pot to manual high pressure for five minutes. It’s quick, but that’s all it takes for potatoes to get tender and the sausage and corn to soak in those zesty juices.
Step 4: Quick Release and Remove
Once the cook cycle is done, perform a quick release. Carefully remove the potatoes, sausage, onion, and corn to a platter, covering them loosely with foil so they stay warm and don’t dry out.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the shrimp right into the hot broth and simmer until just opaque—this should only take about 4-5 minutes, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!
Step 6: Butter & Garlic Finale
While the shrimp poach, melt your butter with garlic and the remaining Old Bay in a small skillet or the microwave. Drizzle this glorious, garlicky butter all over your Instant Pot Shrimp Boil for a mouthwatering finish.
Step 7: Serve with Heart
Bring the shrimp onto the platter with the vegetables and sausage, then top with lemon slices for that final fresh touch. Now you’re ready to dig in—no fancy plates needed, just plenty of napkins!
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Shrimp Boil
- Shrimp Timing Magic: Always cook the shrimp separately on sauté mode at the end—this prevents overcooking and keeps each bite perfectly tender.
- Uniform Potato Size: Cut your baby potatoes to roughly the same size so they cook evenly under pressure—no mushy bits or undercooked surprises!
- Layering for Success: Stack the corn on top of everything else in the pot so it steams instead of stews, keeping it sweet and snappy.
- Garlic Butter Upgrade: Don’t skimp on the finishing butter! For even more flavor, let the garlic sizzle gently for a minute before pouring over your Instant Pot Shrimp Boil.
How to Serve Instant Pot Shrimp Boil
Garnishes
A generous scattering of fresh lemon slices and a sprinkle of extra Old Bay right before serving make your Instant Pot Shrimp Boil look irresistible and add a pop of fresh tang. You can also toss on some chopped fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions for color and even more flavor.
Side Dishes
This one-pot feast is hearty on its own, but you can round things out with a big green salad, crusty garlic bread, or even some coleslaw for crunch. And don’t forget ice-cold drinks to wash down all those bold, spicy flavors!
Creative Ways to Present
For a true boil party vibe, line your table with parchment and serve the shrimp boil family-style with little ramekins of melted butter for dipping. Or, pile servings into individual bowls for a cozy, no-mess twist—just don’t forget plenty of napkins for all those saucy fingers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers completely, then transfer them to airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors get even better overnight, making lunch the next day something to look forward to!
Freezing
While potatoes and corn don’t freeze well, the sausage and shrimp can be frozen in some broth for up to a month. Thaw gently in the fridge overnight, but keep in mind the veggies may become soft after thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, pour everything into a skillet with a splash of broth or water and warm over low heat, just until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp so it stays juicy.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for Instant Pot Shrimp Boil?
Absolutely! Just make sure the shrimp are peeled and deveined. Add about 1 extra minute to the sauté time, and keep an eye on them—once they’re opaque and pink, they’re ready.
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What’s the best kind of sausage for a shrimp boil?
Smoked sausage is traditional for Instant Pot Shrimp Boil. A mix of pork and beef (or turkey, if you prefer) creates the best depth of flavor. Try to avoid raw sausages, which release too much fat as they cook.
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Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Yes, simply omit or reduce the hot sauce to your liking, and start with just the Old Bay. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for those who like to add more heat.
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Is Instant Pot Shrimp Boil gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your sausage and chicken stock don’t contain any hidden wheat ingredients. Double check labels to be sure, or use brands you trust.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a fun, fuss-free way to bring a little coastal magic to your dinner table, Instant Pot Shrimp Boil is it! It’s easy, quick, customizable, and—above all—joyful. Gather your people, roll up your sleeves, and dive in. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make new memories around your table!
Print
Instant Pot Shrimp Boil Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Instant Pot Shrimp Boil recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic seafood boil with a spicy twist. Tender shrimp, smoked sausage, sweet corn, and baby potatoes are cooked in flavorful broth and served with a zesty butter sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Boil:
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes (a mix of red and yellow)
- 2 packages smoked sausage, thickly sliced (1 pork, 1 beef)
- 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
- 5 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning, divided
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 3–4 ears corn, cut in thirds
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Combine chicken stock, 3 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning, and hot sauce in the Instant Pot.
- Add Ingredients: Add potatoes, sausage, onion, and corn to the pot.
- Pressure Cook: Cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Cook Shrimp: Saute shrimp in the Instant Pot until cooked through.
- Make Butter Sauce: Melt butter, garlic, and remaining Old Bay seasoning in a skillet.
- Serve: Transfer shrimp boil to a serving dish, drizzle with butter sauce, garnish with lemon slices, and enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less hot sauce.
- Feel free to customize the ingredients with your favorite seafood or vegetables.
- For a traditional touch, serve with cocktail sauce or additional Old Bay seasoning on the side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 230mg
