Description
When it comes to creating a memorable meal, few dishes rival the bold flavors and communal experience of a classic shrimp boil. Perfect for gatherings or casual family dinners, this Shrimp Boil Recipe combines succulent shrimp, hearty potatoes, sweet corn, and savory kielbasa, all infused with the irresistible seasoning of Old Bay. With just 15 minutes of prep time and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is your ticket to a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
Ingredients
32 ounces vegetable broth
• 8 cups warm water
• 24 ounces lager beer
• ¼ cup 1 teaspoon old bay seasoning divided
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 ½ pounds baby red potatoes
• 4 ears of corn cut into thirds
• 14 ounce kielbasa cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 ½ pounds large shrimp deveined, tail on, shells removed
• ¼ cup salted butter melted
• fresh chopped parsley for garnish
• lemon wedges to serve
Instructions
To start, combine vegetable broth, water, lager beer, Old Bay seasoning, and kosher salt in a large stockpot. Bring the mixture to a boil, a process that typically takes about 10 minutes. Next, reduce the heat to medium and carefully add the baby red potatoes, cooking them for approximately 15 minutes until fork-tender. Add the corn to the pot and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Once the corn is cooked, it’s time to add the kielbasa. Cook the sausage pieces for about 4 minutes, allowing their flavors to meld with the broth. Finally, add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn opaque and are fully cooked through. Strain the shrimp boil, reserving some of the liquid for dipping if desired.
In a large mixing bowl, melt salted butter and mix it with the remaining teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning and fresh chopped parsley. Toss the strained shrimp boil with this flavorful butter sauce, ensuring everything is well coated. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges for a zesty finish.
Notes
How to Serve Shrimp Boil
Serve your shrimp boil immediately for the best flavor and texture. Traditionally, it’s spread out on a large platter or even directly on a lined table for a casual, communal dining experience. Pair it with crusty bread, a tangy coleslaw, or a fresh green salad to complement the bold flavors. Provide lemon wedges for an extra zesty kick, and consider offering small bowls of the reserved cooking liquid or melted butter for dipping. Don’t forget to have plenty of napkins handy for this hands-on feast!
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, allow the shrimp boil to cool completely before storing. Place the shrimp, potatoes, corn, and kielbasa in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best results, store any butter sauce separately in a small container.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, you can gently warm the shrimp boil in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of butter or reserved cooking liquid to maintain its moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. Alternatively, you can enjoy the leftovers cold in a refreshing shrimp boil salad by tossing them with a light vinaigrette.
These serving and storage tips ensure you can savor your shrimp boil at its best, even if you have leftovers!
