what is shrimp boil made of

The Ultimate Guide to Shrimp Boil Ingredients

Shrimp boils are the perfect summer dish for backyard barbecues, beach parties, or just a weeknight family meal. This southern seafood tradition is commonly found along the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, and beyond. With its informal preparation and serve-yourself style, shrimp boil is a fun, hands-off way to feed a crowd But what exactly goes into this flavorful one-pot wonder?

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the key ingredients that make up a tasty shrimp boil, from the shellfish to the spicy seasonings Whether you’re new to shrimp boils or a seasoned pro, read on to learn what makes this coastal classic so unforgettably delicious

The Main Event: Shrimp
Fresh, plump shrimp are clearly the star of the show when it comes to shrimp boil. The shrimp are typically left unpeeled with the tail on for the most flavor and presentation. Common varieties used include:

• Gulf shrimp: These wild-caught shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico have a sweet, briny flavor.

• White shrimp: Farmed along the southern Atlantic coast, white shrimp are a good budget option.

• Tiger shrimp: Named for their striped shells, tiger shrimp have a slightly firmer texture.

• Jumbo shrimp: As the name suggests, these extra-large shrimp make an impressive meal centerpiece.

When buying shrimp for boiling, opt for fresh or thawed frozen over pre-cooked. Raw shrimp will soak up the boiling broth’s big, bold flavors as they gently cook. Figure on about 1 pound of shrimp per person.

Smoky Sausage
Smoked sausage adds hearty, meaty flavor to balance the sweet succulence of the shrimp. Andouille and kielbasa are two common types used:

• Andouille: This Louisiana smoked sausage has a spicy, course-ground pork and garlic flavor.

• Kielbasa: Milder in flavor, this Polish sausage features a smoother beef and pork blend.

Cut the sausage into 2-3 inch pieces before adding to the boil. Other smoky meats like tasso ham or turkey kielbasa also work deliciously.

Sweet Corn
What better veggie to boil up than summer’s superstar – corn on the cob! The natural sugars in fresh corn become intensified when boiled, playing perfectly against the shrimp’s brininess.

Look for plump, tightly wrapped ears with green husks and golden brown silk. Give them a quick scrub under water before boiling. Some boil recipes also call for halved new potatoes, which soak up flavors nicely.

Spicy Seasonings
No shrimp boil would be complete without liberal doses of Cajun and Creole spices. These lively, aromatic seasonings infuse the broth with heat and regional flavor. Two classics are:

• Old Bay: This Maryland must-have blends celery salt, red pepper, bay leaves and more.

• Zatarain’s: A Louisiana legend, this spice mix contains thyme, oregano, cayenne and onion.

Depending on your preference for heat, use 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup of seasoning per gallons of water. Additional dried spices like cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, lemon pepper, and onion powder can also be added to taste.

Tangy Lemons
Bright, acidic lemons help balance out the richness of the shrimp boil. Halved lemons are often added right to the pot, infusing the boiling broth with sunny citrus flavor. A spritz of lemon at serving time also brings a refreshing zip. Meyer lemons, known for their slightly sweeter juice, are another nice choice.

Herbed Butter
A pat of herb-flecked butter melts deliciously over the boiled shrimp, corn, and sausage, adding even more richness. Blend softened butter with minced garlic, Italian parsley, thyme, scallions, lemon zest, or other fresh herbs of choice. Drizzle the butter over individual servings, or place a slice atop each portion.

The Pot
Now that you’ve got a handle on what goes in the boil, let’s talk about what it goes into! Large pots are key for simmering all the ingredients together.

For outdoors, a heavy stockpot or commercial crawfish/crab boiler on a propane burner works excellently. Indoors, a 20-quart stockpot on the stove or an extra-large boil bag in a roasting pan can accommodate the task.

No matter your setup, be sure to use a slotted spoon, sieve or small colander to easily remove the cooked ingredients from the hot broth. Then dump everything onto a newspaper or paper-lined table for easy serving and minimal cleanup – because the fun of a shrimp boil is all about being hands-on!

Shrimp Boil Tips
Here are some helpful tips and tricks for making unforgettable shrimp boils at home:

• Cook raw shrimp just until pink and curled, about 3-5 minutes, to prevent overcooking.

• Let the corn and potatoes boil 5 minutes before adding shrimp so they have time to soften.

• Add halved lemons, garlic cloves, and seasonings to the boiling broth for maximum flavor infusion.

• For convenience, purchase peeled, deveined shrimp and pre-cut smoked sausage.

• Provide small bowls of melted butter, lemon wedges, and extra seasoning for guests to customize.

• Lay down newspaper, butcher paper, or disposable plastic tablecloths for easy post-boil cleanup.

• Keep a stocked ice chest nearby with cold beer, soda, and water to quench thirsts.

• Play upbeat southern tunes like zydeco, blues, and jazz to set the festive mood.

Shrimp Boil Recipes
Now that you know what goes into an authentic shrimp boil, get ready to dig in! Here are two classic shrimp boil recipes to try for your next shrimp-boiling gathering:

Dave’s Low Country Boil

This highly-rated shrimp boil from AllRecipes member Lisa is a tried and true southern crowd-pleaser. It features andouille sausage, shrimp, red potatoes, and corn simmered in a seasoned broth. Reviewers rave about the amazing flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon seafood seasoning
• 5 pounds new potatoes, halved
• 3 packages andouille sausage, cut in chunks
• 8 corn cobs, cut in half
• 5 pounds snow crab legs and clusters
• 4 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 lemons, halved

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil on an outdoor cooker. Add seafood seasoning.

2. Add potatoes and boil 10-12 minutes until fork tender.

3. Add corn, sausage, and crab. Boil 5 minutes.

4. Add shrimp and boil 3 minutes more until shrimp are pink.

5. Drain and serve with melted butter.

Old Bay Shrimp Boil

For quintessential Maryland flavor, Old Bay seasoning stars in this easy stovetop shrimp boil recipe from Julie at Julie’s Eats and Treats. It comes together in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled, tails on
• 1 pound kielbasa sausage, cut in chunks
• 4 corn cobs, cut in quarters
• 1 pound small red potatoes, halved
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/3 cup Old Bay seasoning
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1⁄2 cup butter
• 2 lemons
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Fill a large pot with water, add halved lemons, garlic, onion, and Old Bay. Bring to a boil.

2. Add potatoes and boil 10-12 minutes until barely fork tender.

3. Add corn and sausage. Boil 5 minutes.

4. Add shrimp and boil 2-3 minutes until pink.

5. Drain and place in a baking sheet. Melt butter and drizzle over top along with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.