Want to eat vegetables, meat, and seafood all at the same time? If so, make a shrimp boil to satisfy your hunger. It is a perfect dish for the entire family and is enjoyed with hands.
Since this dish is a masterpiece, it is bound to spread smiles. But if you’re having a big party, you might want to serve some side dishes along with the shrimp boil.
When you have a shrimp boil, the best sides are baked beans, corn on the cob, deviled eggs, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese.
A shrimp boil is the ultimate Southern summer party. This seafood feast brings family and friends together for a laidback, tasty experience.
But hosting a shrimp boil comes with a lot of work. You need to cook pounds of shrimp spice up the broth, prepare sides and more. So having a game plan is essential.
That’s where this shrimp boil checklist comes in! I’ll walk you through everything you need – from equipment to ingredients to tips Just keep scrolling for the full guide.
Shrimp Boil Equipment Essentials
Let’s start with the gear you need to host a fantastic shrimp feast.
A Large Pot
Obviously, you need something big enough to cook all that shrimp! I recommend at least an 8-quart stockpot, though bigger is always better.
Aim to have around 1 quart per person. So if you’re cooking for 10, grab a 10-quart pot.
This Bayou Classic Stockpot is perfect for shrimp boils. It’s 20 quarts, has a basket insert, and comes from a top seafood brand.
Basket Insert
Speaking of basket inserts, this is a must-have! The basket sits inside your pot to hold the shrimp, corn, and potatoes while they cook.
It allows you to easily remove the food when done. And it prevents your seafood from sitting in the boiling water and overcooking.
You can buy pots that come with baskets or grab an insert like this one. It’s stainless steel and fits most stockpots.
Seafood Scissors
Shrimp can be tricky to peel, especially when hot and slippery. So a good pair of seafood scissors will save you time and hassle.
I recommend springing for these KitchenAid ones. The micro-serrated blade glides through shells, and the plastic handles protect your hands.
Large Tongs
Tongs are another shrimp boil necessity. You’ll need them for moving the food in and out of the pot.
I like getting extra long tongs like these grilling tongs. They keep your hands away from the steam and boiling water.
Spice Bags
To infuse flavor into the broth, you’ll need some spice bags. Just fill them with your favorite boil seasoning blends.
Then toss the bags into the pot so the shrimp soaks up all that seasoned goodness.
You can grab a pack of disposable muslin spice bags for cheap. They’re 5 inches wide and perfect for boiling.
Gloves
Shrimp boils mean messy, sauce-covered hands. So keep a box of disposable gloves on hand for easy clean-up.
Latex gloves are best since they offer more dexterity. Grab a box of these Ambitex gloves and you’re set.
Plates, Bowls, and Utensils
While shrimp boils are hands-on feasts, you’ll still need servingware.
I recommend getting stacks of paper plates, bowls, and utensils. This combo pack has you covered on all three.
The disposable tableware means easy cleanup with no dish duty required.
Napkins and Wet Wipes
Lots of napkins are an absolute must for messy shrimp boils.
I also keep containers of wet wipes or hand wipes around too. They let guests clean sauce off hands and faces between courses.
You can grab these wipes in bulk for just a few cents each.
Outdoor Tables
Shrimp boils are best enjoyed outdoors in the summer sunshine.
Folding tables give you extra space for food, drinks, and seating. I use these 6-foot tables and love how sturdy they are.
They also fold up for easy storage when the party’s over.
Ice Chests
You’ll need plenty of ice cold drinks on hand. And the best way to keep them chilled is with ice chests.
I swear by these Coleman Xtreme coolers. They hold up to 100 cans and keep ice frozen for 5 full days.
Trash Bags
Let’s be real: shrimp boils generate a ton of trash. You’ll go through piles of paper plates, napkins, gloves, and shells.
So be ready with extra heavy-duty trash bags. I use these 13-gallon bags that can hold over 55 pounds each!
Must-Have Shrimp Boil Ingredients
Now let’s talk about the edible essentials: the food and spices!
Raw Shrimp
Obviously, you need shrimp for a shrimp boil! I recommend going with raw, shell-on shrimp for the best flavor.
As for size, opt for extra jumbo or colossal shrimp that are 16 to 20 count per pound. Bigger shrimp hold up better in the boil.
Figure at least 1⁄2 pound of shrimp per person. For parties, grab a couple bags of frozen shrimp like this 5-pound bag so you have plenty.
Smoked Sausage
Smoky sausage adds tons of flavor to the broth. Go for andouille or kielbasa sausage.
I like using Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage. It’s nicely seasoned but still lets the shrimp shine.
Corn on the Cob
What’s a shrimp boil without corn?Aim for at least 1 ear per person. I love using this sweet corn since the cobs are huge.
Potatoes
Small red or yellow potatoes are perfect for soaking up all that seasoned broth.
Baby creamer potatoes are classic. But you can also use fingerling or new potatoes.
I grab a few bags of step-house butter potatoes since they’re so creamy.
Old Bay Seasoning
You can’t have a shrimp boil without Old Bay! This iconic spice blend packs the heat and flavor.
I recommend having at least two containers on hand. Sprinkle it on the shrimp, corn, and potatoes while cooking.
You can grab an 18-ounce tub of Old Bay for just $10.
Crab Boil Seasoning Bags
While Old Bay is a must, you can kick things up with crab boil bags too.
These mesh bags come loaded with Cajun spices like garlic, lemon, and cayenne pepper. Just toss them in the pot for extra flavor.
I’m obsessed with Rex Crab Boil. And a pack of 24 bags costs just $16.
Lemons
No shrimp boil is complete without a tangy pop of lemon. Slice lemons and toss them in the broth while cooking.
Then serve halved lemons on the side so guests can spritz the shrimp. It adds so much freshness.
Garlic
Garlic packs a savory, aromatic punch that shrimp love. Peel a full head and toss the cloves into the boiling pot.
Pro tip: Give the garlic a rough smash before adding it to release more flavor!
Salt
A few tablespoons of saltseasons the broth and makes everything taste well-rounded. Plain table salt works fine here.
Melted Butter
You’ll need melted butter for basting the corn, potatoes, and shrimp as they finish cooking.
Clarified butter is traditional but regular unsalted butter works too. Just melt a few sticks on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Handy Items to Have On Hand
Beyond the core ingredients and gear, a few extras can make your shrimp boil more enjoyable.
Wet Rags
Keep some damp rags on hand for wiping up spills and drips on the table. It saves you from constantly replacing messy paper towels.
Newspaper
Newspaper is the secret for easy table covering and cleanup. Just layer sheets over your table before adding tablecloths.
The paper catches drips and shells. Then you just roll it up and toss after eating.
Bibs
Plastic bibs protect clothes from inevitable drips and stains. And they come in
20 Side Dishes Served With Shrimp Boil
With the extra carbs and proteins in shrimp boil, a good side dish can help you feel better. So, make your selection carefully.
Raise your hands if you have always been a fan of Mac and Cheese. We all love this creation as its cheesy, warm, and soft. Whats more, you can pair it with the shrimp boil for a hearty meal.
However, ensure to serve this dish while its fresh. Since elbow macaroni gets soggy over time, you might not want to eat the dish at that point.
Mashed potatoes are buttery, soft, and delicious. They have a wholesome texture and flavor, making them the best side dish for any main meal. You can serve a scoop or two of mashed potatoes with each bowl of shrimp boil. They are very easy to make.
This side dish is easy to make with just corn on the cob, water, butter, and salt. You can make it for as many people as you want. Moreover, you can also make a separate seasoning for people who prefer a spicy touch to their corn.
Cutting the cob into pieces and putting them in the same dish as the shrimp boil is the best way to serve it.
Deviled eggs taste great, especially when served with seafood. These eggs are pretty healthy and can be made more delicious with a mayo and olive oil filling.
If you crave something special, add avocado to the mix as well.
If you have extra ham in the fridge, mix it with some boiled beans to make this tasty dish. This side dish and shrimp boil make a perfect weeknight dinner for two. The beans and shrimp pair well together, creating a comfortable dish everyone loves.
Suppose the potatoes in your shrimp boil are not enough. Then you can make a fresh potato salad with apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, yellow mustard, and brown mustard as the dressing. You can also include herbs in the mix for a refreshing side dish.
Additionally, mayo also helps add a creamy texture to the salad. However, ensure to add a small amount to keep the calories as low as possible.
Shrimp boil can get very heavy sometimes, especially with all the potatoes, seafood, and corn. This is why you should also consider pairing the dish with steamed vegetables.
You can add your favorite spices to your vegetables when steaming for a much-needed kick. Alternatively, only season the vegetables with salt and pepper if you prefer low spice levels.
This is a super delicious salad that takes on 30 minutes to get ready. The dish has chicken breast, mayonnaise, almonds, mustard, and chives in it, making a healthy salad that is great for the shrimp boil.
Again, there are no restrictions when it comes to its ingredients. So feel free to add your favorite vegetables and herbs.
It wouldn’t be a bad idea to serve the shrimp boil with crackers and a bowl of healthy chili.
Vegetarian chili is a wholesome side dish with beans, tomatoes, cumin, and chili powder. Feel free to use either pinto or black beans in this recipe. The extras can be frozen for up to four months.
If you want carbs and calories, shrimp boil is a great dish to go with rosemary bread. This bread is best when served warm and soft.
Additionally, the bread has very limited ingredients, such as yeast, water, rosemary, olive oil, salt, and sugar. Most ingredients are already available in your pantry, so you dont have to head out for these ingredients.
Coleslaw helps to add vibrant colors to your food table. Additionally, coleslaw is delightful and healthy.
This creamy side dish serves sour and sweet with a unique crunchy texture. When paired with the shrimp boil, coleslaw elevates the taste and texture of your meal.
When preparing a coleslaw, you can add your favorite cabbages, carrots, and onions to the mix. Also, apple cider vinegar and mayonnaise make your dressing tasty and rich.
Here is another tip. Cole slaw should be frozen for about an hour before being served with well-cooked shrimp boil. Nothing is better than cold coleslaw, so ensure you follow this tip.
If you find creating a Brussel Sprouts main dish hard, try making a side dish instead. Pan-roast the sprouts using vegetable oil and place the dish in an oven.
Roasting takes about 30 minutes, and the results are always fantastic. You can top these sprouts with seasoning and cheese and serve them with a plate of shrimp boil.
Also, Brussels sprouts are pretty healthy, so adding them to your food as a side dish makes it healthier.
Shrimp boil is a great way to enjoy seafood in the summer, and there’s no better way to do it than with a fresh salad. This is why a bowl of avocado cucumber salad makes a perfect match.
Both avocado and cucumber help elevate your salad game and make it fulfilling. Also, it prevents stomach acidity when consumed with a heavy meal.
Imagine enjoying oven-roasted asparagus with lemon, parmesan, and garlic. This side dish is healthy, light, and refreshing. Whats more, it complements a shrimp boil pretty well.
It is one of the quickest side dishes to serve urgently. Plus, asparagus is low in both carbs and fat, so you can eat it as often as you like.
You can also add two or more garlic cloves to your recipe. Cloves add a comforting flavor and excellent richness.
The baked beans recipe uses your favorite beans cooked slow and low. You can season the beans however you like. But we recommend using onion and garlic powders, turmeric, and salt for a tasty flavor.
Alternatively, spice up your baked beans with cumin, chili powder, and barbecue sauce. This baked bean recipe is pretty sweet and saucy.
Take a bowl and mix a few thinly sliced onions, cucumbers, watermelons, and cheese. Then add a few herbs, spices, salt, and pepper for a nice kick.
Pair the salad with your plate of shrimp boil and gain praise from your family and guests.
A warm bowl of clam chowder with a plate of shrimp boil is surely a hard-to-resist combination. Make sure this soup is warm, the right thickness, and full of all the great things that will make you feel full and happy before you serve it with your main dish.
Have you tried eating a shrimp boil with homemade buns? If not, this is your chance.
Buns are soft and warm. They taste great with all types of dishes, including seafood. Dip your bun in the main dish and experience a fulfilling meal.
Alternatively, you can eat the shrimp and buns separately and enjoy them with your favorite beverage.
This salad is healthy, sweet, and delicious. When you put together apples, pomegranate seeds, cinnamon-spiced pecans, goat cheese, and walnuts, you can make a side dish that goes with any seafood dish.
You cant go wrong with a caesar salad. It is healthy, delicious, creamy, and very easy to make. Also, a lot of people really like this salad, so even if you don’t like vegetables, you might find it hard to say no to this side dish.
Shrimp boil is an excellent dish that can elevate your mood easily. It’s full of good things for you and tastes so good they’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.
We have shared some amazing sides above if you dont want to experience this seafood alone. So take a pick and enjoy your meal.
EASY Shrimp Boil Recipe
What can I add to a shrimp boil?
Adding Old Bay seasoning or lemon juice can add a burst of flavor that complements the shrimp. Lastly, get creative with your serving ideas. Incorporating unique sides or sauces that complement the flavors of the shrimp boil can add an extra touch of deliciousness to the meal.
Is shrimp healthy to eat?
Shrimp is very healthy to eat, unless you have an allergy to shellfish. Shrimp is great because it is a low calorie, high protein food that is relatively inexpensive. Shrimp is also very versatile, so there are many recipes out there, meaning that you can eat shrimp multiple times a week each time in a different way. Don’t make shrimp your only protein source, because a healthy diet is also a varied diet.
What to serve with a shrimp boil?
However, if you have a large gathering, you may want to complement the shrimp boil with a few side dishes. The best side dishes for shrimp boil are mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, corn on the cob, deviled eggs, coleslaw, salads, and baked beans. If you are ready to explore more dishes, jump right in.
What to eat after a shrimp boil?
The best side dishes for shrimp boil are hush puppies, coleslaw, jalapeno cornbread, and mac and cheese. You can also serve baked sweet potato fries, sourdough dinner rolls, or garlic rice pilaf. For healthier options, consider serving watermelon salad, vegetable skewers, or peach salsa.