Cajun Shrimp Boil

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This Cajun Shrimp Boil recipe is packed with fresh seafood, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic spices like Old Bay and smoked paprika. This classic Southern Louisiana dish is sure to be a hit with everyone and is perfect for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, and family dinners.

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What Type of Shrimp to Use

Here are some things to consider:

• Freshness: Look for fresh shrimp that have been properly stored and handled. Ideally, you want to use shrimp that were caught and processed as recently as possible.
• Size: Choose a size of shrimp that is appropriate for the dish. Large or jumbo shrimp work well as they hold up better during cooking and are easier to handle.
• Deveined or not: If you purchase shrimp that is already deveined, this will save you some time during the prep. Deveining is the process of removing the digestive tract or “vein” that runs along the back.

How to Make a Cajun Shrimp Boil

Full detailed instructions are below in the recipe card.

1. Bring a large pot to boil with water. Add enough water to cover the shrimp and vegetables.
2. Add the spices, halved lemons, and bay leaves, to the pot. Stir well to combine.
3. Add the halved corn on the cob, halved red potatoes, and andouille sausage to the pot. Stir well to ensure that everything is submerged in the water.
4. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Add the shrimp to the pot and stir well to ensure that they are evenly distributed.
6. Use a strainer to remove the shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage from the pot and drain the excess water.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cook Time/How Long to Cook

The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the shrimp. Shrimp cooks very quickly, usually taking only 2-3 minutes to cook through.

The cooking time for vegetables can vary depending on their size and hardness. Corn on the cob and potatoes will take longer to cook than softer vegetables like onions and bell peppers. Corn on the cob and potatoes will need around 10-15 minutes of cook time.

Can You Add Other Seafood?

Absolutely! As a seafood lover, I encourage you to add more.

• Crab legs: Adding crab legs adds a sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.
• Lobster tails: Lobster tails can be added and cooked for a few minutes until the meat is tender and juicy.
• Clams and mussels: Adding clams and mussels can add a delicious briny flavor that complements the sweetness of the shrimp.
• Crawfish: Crawfish is a popular addition to a shrimp boil, especially in Southern cuisine.
• Scallops: Scallops will need to cook for a few minutes until they are tender and cooked through.
• Oysters: Oysters will need to cook for a few minutes until they open up, revealing their briny, flavorful meat.

Keep in mind that cooking times may vary for different types of seafood, so it’s important to add them to the boil at the appropriate time to ensure they are cooked through but not overcooked.

How to Store Leftovers

• Remove the shrimp and other seafood from the broth and store them separately from the vegetables and potatoes.
• Store the seafood and vegetables in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Leftovers can be stored for up to 3-4 days. When you store them together, the shrimp and vegetables can become soggy and overcooked, which can affect their texture and taste.
• If you have leftover broth, it can be stored separately in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The broth can be reheated and used as a base for soups or stews, or it can be used to make a flavorful sauce for pasta or rice dishes. Use it in my Crab Risotto and Crab Bisque recipes!

Freezer Tips

You can freeze leftovers tightly covered and sealed for 2-3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight.

Pair With These Recipes

Southern Coleslaw
Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
Southern Baked Beans
Southern Soul Food Potato Salad
Smoked Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon
How to Make Shrimp Cocktail
Seafood Jambalaya with Shrimp
Southern Red Beans and Rice

More Seafood Boil Recipes and Guides

Seafood Boil Sauce
Cajun Crawfish Boil Recipe
Crawfish Boil Sauce
Seafood Boil in a Bag
How Long to Boil Crawfish
Crawfish Boil Party Guide
What is a Seafood Boil

If you’re looking to plan a gathering, check out our Shrimp Boil Party Guide for tips and how much shrimp to plan for each guest!

Cajun Shrimp Boil

This Cajun Shrimp Boil recipe is packed with fresh seafood, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic spices like Old Bay and smoked paprika. This classic Southern Louisiana dish is sure to be a hit with everyone and is perfect for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, and family dinners.

5 from 4 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course dinner, lunch

Cuisine Louisiana, Southern

Servings 5 servings

Calories 379 kcal

Equipment

• Large Boil Pot
• Strainer

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 pounds raw shrimp Shells on or off, your preference.
• 1 pound red potatoes Sliced in half.
• 6 oz smoked sausage Sliced into 1 inch rounds. I use andouille sausage.
• 6 ears mini corn on the cob
• 1 lemon Sliced in half

Cajun Seafood Spices (You can also use a store-bought Cajun seasoning if you wish).

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
• 1/2-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust to suit your taste and how spicy you want the boil.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 bay leaves
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot to boil with water. Add enough water to cover the shrimp and vegetables.
• Add the spices, halved lemons, and bay leaves, to the pot. Stir well to combine.
• Add the halved corn on the cob, halved red potatoes, and andouille sausage to the pot. Stir well to ensure that everything is submerged in the water. Taste the water repeatedly and add additional spices to suit your taste.
• Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
• Add the shrimp to the pot and stir well to ensure that they are evenly distributed.
• Cook for 2-4 minutes or until the shrimp is pink and opaque.
• Use a strainer to remove the shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage from the pot and drain the excess water.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Air Fryer Instructions

• The potatoes and shrimp have separate cooking times. So you will need to prepare the dish in stages. You should also cook it in batches based on what will fit in your air fryer.
• Sprinkle all of the ingredients with the spices. Omit the bay leaves if air frying. Drizzle the lemon juice throughout.
• Air fry the potatoes for 7-8 minutes at 400 degrees.
• Open the air fryer and add in the corn on the cob, sausage, and shrimp (keep the potatoes in the air fryer). Air fry for an additional 7-10 minutes or until the vegetables are fork tender and the shrimp pink is opaque.
• Every air fryer cooks at varying speeds. Your timing may differ. Keep a close eye and monitor progress.

Notes

Omit the cayenne pepper if you don’t want a spicy flavor.

Tasting the water is important. This is what will season the vegetables and shrimp. Ensure it meets your liking.

Some people prefer to use shell-on shrimp for a shrimp boil, as the shells can add flavor to the dish. However, others prefer to use peeled shrimp for convenience. Both options are fine, it just comes down to personal preference.

Nutrition

Serving: 6oz shrimp with vegetablesCalories: 379kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 33gFat: 11g

Keyword Cajun seafood boil, Cajun shrimp boil, Cajun shrimp boil recipe, Louisiana shrimp boil, shrimp boil recipe

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