Description
Coastal Louisiana meets kitchen magic in this sizzling Cajun Shrimp Boil, packed with zesty spices and ocean-fresh seafood. Spicy, succulent shrimp mingle with corn, potatoes, and sausage, delivering a mouthwatering feast that transports you straight to New Orleans’ lively culinary scene.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound smoked sausage, cut into 2-inch pieces
Vegetables and Corn:
- 4 medium potatoes, cut into quarters
- 4 ears corn, broken in half
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
Seasonings and Extras:
- 1/4 cup Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 lemon, halved
- 3 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Water, to cover ingredients
- Butter (optional, for serving)
- Dipping sauces (garlic butter or cocktail sauce)
Instructions
- Fill a generously sized pot with water, ensuring enough liquid to submerge all ingredients, and incorporate Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, crushed garlic, aromatic bay leaves, and halved lemons.
- Ignite the burner and bring the seasoned liquid to a rolling boil, creating a vibrant, fragrant broth at approximately 212°F.
- Carefully introduce whole potatoes and corn into the bubbling liquid, allowing them to simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes reach a fork-tender consistency.
- After potatoes soften, introduce sliced sausage into the pot, letting it warm through and absorb the spicy broth for 5 minutes.
- Gently drop raw shrimp into the pot, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they transform from translucent gray to bright pink and become firm to the touch.
- Remove pot from heat and swiftly drain liquid using a large colander, transferring the colorful mixture onto a expansive serving platter.
- Squeeze reserved lemon halves over the seafood medley, distributing their zesty juice across the dish and tossing ingredients to ensure even seasoning.
- Present immediately alongside melted butter and complementary dipping sauces, inviting guests to enjoy this traditional Southern coastal feast.
Notes
- Customize your spice level by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning for those who prefer milder or bolder flavors.
- Opt for low-sodium seasonings if watching salt intake, ensuring the dish remains flavorful without excess sodium.
- Swap traditional sausage with turkey or plant-based alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences while maintaining the classic boil texture.
- Keep a close eye on cooking times to prevent overcooking seafood and vegetables, which can result in rubbery shrimp and mushy potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 200mg