Name: Easy Cajun Shrimp Boil Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 pounds large jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined, leave tails on); 1 pound smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille, cut into 1 inch pieces); 1 pound small red potatoes (cut in half); 4 ears corn (each cut into 4 pieces); 1 medium onion (cleaned and cut into large pieces); 6 cloves garlic (cleaned and smashed); 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley or cilantro (plus more for garnish); 1/4 cup seafood seasoning (like Old Bay); 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning; 4 lemons (2 cut into quarters for cooking, 2 for serving); ½ cup unsalted butter; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for butter topping); finely minced garlic (start with 1 tablespoon, for butter topping); 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for butter topping); 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (for serving, optional)

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, vibrant colors, and the communal joy of sharing a feast, you’re going to love this Easy Cajun Shrimp Boil Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of juicy jumbo shrimp, smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and sweet corn all simmered in a citrusy, spicy broth that’s so satisfying you’ll find yourself coming back for more. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a get-together with friends, this classic Southern favorite is sure to impress without any fuss in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden cutting board placed on a white marbled surface. On the board, there is a layer of raw shrimp, light grey with a moist texture, spread out in the front center. Behind the shrimp, there are small red potatoes on the left side, smooth and round. To the right of the potatoes, there are two whole heads of garlic with a dry, papery skin. Along the back edge of the board, a long, curved smoked sausage, dark reddish-brown in color, rests. To the right of the board, there are three ears of yellow and white corn stacked on top of each other. On the far left side near the back, there are bright yellow lemons, some cut side down and others whole, with a bunch of green parsley behind them. Small white bowls sit around the board; one contains coarse salt, one has mixed black and white peppercorns, and another holds a reddish-brown spice powder. A woman's hand with a butter knife is seen in the top left corner holding a stick of pale yellow butter. The background surface is white marble. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Easy Cajun Shrimp Boil Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each bringing layers of flavor, texture, and color that make every bite a delight. From plump shrimp to crisp corn and zesty seasonings, every component plays a crucial role in creating that iconic boil experience.

2 pounds large jumbo shrimp: Peeled and deveined with tails on, shrimp add a juicy, tender seafood star to the dish.
1 pound smoked sausage: Use kielbasa or andouille, cut into 1-inch pieces for a smoky, savory kick.
4 lemons: Two for cooking and two for serving, lemons bring a fresh, tangy brightness to balance the spices.
1 medium onion: Cut into large pieces, this adds natural sweetness and depth to the broth.
6 cloves garlic: Smashed to release their aroma and flavor throughout the boil.
1/4 cup seafood seasoning: Classic Old Bay or similar, it perfectly seasons the water for a rich, layered taste.
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: Brings heat and spice for that authentic Cajun flair.
1 pound small red potatoes: Halved to cook evenly and provide heartiness to the boil.
4 ears corn: Cut into four pieces each, adding sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
½ cup unsalted butter: Creates a luscious, flavorful topping that ties everything together.
1/2 teaspoon salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the butter topping.
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley or cilantro: Adds fresh color and herbal brightness, with extra for garnish.
1 tablespoon finely minced garlic: Part of the butter topping to intensify garlicky goodness.
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle heat that wakes up the palate.
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish: For a tangy, spicy zing that makes the butter topping unforgettable.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Easy Cajun Shrimp Boil Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Flavored Boiling Broth

Start by filling a large stock pot halfway with about 8 to 10 cups of water. Toss in the lemon quarters, onion pieces, smashed garlic, seafood seasoning, and Cajun seasoning. Bring this aromatic mixture up to a boil—this seasoned broth is the flavorful heart of your shrimp boil, so be patient and let it come alive with spicy, citrusy notes.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Add the halved red potatoes to the boiling broth and cook for about 10 minutes. This timing ensures they cook through but still hold their shape, giving you bite-sized morsels that soak up all the wonderful flavors swirling in the pot.

Step 3: Add Corn and Sausage

Next, gently add the corn pieces and sliced smoked sausage to the pot. Let everything cook together for 6 more minutes. The corn brings natural sweetness and pop, while the sausage infuses smoky, meaty goodness throughout the boil.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection

Finally, add the jumbo shrimp to the pot and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until they turn translucent and curl up nicely. Be careful not to overcook here—perfectly cooked shrimp are tender and juicy, the true star of this Easy Cajun Shrimp Boil Recipe.

Step 5: Drain and Butter It Up

Immediately drain the entire shrimp boil and transfer it onto a large baking sheet. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then whisk in salt, black pepper, parsley, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and prepared horseradish until the mixture is smooth and fragrant. Pour half of this vibrant butter topping over the seafood and vegetables, gently stirring to coat everything in that rich, spicy sauce. Save the rest for serving alongside.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Fresh

Sprinkle more chopped parsley and fresh lemon wedges over the top for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve your Easy Cajun Shrimp Boil Recipe immediately while it’s piping hot and bursting with flavor.

How to Serve Easy Cajun Shrimp Boil Recipe

A metal strainer spoon holds pieces of cooked food over a steaming pot with clear broth. Inside the strainer, there are four pink and white cooked shrimp with tails attached, two bright yellow and white corn cob sections, and two small round pieces of reddish brown sausage. The soup broth below is light and clear, with a white marbled surface seen around the pot edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro always brightens this shrimp boil visually and flavor-wise. Offering lemon wedges on the side invites everyone to add a bit of zesty brightness to their bites. The reserved spicy butter topping is perfect for drizzling or dipping, adding extra indulgence to each serving.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to balance the meal, consider a light green salad or crusty garlic bread to mop up any leftover buttery goodness. A chilled coleslaw or cucumber salad can also add a refreshing, crunchy contrast that plays beautifully against the warm, spicy boil.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, casual vibe, serve your Easy Cajun Shrimp Boil Recipe on a newspaper-lined table or a large picnic tray so guests can dig right in with their hands. Or for a more polished presentation, pile the boil onto a large platter and place small bowls of the buttery dipping sauce and extra lemon wedges around. This interactive style of dining always sparks conversation and laughter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the seafood and vegetables together and store the butter sauce separately to maintain freshness and flavor integrity.

Freezing

While freezing this shrimp boil isn’t ideal due to texture changes in potatoes and corn, you can freeze cooked shrimp and sausage separately for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to avoid toughness before combining with freshly boiled veggies.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop in a covered pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra butter to keep everything moist and tender. Avoid the microwave, which can make shrimp rubbery. Heat gently until everything is warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture in your Easy Cajun Shrimp Boil Recipe.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning at home?

You can mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme as a homemade blend. This will give you a close approximation of that signature Cajun flavor.

How spicy is this Easy Cajun Shrimp Boil Recipe?

It has a pleasant kick thanks to the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes, but you can always adjust the amount of spice to suit your taste.

Can I substitute the smoked sausage?

Yes! If you prefer something less smoky, a mild sausage or even chorizo can work well. You just want a sausage that holds up to boiling and adds savory flavor.

What’s the best way to peel and devein shrimp?

For convenience, buy shrimp already peeled and deveined. If not, remove the shell but leave the tail on for presentation, and use a small knife to make a shallow cut to remove the vein for a clean, tasty shrimp.

Final Thoughts

Embrace the joy of cooking and sharing a hearty, flavorful feast with this Easy Cajun Shrimp Boil Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together around the table, full of zest, spice, and comfort in every bite. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a cherished go-to for any occasion worth celebrating.