If you love seafood with a dash of spicy, savory goodness, you’re going to adore this Shrimp Boil Recipe with Old Bay Seasoning Recipe. It’s a classic Southern favorite that combines juicy shrimp, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and flavorful sausage all simmered in one pot seasoned with that iconic Old Bay blend. When I first tried this, I was hooked instantly—the flavors just meld together so perfectly. Stick around, because I’ll walk you through everything, and trust me, once you make this you’ll wanna make it again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks together, saving you time and cleanup.
Bold Flavors: Old Bay seasoning gives the dish that unmistakable savory, spicy kick.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this meal, and I bet yours will too.
Customizable Ingredients: Swap sausage types or adjust spice levels easily to fit your taste.

The image shows a colorful seafood boil with several layers mixed together. The first layer consists of chunky pieces of bright yellow corn on the cob with visible kernels, evenly spread across the dish. On top of that are many plump shrimp with an orange-pink color and a slightly shiny, cooked texture. Interspersed among the shrimp and corn are thick slices of reddish sausage with a smooth surface, and chunks of red-skinned potatoes with a soft texture. Thin lemon wedges with yellow skin and juicy white flesh are scattered in various places. The entire dish is sprinkled with finely chopped green parsley, adding a fresh touch. The food rests on a white marbled surface that enhances the vibrant colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Shrimp Boil Old Bay Seasoning, Shrimp Boil Recipe, seafood boil recipe, Old Bay seafood boil, Southern shrimp boil

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a part in building layers of flavor that make this shrimp boil special. When I shop, I always look for fresh shrimp and good-quality andouille sausage because they really elevate the dish.

Flat lay of a large red onion quartered into wedges, a whole garlic bulb halved horizontally showing cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright reddish Old Bay seasoning powder, fresh thyme sprigs with delicate green leaves, several medium red potatoes cut into fourths with smooth skin, four husked corn ears broken into halves with bright yellow kernels, thick slices of reddish-brown andouille sausage showing marbling, a pile of plump raw pink shrimp with shells peeled and deveined, a small white bowl of melted golden butter, another small white bowl with fresh lemon juice, and a few sprigs of finely chopped fresh green parsley, all arranged symmetrically and naturally without any packaging, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Shrimp Boil Old Bay Seasoning, Shrimp Boil Recipe, seafood boil recipe, Old Bay seafood boil, Southern shrimp boil

Hot water: The base for your boil—make sure you have plenty to cook everything evenly.
Red onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth; yellow onion works fine too.
Garlic bulb: Halving it releases garlicky notes without overpowering the broth.
Old Bay seasoning: The star of the show for that instant shrimp boil flavor.
Fresh thyme leaves: Adds a lovely herbal aroma—dried works in a pinch.
Red potatoes: Yukon gold or red potatoes hold up well during boiling and soak up flavor.
Salt and pepper: For seasoning the broth and balancing flavors.
Corn on the cob: Sweet and juicy, a perfect contrast to the spice.
Andouille sausage: Smoky and spicy, it gives the dish heartiness.
Shrimp: Deveined and peeled if you prefer, but shells can add extra flavor if you leave them on.
Unsalted butter: Melted and drizzled over everything for richness.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the dish—don’t skip it!
Minced fresh parsley: Adds color and a fresh finish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Shrimp Boil Recipe with Old Bay Seasoning Recipe can be—feel free to tweak it based on your mood or what you have on hand. I often mix things up and find tasty results every single time.

Spice level: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne if you want more heat—my family is big on spicy, so I usually add a pinch.
Protein swaps: Try swapping the andouille sausage for smoked kielbasa or chorizo for different smoky flavors.
Vegetables: Toss in some baby red potatoes, or even artichokes if you want a seasonal variation.
Dietary preferences: For gluten-free, just ensure your sausage is certified gluten-free, and you’re good to go.

How to Make Shrimp Boil Recipe with Old Bay Seasoning Recipe

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Start by filling a large 12-quart pot with 4 quarts of water. Toss in your sliced onion wedges, halved garlic bulb, Old Bay seasoning, and fresh thyme leaves. Bring everything to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. This step is crucial because it infuses the broth with those layered aromatic flavors that will permeate every bite.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Once the broth is boiling, add the quartered red potatoes. Season the pot with about 1 tablespoon salt—this helps season the potatoes inside and out. Let them cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until they start becoming tender but aren’t falling apart. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in easily but still has some resistance.

Step 3: Add Corn and Sausage

Next, toss in your cut corn pieces and cook for 3 minutes. Then add the andouille sausage slices and simmer for another 4 minutes. At this point, the flavors have really started coming together—the smoky sausage juices mingle with the salty, herbal broth.

Step 4: Finish with the Shrimp

Gently stir in your shrimp. It will only need 1 to 2 minutes to cook until it turns opaque and pink—be careful not to overcook it or it’ll get rubbery. This quick step adds that fresh, seafood essence right at the end.

Step 5: Drain and Dress

Drain the whole mixture, but I like to reserve about 1/4 cup of the flavorful broth to drizzle at serving time if I want. Spread everything out on a large serving platter or even a baking sheet for a festive, casual feast. Then drizzle melted butter and fresh lemon juice over it all, sprinkle with minced parsley, a dash more Old Bay seasoning, plus freshly cracked pepper to taste. Serve immediately while warm—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Boil Recipe with Old Bay Seasoning Recipe

Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly—remove immediately once pink and opaque to keep them tender.
Use Quality Sausage: A good smoky andouille brings incredible depth—don’t skimp here.
Reserve Broth: Keeping a little broth lets you drizzle extra flavor back onto your serving if desired.
Perfect Potatoes: Test potatoes often so they’re tender but not mushy—they soak up the seasoning best at this texture.

How to Serve Shrimp Boil Recipe with Old Bay Seasoning Recipe

The dish is served on a white plate filled with several layers of food. The bottom layer has lemon wedges and chopped green herbs scattered all over. On top of that, there are bright yellow corn pieces cut into chunks with a rough texture, and light brown potato halves with a smooth surface. Orange shrimp with a slightly rough texture are placed on and around the corn and potatoes. There are also round slices of reddish sausage with a firm texture and some purple onion pieces adding color contrast. On one side of the plate, a thick square of golden-yellow cornbread with a coarse crumb sits. All the ingredients have a light sprinkling of green herbs and spices. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a dark teal cloth visible at the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Shrimp Boil Old Bay Seasoning, Shrimp Boil Recipe, seafood boil recipe, Old Bay seafood boil, Southern shrimp boil

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh parsley on top—it adds a nice pop of color and freshness. A few extra dashes of Old Bay seasoning right at the end always spice things up perfectly. Plus, lemon wedges on the side let everyone add a little zing to their liking.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are simple: a crusty loaf of garlic bread or buttery corn muffins to soak up all those delicious juices. Sometimes I serve a crisp green salad dressed with something light like a lemon vinaigrette to balance out the hearty boil.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to layer everything on newspaper-covered picnic tables for that authentic seafood boil experience. Or, serve it family-style in a big Dutch oven right on the table with plenty of napkins and small bowls for shells—makes the meal fun and communal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I usually keep the shrimp separate from the potatoes and sausage when possible—it helps maintain texture when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing works best for cooked potatoes and sausage but shrimp can get a bit rubbery after freezing. If you plan on freezing, I suggest cooking everything but shrimp, then adding shrimp fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of the reserved broth or a bit of water over low heat. Microwave works too, but watch the shrimp so they don’t overcook. Adding a little melted butter and fresh lemon juice after reheating revives those bright flavors nicely.

FAQs

Can I make this Shrimp Boil Recipe with Old Bay Seasoning Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just double-check that the andouille sausage you buy is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients—shrimp, potatoes, corn, spices—are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great naturally safe option.
Do I have to peel the shrimp?

You don’t have to peel the shrimp if you like eating them shell-on; they add extra flavor to the broth. But peeling them before cooking makes it easier to dig in, so it’s really up to your preference.
How spicy is this recipe?

Old Bay seasoning has a moderate heat level—warming but not overwhelming. If you want more heat, you can add cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to taste during the boil.
Can I substitute other types of sausage?

Definitely! I’ve used kielbasa, smoked chorizo, even spicy Italian sausage in a pinch. Just choose one with strong flavor to complement the seafood and spices.
What wine pairs well with a shrimp boil?

A crisp, citrusy white like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, unoaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the seafood and spice in the shrimp boil. It refreshes the palate between bites.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Boil Recipe with Old Bay Seasoning Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a celebration, no matter the occasion. I’ve enjoyed it with family, friends, and on lazy weekends when I want something fuss-free but impressive. The combination of flavors, the joyful messiness of peeling shrimp, and that warm, buttery finish just makes everyone smile. Give it a try—I can’t wait to hear how much you love it!