Mardi Gras Shrimp Boil (Print View)
A lively mix of shrimp, corn, sausage, and potatoes seasoned with Cajun spices for a festive Southern classic.
# What You'll Need:
→ Seafood
01 - 1.5 lbs large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on
→ Vegetables
02 - 4 ears corn, each cut into 3 pieces
03 - 1.5 lbs small red potatoes, halved if large
04 - 1 large yellow onion, quartered
05 - 1 head garlic, halved horizontally
→ Sausage
06 - 1 lb smoked Andouille sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
→ Spices & Flavorings
07 - 1/3 cup Cajun or Creole seasoning
08 - 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
09 - 3 bay leaves
10 - 1 lemon, sliced
11 - 2 tsp salt
12 - 1 tsp black peppercorns
13 - 1 tsp cayenne pepper
→ Liquids
14 - 12 cups water
15 - 1 (12 oz) bottle beer
→ To Serve
16 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
17 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
18 - Lemon wedges
# How to Make:
01 - Fill a large stockpot with water and beer. Add Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, bay leaves, salt, peppercorns, lemon slices, and garlic. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
02 - Add potatoes and onion to the boiling liquid. Boil for 12–15 minutes until potatoes are just tender when pierced with a fork.
03 - Stir in corn pieces and sliced sausage. Cook for 7–8 minutes until corn is bright yellow and sausage is heated through.
04 - Add shrimp to the pot. Simmer for 2–3 minutes just until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook or shrimp will become tough.
05 - Drain the boil thoroughly, discarding bay leaves and lemon slices. Spread contents onto a large serving tray or newspaper-lined table. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
06 - Serve hot with lemon wedges and additional Cajun seasoning on the side for those who prefer extra spice.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The entire meal cooks in one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor infusion
- Its the ultimate party food that brings people together in the most wonderfully chaotic way
02 -
- Shrimp cook in minutes, so add them last and watch like a hawk
- The longer everything sits in the spiced water, the more flavorful it becomes
03 -
- Let the seasoning blend bloom in the hot water for 5 minutes before adding any ingredients
- Slice your sausage thick enough that it doesnt get lost among the shrimp