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A vibrant shrimp boil platter, brimming with perfectly cooked shrimp, corn, and potatoes.

Proven way to grow a perfect 15-minute Shrimp Boil (without sausage)

This recipe delivers a flavorful and satisfying shrimp boil in a fraction of the time, making it ideal for a quick and easy meal. It focuses on fresh shrimp, corn, and potatoes, all infused with a savory seasoning blend.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 cups Water
  • 0.25 cup Old Bay seasoning
  • 2 Lemons halved
  • 1.5 pounds Small red potatoes halved or quartered
  • 4 Fresh or frozen corn on the cob halved
  • 1.5 pounds Large shrimp peeled and deveined
For Serving (Optional)
  • 0.5 cup Melted butter
  • Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
  • Hot sauce for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Strainer

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water, 1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning, and 2 halved lemons to a rolling boil.
  2. Add 1.5 pounds of halved red potatoes to the boiling water and cook for 10 minutes, or until fork-tender.
Cooking
  1. Stir in 4 halved ears of corn and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing them to become tender-crisp.
  2. Add 1.5 pounds of peeled and deveined large shrimp to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque.
Serving
  1. Carefully drain the shrimp boil mixture, reserving a small amount of the cooking liquid if desired.
  2. Serve immediately with melted butter, fresh chopped parsley, and hot sauce on the side, if using.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the boiling water. Adjust cooking times for potatoes and corn based on your preferred tenderness. Do not overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough quickly.