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Classic Shrimp Boil!

Shrimp boil
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Here’s the best shrimp boil recipe! This easy meal of corn, potatoes and shrimp is perfect for a crowd. No plates required!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
  • 2 teaspoons celery seeds
  • 2 teaspoons Old Bay, purchased or homemade, plus more for serving (required!)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 6 bay leaves
  • 1 garlic bulb, with top cut off
  • 4 lemons, washed and cut in half
  • 3 pounds red potatoes, cut in half
  • 3 yellow onions, quartered with root attached
  • 6 ears corn, cut in half
  • 2 pounds shrimp, shell on*

Instructions

  1. Simmer the broth*: In a large 8 quart pot, add 5 quarts water. Stir in the kosher salt, coriander seeds, celery seeds, Old Bay, cayenne, bay leaves, and entire garlic head (with top cut off). Cut the lemons in half and add them to the pot, squeezing in some juice as you add them. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the water for 15 minutes (taste, it should taste like a seasoned soup).
  2. Cook the potatoes: Pull out the lemons with a slotted spoon and discard them. Add the onions and potatoes to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 18 to 22 minutes total, until potatoes are tender.
  3. Cook the corn: Remove the potatoes and onions with a slotted spoon and place them in a very large bowl: cover it with aluminum foil to keep them warm. Add the corn to the broth and cook 5 to 6 minutes until bright yellow.
  4. Cook the shrimp: Remove the corn with a slotted spoon and add it to the bowl with the potatoes (cover it again with the foil). Add the shrimp to the broth and cook for about 2 minutes until bright pink and just cooked.
  5. Drain and serve: Drain the pot and shrimp. Return the drained potatoes, onions, corn and shrimp to the pot. Line the table with butcher paper or newspaper, then pour everything on top. Serve with Old Bay seasoning. 

Notes

*If desired, replace 1 pound shrimp with 1 pound kielbasa sausage. Boil the sliced sausage for 12 minutes with the potatoes and onions.

**Large pot method (works for open fire or stovetop): This method cooks everything separately because the largest pot most cooks have is 8 quart. If you have a very large pot that’s 4 to 5 gallons, you can double the recipe and cook it all in one pot. Cook the potatoes and onions for 8 minutes, add the sausage and cook for 6 minutes (if using), add the corn and cook for 4 minutes, then add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes.