The Easiest Low Country Shrimp Boil Recipe

It's so easy to host a low country shrimp boil with this tasty shrimp and sausage recipe. Corn and potatoes round out this incredibly flavorful Southern-style low country boil recipe that's perfect for entertaining.

What is a Low Country Boil?

Over the weekend, we had some neighbors over for a low country boil. For those down south, I am sure you are very familiar with this. If you live in NJ, you might not have heard of this classic southern style recipe.

I first saw a low country boil on my friend Aggie's blog, Aggie's kitchen, and have wanted to make it ever since.  A low country boil is a shrimp and sausage recipe along with tender potatoes and sweet corn, all cooked in a big pot and spiced with some Old Bay seasoning. It is perfect for feeding a large crowd and I have a low country boil party at least once a summer. This one-pot meal is always a crowd pleaser. 

After everything was cooked, it all went in a big disposable pan for serving, making for easy clean-up. Some people even line an outside table with paper and serve it right on top.

Ingredients Needed for Low Country Shrimp Boil

• Beer – I added a 12oz. bottle of beer and it really bumped up the flavor of everything in the pot.
• Old Bay Seasoning – This classic cajun seasoning is a combination of salty and slightly spicy. It's a traditional choice for shrimp and sausage recipes.
• Sausage – I used a combination of smoked turkey kielbasa, brats and spicy chorizio. They add so much flavor to the cooking water. You could really use any trype of sausage but i like to do at least one spicy sausage and one smoky sausage to give the liquid lots of flavor. 
• Potatoes – Smaller potatoes work better. I used a combination of red potatoes, purple and yellow potatoes.
• Corn – Using little ears of fresh corn is a fun way to add a veggie without having to cook in a seperate pot. I love that the corn cooks right along with the rest of the ingredients.
• Shrimp – Shrimp is the star of the show so you want a lot of good quality fresh shrimp. I used large frozen shrimp, half with the shell off and half with the shell on. The shell on gives the shrimp good flavor but some people prefer shelled as they don't want to do the work. Make sure to defrost the shrimp under running cold water if using frozen ones.

Instructions

1. Fill a very large pot halfway with water, beer and the Old Bay seasoning. Bring liquid to a rolling boil.
2. Add sausage and cook for 20 minutes on medium high heat.
3. Add potatoes and cook for another 10 minutes.
4. Bring down to medium heat then add ears of corn and cook for 8 more minutes.
5. Finally add shrimp to the large stock pot and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until shrimp turn pink.
6. Serve with lemons and cocktail and tartar sauce.

Best Cooking Tips for this Shrimp and Sausage Recipe

• Use the largest stock pot you have or divide the ingredients between two pots. You want to make sure their is enough water and beer in the pot to cover all the ingredients. I use a big aluminum pot (above) that I bought for this recipe and when I make chili for a crowd.
• Cut larger corn into smaller pieces.
• Devein the shrimp and peel if desired.
• Cut sausage into large chunks.
• Cover the table with lots of newspaper so you can just roll it up and toss everything in the trash as the end of the meal.
• Provide melted salted butter or cocktail sauce for dipping.
• Add other kinds of shelfish to the pot.
• Use timers! Everything cooks in the same pot but needs to be added at different times. Use a timer to keep yourself on track.
• Serve with lots of paper towels or napkins!
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days. You don't want to keep leftover seafood in the fridge for too long.

Condiments to Serve with Low Country Boil

I can't make this shrimp and sausage recipe without serving some condiments on the side. I love a good homemade cocktail sauce but my family prefers tartar sauce so I serve this dish with both. Sometimes I serve sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce in place of tartar sauce too. I also keep a bottle of locally made hot sauce for anyone that wants to spice up this shrimp boil recipe.   

Melted butter is another favorite to serve on the side but of course this will add some extra calories to the dish.

Don't forget some cut lemon wedges as they will add lots of flavor to the shrimp.

You can also sprinkle some extra Old Bay seasoning or chopped herbs over your low country boil before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Add more seafood - If available I sometimes add a variety of seafood with the tender shrimp. You could try King crab legs, clams and/ or mussels. Make sure your pot is big enough if doing additions to this seafood boil recipe.
• Vary the seasoning - Try adding bay leaves, garlic cloves, black pepper or celery salt to the cooking water. It will give this great recipe even more flavor.
• Make this boil for a smaller family or larger crowd - Cut the ingredients in half or add more. The choice is up to you and the great thing is that it is easy to add more or less as long as you have a smaller or larger pot.

Salads to Serve with this Shrimp Boil

This is a full meal, but I like to serve some garlic bread and a simple salad on the side. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Blue Cheese Tomatoes with Microgreens 
2. Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Toasted Walnuts 
3. Blueberry Caprese Salad
4. Strawberry Avocado Salad with Fresh Mozzarella
5. Paleo Broccoli Salad via Bloghettti

More Shrimp Recipes

• Greek Shrimp Skewers
• Roasted Shrimp and Asparagus Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• Japanese Noodle Bowls with Shrimp
• Greek Shrimp with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe from FoodFanatic

The best thing about a low country shrimp boil is that they are fun. Relax and have a good time because this is good eating. I like to serve a pitcher of refreshing sweet tea or even a Spiked Arnold Palmer with Whiskey! Enjoy!

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RECIPE

First Published August 2009 ; Updated September 2021

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