Cajun Shrimp Boil Corn (Printable version)
Succulent shrimp, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and smoky sausage infused with zesty Cajun spices.
# What you need:
→ Seafood
01 - 1.5 lbs large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
→ Vegetables
02 - 1.5 lbs baby red potatoes, halved if large
03 - 4 ears corn, cut into thirds
04 - 1 large yellow onion, quartered
05 - 1 lemon, sliced
→ Meats
06 - 14 oz smoked Andouille sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
→ Spices & Seasonings
07 - 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning
08 - 4 cloves garlic, smashed
09 - 2 bay leaves
10 - 1 tsp paprika
11 - 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
12 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
→ Liquids
14 - 8 cups water
15 - 1 bottle (12 oz) light beer
→ For Serving
16 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
17 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
18 - Lemon wedges
# How to make it:
01 - Combine water, beer, smashed garlic, bay leaves, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon slices in a large stockpot. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
02 - Add halved potatoes and quartered onion to the boiling liquid. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes until potatoes begin to soften.
03 - Stir in corn pieces and sliced sausage. Continue simmering for 8 to 10 minutes until potatoes are nearly tender and sausage is heated through.
04 - Add shrimp to the pot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes just until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to prevent toughness.
05 - Drain thoroughly using a colander, discarding bay leaves and lemon slices. Arrange on a large serving platter or newspaper-lined surface.
06 - Drizzle melted butter over the seafood boil and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.
# Expert tips:
01 -
- The entire meal cooks in one pot, making cleanup surprisingly manageable despite the feast-level portions
- Everyone customizes their own plate, so picky eaters and spice lovers sit at the same table happily
02 -
- Shrimp overcook in seconds, so have your colander ready before they hit the pot
- The seasoning intensity concentrates as the liquid reduces, so taste the broth before adding more salt
03 -
- Buy an extra pound of shrimp because people will eat double what you expect
- Let the broth cool slightly before adding shrimp so they cook more evenly