Easy Shrimp Boil with Corn and Potatoes Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dish that brings the best of the sea and garden to your plate, this Shrimp Boil with Corn and Potatoes recipe is your new go-to. Imagine tender shrimp perfectly cooked alongside sweet corn and seasoned potatoes, all bubbling together in one pot to create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s both simple and spectacular. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe combines freshness, vibrant colors, and bold flavors to delight every palate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot wonder: Everything cooks together, making cleanup a breeze and flavor melding effortless.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal fast.
- Fresh ingredients: The combination of shrimp, corn, and potatoes delivers a balance of textures and natural sweetness.
- Customizable spice level: Adjust seasonings to your preferred heat, from mild to bold with ease.
- Great for sharing: Platter-style serving encourages a fun, communal eating experience with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on straightforward ingredients that each bring something special to the table, whether it’s texture, flavor, or color. Each component is essential for creating the perfect Shrimp Boil with Corn and Potatoes that tastes like a celebration of summer in every bite.
- Fresh shrimp: Peeled and deveined for fast cooking and tender bites every time.
- Sweet corn on the cob: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- Baby potatoes: Their creamy texture soaks up all the spices and juices beautifully.
- Smoked turkey bacon: Brings a smoky depth and crunch without overpowering the other flavors.
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): Enhances the savory notes with a subtle tangy complexity.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for an irresistible aroma and zing.
- Lemon wedges: Add brightness and a refreshing finish to every bite.
- Old Bay seasoning (natural): The classic spice blend that ties this dish together perfectly.
- Fresh parsley: Sprinkled at the end for a burst of herbal freshness and color.
- Apple cider vinegar (natural): Used to balance flavors and add a slight acidity.
Variations for Shrimp Boil with Corn and Potatoes
One of the best things about this Shrimp Boil with Corn and Potatoes is how easy it is to adapt it to your taste or dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment by swapping ingredients and exploring new flavors that suit your mood and pantry.
- Spicy kick: Add red chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a fiery touch.
- Vegetarian twist: Swap shrimp for hearty mushrooms or marinated tofu cubes for a plant-based option.
- Smokier flavor: Include smoked turkey slices for a richer, savory experience.
- Extra veggies: Toss in sliced bell peppers or baby carrots for more color and crunch.
- Citrus swap: Replace lemon with lime for a slightly different tang.
How to Make Shrimp Boil with Corn and Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by rinsing the baby potatoes and cutting the corn into halves or thirds. Peel and devein the shrimp if they aren’t prepped. Mince your garlic and chop fresh parsley to have everything ready before the cooking begins.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Potatoes
Place the potatoes in boiling water seasoned with Old Bay seasoning, garlic, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Let them cook until tender but not falling apart, about 10-12 minutes. This base sets the tone for the whole dish by absorbing the flavorful broth.
Step 3: Add the Corn and Smoked Turkey Bacon
Once the potatoes begin to soften, add the corn and chunks of smoked turkey bacon to the pot. These ingredients will cook and share their flavors with the potatoes, elevating every bite.
Step 4: Toss in the Shrimp and Seasonings
Add the shrimp and a few more pinches of Old Bay seasoning, along with the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it the goal is firm, juicy pieces, about 3-4 minutes of cooking time.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Lemon
Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the boil. Squeeze fresh lemon wedges on top for an extra burst of freshness that will brighten all the rich flavors.
Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Boil with Corn and Potatoes
- Do not overcook shrimp: It only takes a few minutes, and overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
- Use fresh corn: For the sweetest taste and best texture, fresh ears of corn are ideal.
- Season in layers: Adding seasoning gradually helps build a balanced, complex flavor profile.
- Save the broth: It makes a fantastic base for soups or seafood stews afterward.
- Serve immediately: The dish is best enjoyed fresh when the shrimp is juicy and the potatoes are warm.
How to Serve Shrimp Boil with Corn and Potatoes
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra fresh parsley and offer lemon wedges on the side so everyone can brighten their servings to taste. A dusting of smoked paprika (natural) can also add a warm, inviting hue and gentle smokiness.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices. A simple coleslaw with crisp cabbage and carrots can add a refreshing crunch to contrast the tender boil.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the shrimp boil family-style on large platters lined with brown parchment paper and scatter lemon slices and fresh herbs around. This casual, communal presentation makes mealtime feel like a joyful occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Shrimp boil with corn and potatoes keeps well for up to 3 days, retaining most of its texture and flavor.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save portions for later. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat in a covered frying pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or apple cider vinegar (natural) to revive moisture. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, to prevent rubbery shrimp and soggy potatoes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly as long as you thaw them thoroughly before cooking. This ensures even cooking and perfect texture.
What can I substitute for baby potatoes?
You can use small red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes chopped into bite-sized pieces to maintain the creamy texture and absorb the spices well.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Shrimp Boil with Corn and Potatoes?
Absolutely! Replace shrimp with hearty mushrooms or marinated tofu, and keep all other ingredients the same for a comforting, plant-based twist.
How spicy is this dish with Old Bay seasoning?
Old Bay seasoning offers a mild, balanced spice with a bit of warmth that enhances the ingredients without overpowering them, but you can always add more or less to suit your taste.
Can I prepare any parts of this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prep and boil potatoes and corn ahead of time and refrigerate. Add shrimp and seasonings fresh when ready to serve for optimal flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Boil with Corn and Potatoes is a vibrant, flavorful meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Its simplicity, bursting flavors, and inviting presentation make it a standout dish for any occasion. You’ll enjoy the tender, juicy shrimp paired with sweet corn and perfectly spiced potatoes creating a comfort-food experience you’ll want to revisit again and again.
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Shrimp Boil with Corn and Potatoes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful Shrimp Boil with Corn and Potatoes that combines tender shrimp, sweet corn, and seasoned baby potatoes, all cooked together in one pot. This quick and easy meal is perfect for sharing and bursting with vibrant colors and bold, fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 ears sweet corn on the cob, cut into halves or thirds
- 1 lb baby potatoes, rinsed
- 4 oz smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 2 lemon wedges, for serving
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the baby potatoes and cut the corn into halves or thirds. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Mince the garlic and chop the fresh parsley so all ingredients are ready before cooking begins.
- Season and Cook the Potatoes: Bring a pot of water to a boil and season it with Old Bay seasoning, minced garlic, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Add the baby potatoes and cook until tender but not falling apart, about 10-12 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavorful broth.
- Add the Corn and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Once the potatoes begin to soften, add the cut corn pieces and chopped smoked turkey bacon to the pot. Let them cook together to infuse the flavors throughout the dish.
- Toss in the Shrimp and Seasonings: Add the shrimp along with a few more pinches of Old Bay seasoning and the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, until they are firm and juicy, being careful not to overcook.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Lemon: Turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the boil. Squeeze fresh lemon wedges on top for a bright, refreshing finish that enhances all the flavors.
Notes
- Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender and avoid rubbery texture.
- Use fresh corn for the best sweetness and texture.
- Season in layers to build a balanced and complex flavor.
- Save the cooking broth to use as a base for soups or seafood stews.
- Serve immediately for the best experience while shrimp is juicy and potatoes are warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
Keywords: shrimp boil, corn and potatoes, one pot meal, seafood, summer recipe, quick dinner
