This Old Bay Shrimp Boil Recipe features a mixture of boiled shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn. Cooked in a savory broth and tossed in melted butter, it’s a classic summer meal perfect for a gathering! 

Looking for more summer shrimp recipes? Try our grilled garlic shrimp or spicy shrimp tacos.

old bay shrimp boil on a baking sheet. this recipe
Jump to:

The BEST Old Bay Shrimp Boil Recipe

Seafood boil is the ultimate summer comfort food, and having lived in Maryland for 20 years, I learned firsthand how to make the best shrimp boil using Old Bay.

I have adapted my recipe from local versions, which always use Maryland blue crabs. The unique flavor is truly unbeatable and part of what makes the dish a favorite in the region and with my own family. 

It’s so good that we make this Old Bay shrimp boil recipe every summer without fail, and I am happy to say I have perfected the recipe! The broth and flavor are truly unlike any other shrimp boil you’ll ever taste. They always leave everyone coming back for seconds and thirds. My secret is to use a combination of fresh herbs and beer for the tastiest base. 

Don’t worry. The dish doesn’t taste like alcohol. It just adds lots of depth. All you have to do is combine the ingredients, boil them, and toss them in butter. In minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal large enough to feed a crowd. Plus, the hands-off method means you can easily whip up an appetizer or side dish while the ingredients cook. 

Why You’ll Love Old Bay Seasoning Shrimp Boil

  • Easy – You can prep all the ingredients in minutes. Then, combine them in a pot, and boil. Once they cook, all you have to do is train the liquid and toss the boil with melted butter. 
  • Flavor-filled – We season the broth with Old Bay seasoning, lemon, and fresh herbs, adding a bright, savory flavor to the entire dish. 
  • Great for a crowd – One batch makes enough to serve 6 and can be stretched further if you add appetizers and sides.  

Old Bay Shrimp Boil Ingredients

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities. 

ingredients for shrimp boil.
  • Old Bay seasoning: This infuses the boil with a unique, robust flavor, setting it apart from other recipes. Find this seafood seasoning where the seafood is sold or on Amazon.
  • Lemons: Use whole lemons, cut in half to add a bright, citrusy taste and tenderize the shrimp. 
  • Sweet onions: Infuses the broth with a mildly sweet flavor. 
  • Garlic: Use whole, smashed garlic cloves. 
  • Herbs: Fresh thyme, fresh parsley, and bay leaves add a refreshing, herbaceous taste. 
  • Peppercorns: For a briny, nutty, slightly sweet flavor. 
  • Beer: Cuts through some of the richness, creating a balanced dish. 
  • Potatoes: Use quartered small red potatoes. 
  • Corn: Use fresh corn, and slice the earns into thirds. 
  • Protein: Smoked andouille sausage and shell-on, deveined jumbo shrimp. 
  • Butter: Melted salted butter creates the rich flavor we look for in a shrimp boil with Old Bay. 

How much old bay for shrimp boil?

We use ½ cup of Old Bay seasoning and add a little extra just before serving, but you can adjust the amount used to suit your flavor preferences. If you like a spicier shrimp boil, add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper, too! 

How to Make a Shrimp Boil with Old Bay

You’ll need a large (12-quart) stockpot for this recipe. Check out the recipe card below for detailed instructions. 

onions and lemons in broth with spices.

Step 1: Combine the water, Old Bay seasoning, lemon halves, onion, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, peppercorn, and beer in a large stockpot, and bring the mixture to a boil. 

potatoes in broth.

Step 2: Add the potatoes, and cook just until they begin to become tender.

corn and sausages in broth in a pot.

Step 3: Then, add the corn and sausage, and continue to cook until the veggies are tender. 

shrimp in broth in a large stock pot.

Step 4: Add the shrimp, and cook until they’re pink and opaque. 

shrimp boil removed from broth onto baking sheet.

Step 5: Drain, discard the liquid, and transfer the boil to a large platter. Pour the melted butter on top, and stir to coat the ingredients. 

boil with shrimp and corn garnished with parsley.

Step 6: Season and garnish as desired, and serve with extra melted butter and lemon wedges on the side. 

How to Serve an Old Bay Shrimp Boil

This dish is often served directly from the pot onto a large table covered with newspaper for easy cleanup and a fun, communal eating experience.

In Maryland, we love serving shrimp boil with creamy coleslaw and Old Bay fries. However, it’s also great with options like sour cream dill potato salad, heirloom tomato salad, or even a chopped wedge salad.  

boil with old bay layered on a baking sheet.

Shrimp Boil Old Bay FAQs

Can you boil frozen shrimp?

Yes, boiling frozen shrimp is a quick and easy way to cook the protein. 

How many minutes should you boil shrimp?

The exact boiling time will vary depending on the size of your shrimp and whether or not they’re thawed. You’ll want to boil them until they’re opaque in the center and lightly pink. This typically takes between 2 and 3 minutes. 

Can you overcook shrimp in a boil?

Yes, overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. You’ll know your shrimp are overcooked if they’re solid white and have started to curl in on themselves. 

You May Also Like

Homemade Steak Fries

Chicken Chesapeake

Bacon Potato Salad Recipe

Cheese Popovers

If you try our shrimp boil recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment letting us know how you liked the recipe.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
boil with old bay layered on a baking sheet.

Old Bay Seasoning Shrimp Boil

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Boil
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This shrimp boil with Old Bay seasoning cooks potatoes, corn, shrimp, and sausage in a flavored broth for the best summer entertaining meal!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 quarts water
  • 1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning, plus extra for serving
  • 2 lemons, halved
  • 1 large sweet onion, quartered
  • 6 large cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 springs fresh thyme
  • 2 stems fresh parsley
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 Tbsp. whole peppercorns
  • 1 cup beer
  • 2 lbs. small red potatoes, quartered
  • 4 ears corn, husked and cut into thirds
  • 24 oz. smoked andouille sausage, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 lbs. jumbo shrimp (21-25), shell-on and deveined
  • 8 Tbsp. salted butter, melted, plus extra for serving
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large stockpot (about 12 quarts), combine the water, Old Bay seasoning, lemon halves, onion, garlic, thyme, parsley, bay leaves, peppercorns, and beer. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat over an outdoor cooker, or on the stovetop.

  2. Add the potatoes to the pot. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the potatoes are just beginning to become tender.

  3. Add the corn and sausage to the pot. Cook for another 5-7 minutes.

  4. Add the shrimp to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. No need to wait for the water to come to a boil before timing the shrimp as the hot liquid will cook the shrimp.

  5. Drain the boil, discarding the liquid. Transfer the shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage to a large serving platter or spread them out on a newspaper-lined table for a more casual presentation. Pour melted butter over the shrimp mixture and stir to evenly coat.

  6. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Sprinkle additional Old Bay seasoning to taste or season with salt, to taste.

  7. Serve immediately with melted butter and lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

  • Seafood Variations: You can add other seafood like clams, mussels, whole crabs, or crab legs to the boil. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
  • Spice Level: This boil is not spicy but if you like it spicier, add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the boil.
  • Serving Style: This dish is often served directly from the pot onto a large table covered with newspaper for easy cleanup and a fun and social eating experience.
  • Serving Sides: If you are serving this as a main dish, and you have hearty eaters, it will comfortably feed 6 people. If you have side dishes, it can stretch to feed up to 8 people. See the post for a list of side dishes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8
  • Calories: 467
  • Sugar: 9.9 g
  • Sodium: 573.7 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37.3 g
  • Protein: 31.9 g
  • Cholesterol: 233.7 mg