Mardi Gras Shrimp Boil (Printable version)
A festive seafood boil featuring shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes seasoned with vibrant Creole spices.
# What You'll Need:
→ Seafood & Protein
01 - 2 lbs large raw shrimp, shell-on, deveined
02 - 12 oz Andouille sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
→ Vegetables
03 - 4 ears corn on the cob, husked and cut into thirds
04 - 1 ½ lbs small red potatoes, halved
05 - 1 large yellow onion, quartered
06 - 1 lemon, sliced
→ Boil Flavorings & Seasonings
07 - 1/3 cup Creole or Cajun seasoning
08 - 2 bay leaves
09 - 4 cloves garlic, smashed
10 - 1 tbsp black peppercorns
11 - 1 tbsp salt
12 - 1 tsp cayenne pepper
→ For Serving
13 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
14 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
15 - Extra lemon wedges
# Directions:
01 - Fill a large stockpot with 4–5 quarts of water. Add Creole seasoning, bay leaves, garlic, peppercorns, salt, onion, lemon slices, and cayenne. Bring to a rapid boil over high heat.
02 - Add halved potatoes to the boiling water. Cook for 10 minutes until beginning to soften.
03 - Add sliced Andouille sausage and corn pieces to the pot. Boil for 8–10 minutes until potatoes are nearly tender.
04 - Add raw shrimp to the boiling mixture. Cook for 3–4 minutes just until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to maintain texture.
05 - Pour the entire contents into a large colander to drain well. Remove and discard bay leaves and lemon slices.
06 - Spread the shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes on a large platter or newspaper-lined table for communal dining.
07 - Drizzle melted butter over the seafood boil and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The whole meal cooks in one pot, leaving you more time for celebrating
- Eating with your hands makes everything taste better and brings people together
02 -
- Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and disappointing, so set a timer the moment they hit the water
- Newspaper or butcher paper on the table makes cleanup incredibly easy and adds to the casual charm
03 -
- Let your boil sit in the seasoned water for 5 minutes after cooking for even more flavor absorption
- Extra hot sauce on the table lets guests customize their heat level