If you’re craving a taste of summer with that irresistible coastal vibe, you’ll want to try this Shrimp Boil Recipe with Old Bay and Corn Recipe. It’s that perfect mix of juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and sweet corn, all seasoned with the classic Old Bay spice blend. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a fun, hands-on meal, this recipe never disappoints—trust me, I’ve made it countless times and every bite feels like a celebration!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold, Classic Flavors: The Old Bay seasoning brings that iconic, zesty coastal taste that’s a total crowd-pleaser.
One-Pot Wonder: You get potatoes, corn, sausage, and shrimp all cooked in the same pot, saving you time and cleanup.
Flexible & Fun: It’s easy to customize with your favorite sausage or even add extra veggies.
Perfect for Sharing: This recipe shines as a casual, social meal you can spread out for friends and family to enjoy together.

Shrimp Boil Old Bay Corn, Shrimp Boil with Old Bay and Corn, Coastal Shrimp Boil Recipe, Easy Shrimp Boil for Summer, Seafood and Corn Boil - The image shows a close-up of a colorful seafood boil with three main layers mixed together. The top layer has bright orange shrimp with a slightly shiny texture, garnished with small green parsley bits. The middle layer contains yellow corn cut into small sections with a soft, bumpy look and a light sprinkle of seasoning. The bottom layer features round pieces of slices of reddish-brown sausage and chunks of purple-red potato with smooth skin, some sprinkled with parsley and paprika. There are also small lemon wedges scattered throughout, adding a splash of yellow and white. The whole dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Shrimp Boil Recipe with Old Bay and Corn Recipe plays a key role in layering flavors and textures. I always recommend fresh, quality shrimp and sweet, firm corn for the best results. Plus, Old Bay seasoning is the hero here—it’s what that boil truly tastes like.

Shrimp Boil Old Bay Corn, Shrimp Boil with Old Bay and Corn, Coastal Shrimp Boil Recipe, Easy Shrimp Boil for Summer, Seafood and Corn Boil - Flat lay of a fresh halved garlic bulb showing cloves, a large red onion sliced into wedges, bright red medium red potatoes cut into fourths, golden yellow ears of corn cut into halves, thick slices of smoked andouille sausage with rich reddish tones, plump raw pink shrimp with shells peeled, a few sprigs of fresh green parsley, a small white bowl of melted golden butter, a small white bowl with fresh lemon juice, a small white bowl filled with vibrant reddish Old Bay seasoning, and scattered fresh thyme leaves, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic plates and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Water: The base for your boil; plenty of it ensures even cooking and flavor infusion.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the cooking broth.
Garlic bulb (whole): Halved whole garlic infuses a mellow, roasted-garlic flavor without overpowering.
Old Bay seasoning: The quintessential spice blend for seafood boils—salty, spicy, and slightly herbal.
Fresh thyme leaves: Adds a fragrant herbal note that brightens the broth.
Red potatoes: Their firm texture holds up beautifully during boiling.
Salt and pepper: For seasoning throughout, balancing the spices.
Corn on the cob: Sweet corn adds a pop of crunch and sweetness to the mix.
Andouille sausage: Smoked sausage that brings smoky, spicy richness.
Shrimp: Fresh or thawed is best; cooking until just pink keeps them tender.
Unsalted butter: Used in the finishing drizzle for richness and a luscious mouthfeel.
Fresh lemon juice: The acidity cuts through the richness and brightens flavors.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, green note and pretty pop of color when sprinkled on top.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I love how versatile this Shrimp Boil Recipe with Old Bay and Corn Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or occasion. I’ve played around with different sausages and even swapped corn for fresh green beans when I wanted a lighter version. You do you!

Spicier Version: Add a few dashes of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the boiling water for a kick—I’ve done this when friends wanted something hotter, and it was a hit.
Vegetarian Twist: Skip the sausage and shrimp, and add mushrooms and artichokes instead for a hearty boil everyone enjoys.
Shell-On Shrimp: I sometimes use shrimp with shells on to keep things extra juicy—just provide shell-cracking tools at the table!
Extra Citrus Flavor: Toss in orange or lime slices with the lemons for a refreshing twist I recommend trying in summer.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Shrimp Boil Recipe with Old Bay and Corn Recipe

Step 1: Build That Flavorful Broth

Start by filling a large 12-quart pot with 4 quarts of hot water. Add your onion wedges, halved garlic bulb, Old Bay seasoning, and fresh thyme leaves. Bring this mix to a lively boil over medium-high heat. This is where the magic begins! The water transforms into a fragrant, savory broth that will infuse everything with flavor.

Step 2: Potatoes First, Please

Drop in those red potatoes and season the water with salt—I usually go with about a tablespoon. Let the potatoes simmer until they’re tender but not falling apart, around 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll want them just fork-tender because they continue to cook slightly later.

Step 3: Corn and Sausage Join the Party

Next, add the pieces of corn and cook for about 3 minutes. Then, toss in the sliced andouille sausage and let it cook for an additional 4 minutes. The sausage adds a smoky richness that makes the whole dish pop.

Step 4: Shrimp Last, Shrimp Best

Finally, gently stir in the shrimp. They only need 1 to 2 minutes to turn pink and opaque, so keep an eye on them—you don’t want rubbery shrimp! This quick cooking step seals in their delicate sweetness.

Step 5: Drain and Dress

Drain everything, reserving a bit of the broth if you want to serve alongside for dipping or extra moisture. Spread your boil on a large platter or baking sheet for that authentic casual feast vibe. Drizzle melted butter and fresh lemon juice over the top, sprinkle with minced parsley, a pinch more of Old Bay, plus salt and pepper to taste. Serve it warm and watch everyone dig in!

Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Boil Recipe with Old Bay and Corn Recipe

Use Fresh or Properly Thawed Shrimp: I’ve learned that shrimp turn out best when they’re fresh or completely thawed—not cold or partially frozen when you drop them in the pot.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook so quickly; overstaying even by a minute turns them rubbery. I always watch them like a hawk in this step.
Reserve Some Boiling Liquid: This broth is packed with flavor—I like saving a bit to add moisture back to leftovers or for a dipping sauce with melted butter.
Prep Your Serving Area Ahead: Serving on a large tray or newspaper-lined table makes cleanup easier and amps up the casual, fun vibe. Learned this the hard way at my first seafood boil party!

How to Serve Shrimp Boil Recipe with Old Bay and Corn Recipe

Shrimp Boil Old Bay Corn, Shrimp Boil with Old Bay and Corn, Coastal Shrimp Boil Recipe, Easy Shrimp Boil for Summer, Seafood and Corn Boil - The dish is shown on a white plate with a thin gray rim, placed on a white marbled surface with a dark green cloth nearby. It contains several layers: a large piece of golden corn bread with a slightly crumbly texture on the left side; next to it are bright yellow corn pieces with small green herb sprinkles; orange shrimp with a light seasoning are spread across the plate; chunks of brown sausage and small light brown potato pieces sit among slices of soft purple-red onion. Fresh green parsley leaves garnish the top right side of the plate, adding a fresh look. All ingredients have a light dusting of herbs and spices, creating a colorful, inviting meal. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For me, the finishing touch is always fresh parsley and extra Old Bay sprinkled on top—it adds beautiful color and a pop of herbal brightness. Sometimes I toss out lemon wedges for guests to squeeze as they like, which really uplifts the flavors with that citrus zing.

Side Dishes

I usually pair this shrimp boil with crusty bread or buttery biscuits to soak up the spicy, buttery juices. A fresh green salad or coleslaw balances the richness perfectly and adds a refreshing crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

One time, for a summer birthday, I lined the table with butcher paper and scattered the boil right on top alongside little bowls of melted butter and cocktail sauce. It encourages everyone to dig in family-style, which makes the meal feel casual, fun, and memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keeping the broth separate helps preserve the texture of the seafood and veggies—the potatoes can get mushy if sitting in liquid too long.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze shrimp boil leftovers because shrimp texture can change a lot, but if you want to, freeze the sausage and potatoes separately and add freshly cooked shrimp when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove in a skillet over low heat with a splash of the reserved broth or some butter to keep everything moist. Microwaving works too, but watch it carefully to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this shrimp boil recipe?

Yes! Just be sure to completely thaw the shrimp before adding them to the pot—this helps them cook evenly and retain their juicy texture without becoming rubbery.
Can I make this shrimp boil recipe spicy?

Definitely. You can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the boiling water or sprinkle extra Old Bay seasoning that includes some heat to customize the spice level to your preference.
How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep the broth separate from the solids and reheat gently.
Can I swap out ingredients in this shrimp boil recipe with Old Bay and corn recipe?

Absolutely! Sausage types, veggies like green beans or mushrooms, or even different herbs can be used depending on what you love or have on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Boil Recipe with Old Bay and Corn Recipe has become one of those dishes I go to whenever I want something both satisfying and fun to share. It’s got that unbeatable combo of flavors with a simple, laid-back vibe that gets everyone around the table chatting and savoring. Try it out—you’ll find yourself making it again and again, just like me!