If you are craving a dish that brings all the flavors of a classic seafood feast with a quick, fuss-free approach, this Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil Recipe is sure to become your new go-to. Picture plump shrimp, smoky sausage, tender baby potatoes, and sweet corn all infused with buttery garlic seasoning, grilled to perfection with just enough char to add a smoky depth. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that comes together faster than you’d imagine, making it perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings when you want something hearty but hassle-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh and straightforward ingredients is key to making this recipe a winner. Each element—from the shrimp’s delicate texture to the sausage’s smokiness and the corn’s subtle sweetness—plays a vital role in creating a mouthwatering balance of flavors and colors that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off): These cook quickly and provide a tender bite packed with flavor.
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds: Adds a smoky richness that complements the seafood perfectly.
- 2 ears of corn, cut into thirds: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- 1/2 lb baby potatoes, halved: Their creamy texture balances the bold flavors and holds up well on the grill.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps everything crisp up beautifully while keeping ingredients moist.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and carries the garlic and seasoning flavors throughout.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant, savory punch that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning): The classic spice blend that makes shrimp boils unmistakably flavorful.
- 1 lemon, sliced: Offers fresh acidity that brightens the whole dish.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of green and subtle herbal freshness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every bite.
How to Make Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Grill and Potatoes
Start by heating your grill to medium-high, around 400°F or 200°C—that perfect temperature for getting that golden char and smoky flavor. While the grill warms, toss your halved baby potatoes in a tablespoon of olive oil with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then microwave them for 5 to 6 minutes until just tender. This quick pre-cooking ensures the potatoes finish perfectly on the grill without overcooking other ingredients.
Step 2: Combine All the Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and mix together the shrimp, smoked sausage slices, corn pieces, and the par-cooked potatoes. Drizzle in the remaining olive oil and the melted butter, then add the minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Toss everything well so that each piece is coated in that luscious garlic-buttery spice mix. This step is where all the magic of flavor infusion happens!
Step 3: Assemble for Grilling
Divide your mixture either into four large foil sheets to create sealed packets or place everything in a grill basket if you want that ridged char marks on your food. If you opt for foil packets, wrap each one tightly to lock in the juices. This method steams the ingredients slightly while grilling, creating an irresistibly juicy meal.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place your packets or basket on the grill and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, turning once halfway through. You want the shrimp to turn pink and opaque while the sausage chars slightly and all the potatoes and corn get nicely warmed through with hints of smokiness. Keep an eye on your grill so nothing burns, but don’t be shy about letting those edges get a little crispy for texture.
Step 5: Final Touches Before Serving
Carefully open up your foil packets or remove the grill basket. The tempting aroma of buttery garlic, sausage, and grilled shrimp will greet you immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges to add a fresh, zesty brightness to every bite.
How to Serve Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish even further, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh herbal notes. Lemon wedges squeezed just before eating bring a bright acidity that cuts through the richness beautifully, balancing the flavors like a charm.
Side Dishes
This shrimp boil shines as a star on its own, but you can complement it with cool, crisp sides like a simple green salad, coleslaw, or even corn bread. A cold beer or a chilled glass of white wine would also pair wonderfully to round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and casual dining experience, serve the shrimp boil right on a large platter or spread out on a brown paper-lined picnic table for a communal feast vibe. You can also place the boiled ingredients in colorful bowls or wooden trays topped with lemon wedges and herbs to keep it rustic yet inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that shrimp cooks quickly and can become rubbery if stored too long, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or the next day.
Freezing
Freezing this grilled shrimp boil is not recommended because the texture of shrimp and potatoes tends to change after thawing. For the best taste and texture, aim to eat it fresh or refrigerated within a couple of days.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp boil on a medium heat in a skillet or oven to maintain moisture and avoid overcooking. Avoid microwaving directly as it can make the shrimp tough and rubbery. Adding a little extra butter or olive oil when reheating helps keep the flavors vibrant and the textures tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before tossing them with the seasoning and other ingredients. This ensures better texture and flavor absorption during grilling.
What can I substitute for Old Bay seasoning?
If you don’t have Old Bay, a Cajun seasoning blend works great as an alternative. You can also mix your own using paprika, celery salt, black pepper, cayenne, and a hint of dried thyme or oregano for a similar flavorful kick.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a grill?
If you don’t have access to a grill, you can bake the shrimp boil in foil packets in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes or cook it on a stovetop grill pan. The flavors will still be delicious, just with less smoky char.
Can I add other seafood to the boil?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other shellfish like crab legs or clams if you like. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different seafood has distinct grilling times to ensure everything is cooked just right.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level depends on your seasoning choice. Old Bay seasoning has a mild and balanced spice, but using Cajun seasoning might add more heat. You can always adjust the amount or add a pinch of cayenne to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something wonderfully satisfying about gathering around a table, digging into a meal that’s bursting with flavor yet so effortlessly put together. This Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil Recipe hits all the right notes with its mix of smoky, buttery, savory, and fresh elements. It’s a fantastic dish to serve both for casual family dinners or lively get-togethers. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a beloved favorite in your rotation—so grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and let the fun begin!
Print
Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil is a flavorful and simple seafood feast perfect for quick outdoor cooking. Featuring succulent shrimp, smoky sausage, tender baby potatoes, and sweet corn, all tossed in a buttery, garlicky Old Bay seasoning mix and grilled to perfection in foil packets or a grill basket. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal recipe for casual gatherings and summertime meals.
Ingredients
Seafood and Meat
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
Vegetables
- 2 ears of corn, cut into thirds
- 1/2 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 1 lemon, sliced
Seasonings and Others
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (200°C), ensuring it’s ready for cooking your shrimp boil mixture.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Toss the halved baby potatoes in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then microwave for 5 to 6 minutes until just tender to speed up their cooking on the grill.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, sliced smoked sausage, corn pieces, precooked potatoes, remaining olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Toss until everything is evenly coated with flavors.
- Assemble Packets: Divide the mixture evenly into four large foil sheets or place everything into a grill basket for easy handling. If using foil, wrap each packet tightly to seal in the juices and flavors.
- Grill the Packets: Place the foil packets or grill basket on the preheated grill. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked, and all ingredients are hot and slightly charred.
- Serve: Carefully open the foil packets or remove the grill basket. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Serve the shrimp boil hot for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Microwaving the potatoes before grilling helps ensure they cook through without burning on the grill.
- Using foil packets traps steam and juices, keeping shrimp juicy and flavorful.
- Substitute Old Bay seasoning with Cajun seasoning for a spicier flavor twist.
- Feel free to add other seafood like crab legs or clams if desired.
- Serve with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
