Classic Nawlins Shrimp Boil Recipes

CLASSIC OUTDOOR SHRIMP BOIL

Steps:

• Pour the beer into a 44-quart outdoor boil pot (see Cook's Note) and add 16 quarts cold water. Squeeze in the juice from the lemon halves, then toss them in. Add the seafood seasoning and garlic. Tie the thyme sprigs together with kitchen twine and add to the pot. Cover and bring to a boil.
• Add the potatoes and cook until they are just tender, about 10 minutes. Add the corn and andouille sausage and simmer until heated through, about 10 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 5 minutes.
• Carefully drain the low country boil and transfer to a large serving platter, rimmed sheet pan or straight on the table covered in paper. Drizzle with melted butter, then top with the parsley. Serve with lemon wedges, melted butter and hot sauce.

SHRIMP BOIL

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with 4 quarts of water. Squeeze the lemon juice into the water and add the squeezed lemon halves. Add the Old Bay, garlic and onion. Tie the thyme sprigs together with kitchen twine and add to the pot. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook about 5 minutes.
• Add the potatoes to the pot and cook until just tender, about 10 minutes. Add the corn and cook 5 more minutes.
• Meanwhile, slice along the back of each shrimp through the shells; remove the veins and rinse the shrimp. Add to the pot, cover and cook until the shrimp curl and are just opaque, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the shrimp and vegetables with a slotted spoon or skimmer to a large bowl. Add the butter and about 1 cup broth to the bowl and toss until the butter is melted. Transfer the shrimp and vegetables to a platter. Serve with the remaining broth, lemon wedges and hot sauce, if desired.

FRESH SHRIMP BOIL

Steps:

• Mix beer, onion, red pepper flakes, parsley, salt, butter, garlic, pickling spice, oregano, and bay leaves in a saucepan; add enough cold water to fill the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Drop shrimp into the boiling liquid, let the mixture return to a boil, and cook until shrimp are bright pink and the meat is no longer transparent in the center, about 5 minutes; drain.

OLD BAY SHRIMP BOIL

Steps:

• In an 8-quart stock pot, bring Old Bay, salt, water and beer to a boil.
• Add potatoes and onions; cook over high heat for 8 minutes.
• Add smoked sausage; continue to cook on high for 5 minutes.
• Add corn to pot; continue to boil for 7 minutes.
• Add shrimp in shells, cook for 4 minutes.
• Drain cookin liquid; pour contents of pot into several large bowl or shallow pails.
• Sprinkle with additional Old Bay.

CAJUN SHRIMP BOIL

Steps:

• Fill a very large (24-quart) pot with 8 quarts of water set over high heat. Add seasoning pouches, cayenne, salt, onions and celery. Squeeze lemon juice, and add wedges. Break garlic into cloves, and discard excess skin, then add unpeeled cloves. Cover the pot, and bring to a rolling boil.
• Lay corn on a baking sheet in a single layer, then place in freezer.
• Taste the water after it comes to a boil. It should be very heavily salted and spiced, with a bright orange foam (when standing near the boiling pot causes you to cough, it's spicy enough).
• Add potatoes and sausage to the pot, and let the water return to a boil. Turn off heat, and allow to soak for 10 minutes or until potatoes are barely tender when pierced with a knife. Bring the water to a boil, and add shrimp. Cook for 3 minutes, then turn off heat, add corn and allow to soak for 7 minutes. Drain, and serve immediately with rémoulade (preferably on a newspaper-lined table).

SHRIMP BOIL

Steps:

• Fill a large stockpot with 4 quarts water. Squeeze lemons into water; add rinds. Add bay leaves, seasoning, garlic, onions, chile, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes.
• Add potatoes; simmer 12 minutes. Add corn; simmer 5 minutes. Add shrimp; cover, and simmer until opaque, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer ingredients to parchment paper or a bowl. Sprinkle with salt; serve with lemon and hot sauce.

OLD FASHIONED SHRIMP BOIL

Steps:

• Bring 4 quarts water and first 7 ingredients to a boil in a 12-quart stockpot.
• Add potatoes; simmer 15 minutes.
• Add corn and sausage; simmer 8 minutes.
• Add shrimp, cover, and turn off heat.
• Let shrimp sit 10 to 15 minutes to absorb flavor.
• Drain liquid, and spread shrimp boil out on a newspaper-covered table.
• Serve with baguette slices, lemon wedges, melted butter, and Old Bay seasoning.

CLASSIC N'AWLINS SHRIMP BOIL

Steps:

• If you're not using the commercial crab boil, wrap the seasonings in cheesecloth and use kitchen twine to secure the bundle. Place the spices, 1 gallon water, salt, lemons, cayenne, garlic, onion, and potatoes in a large pot (squeeze the lemons over the water as you throw them in), and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer at least 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes are just about cooked through. Return the heat to boiling and add the sausage and shrimp. Cook for 5-7 more minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through (they will turn bright pink).
• Drain the pot carefully, to serve hot or at room temperature. Remove the cheesecloth bag and lemons, if desired, and then serve the shrimp, garlic, sausage, and potatoes in a large bowl, or just dump them out on a table covered with newspaper and get peeling! If you are using the shrimp for salad or another recipe, cool it completely, then peel and refrigerate until ready to use.