Old Bay Shrimp Boil

Featured in Recipes for Every Season and Celebration.

Nothing says summer quite like a traditional shrimp boil, and this slow cooker version makes it easier than ever to enjoy this classic Cajun feast at home. Plump shrimp, spicy andouille sausage, sweet corn, and tender potatoes all come together in a flavor-packed broth seasoned with the iconic Old Bay blend. The slow cooker method means you don't have to watch a boiling pot, giving you more time to enjoy your gathering. Each ingredient is added at just the right time to ensure perfect doneness - potatoes first to get tender, then sausage and corn, and finally the shrimp for just the last few minutes. Served with a side of rich garlic butter for dipping and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, this dish brings the casual, communal joy of a seaside seafood boil to your dining table any time of year.
Home Delicious Recipes
Updated on Fri, 07 Mar 2025 21:04:25 GMT
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This Old Bay Shrimp Boil recipe is a delightful way to bring the vibrant flavors of a Southern seafood feast right to your kitchen. The crockpot simplifies the process, allowing you to create a delicious and crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort. It's perfect for summer gatherings, casual weeknight dinners, or any occasion when you crave a taste of the coast.

Gathering Your Ingredients

  • Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Forms the flavorful base of the broth. You can also use beer for a different flavor profile.
  • Lemons: Provide a bright, citrusy note that complements the seafood.
  • Old Bay Seasoning: The star of the show, adding a unique blend of spices.
  • Garlic and Hot Sauce: Enhances the overall flavor with a touch of heat.
  • Yukon Gold Baby Potatoes: Adds a creamy, starchy element. You can also use red potatoes.
  • Andouille Sausage: Provides a smoky, savory flavor. Use any fully cooked sausage you prefer.
  • Fresh Corn: Adds a sweet, summery touch.
  • Raw Shrimp: Deveined and peeled (tails left on), providing a succulent seafood component.
  • Fresh Parsley and Chives: Used for garnish and added freshness.
  • Unsalted Butter and Garlic (for Garlic Butter): Creates a rich, flavorful dipping sauce.
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Cooking Instructions

Setting Up the Crockpot:
In your slow cooker, combine the chicken broth, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, minced garlic, and hot sauce. Add the Yukon Gold baby potatoes.
Cooking the Potatoes:
Cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Adding Sausage and Corn:
Add the sliced andouille sausage and halved ears of fresh corn to the crockpot. Cook on high for 1 hour or on low for 2 hours. Remove the corn and set it aside in a covered dish to keep warm.
Adding the Shrimp:
Add the raw shrimp to the crockpot and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Making the Garlic Butter:
While the shrimp is cooking, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Season with salt, pepper, and minced fresh parsley.
Serving the Shrimp Boil:
Arrange the shrimp boil ingredients on a large platter or spread them out on parchment paper or newspaper for a traditional presentation. Sprinkle with minced fresh parsley and chives. Serve with the garlic butter and lemon wedges on the side.

This Old Bay Shrimp Boil has become a favorite for casual gatherings at my house. It's so easy to prepare, and the flavors are always a hit with my guests. I love how versatile it is, allowing me to experiment with different ingredients and variations.

Creative Variations

Substitute chicken broth with beer for a different flavor profile. Add other types of shellfish, such as crab legs or clams. Use red potatoes or regular Yukon Gold potatoes. Add mushrooms or sliced sweet onions for extra vegetables.

Instant Pot and Stovetop Instructions

Instant Pot: Combine chicken broth, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic, hot sauce, potatoes, sausage, and corn in the Instant Pot. Cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release. Add shrimp and cook for 1 minute more, then perform a quick release.

Stovetop: Combine chicken broth, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic, hot sauce, and potatoes in a large pot and bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are tender (about 15 minutes), then add corn and sausage. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes more.

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Storage and Reheating

Store leftover shrimp boil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

This Old Bay Shrimp Boil recipe is a fantastic and flavorful meal that's perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen shrimp in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but thaw them first. Add them to cold water for about 5-10 minutes until defrosted, then drain well before adding to the slow cooker.
→ What if I can't find Old Bay seasoning?
You can make your own by combining paprika, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, celery salt, dried mustard, and a few other spices. Many grocery stores also carry similar seafood seasoning blends that would work well.
→ Can I add other seafood to this boil?
Absolutely! Crab legs or chunks of firm white fish like cod can be added during the last few minutes of cooking. Clams or mussels can also be added with the shrimp, but remove them as soon as they open.
→ Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?
To reduce the heat, simply cut back on the hot sauce or omit it entirely. You can also reduce the amount of Old Bay seasoning if you find it too spicy, though this will affect the overall flavor profile.
→ What's the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet with a little butter. You can also use leftover shrimp and sausage in a pasta dish or jambalaya.

Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil

This Old Bay Shrimp Boil brings the taste of summer to your table with juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, and fresh vegetables slow-cooked in a perfectly seasoned broth.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
300 Minutes
Total Time
310 Minutes

Category: Seasonal & Holiday

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Cajun

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Shrimp Boil

01 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
02 2 lemons, juiced
03 1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning
04 7 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 Tablespoon hot sauce
06 1 pound Yukon Gold baby potatoes
07 12 ounces fully cooked andouille sausage, cut into 1 inch pieces
08 3 ears of fresh corn, halved
09 1 pound raw shrimp, deveined, peeled, tails left on
10 3 Tablespoons fresh parsley, minced, for serving
11 2 Tablespoons fresh chives, minced, for serving

→ Garlic Butter

12 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
13 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
14 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
15 Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 01

In your slow cooker, combine chicken broth, juice from one lemon, Old Bay seasoning, minced garlic, and hot sauce. Add the baby potatoes to this flavorful liquid. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until potatoes begin to soften.

Step 02

Once the potatoes are tender, add the sliced andouille sausage and corn halves to the slow cooker. Continue cooking on high for 1 more hour or on low for 2 hours. When done, remove the corn and keep it warm in a covered dish.

Step 03

Add the raw shrimp to the slow cooker and cook on high for just 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them.

Step 04

Just before serving, make the garlic butter. Melt the stick of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir for one minute, being careful not to burn it. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the tablespoon of minced parsley.

Step 05

Arrange the shrimp boil on plates or spread out on parchment paper or newspaper for a traditional feast. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and chives, then add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve with the warm garlic butter or cocktail sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  1. For best results, use fresh ingredients rather than frozen.
  2. You can leave the shrimp shells on during cooking and peel while eating for a more traditional experience.
  3. This recipe can also be made in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop - see notes for instructions.

Tools You'll Need

  • Slow cooker/Crockpot
  • Small saucepan
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)
  • Contains dairy (butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 512
  • Total Fat: 33 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 31 g
  • Protein: 27 g