Buttery Garlic Shrimp Boil

This grilled shrimp boil brings together all the flavors of a traditional seafood boil with the smoky char of grilling, creating a feast that's perfect for summer gatherings or an elevated weeknight dinner. The combination of succulent prawns, sweet corn, hearty potatoes, and savory sausage creates a complete meal that's as impressive as it is simple to prepare.

I first made this grilled version of a shrimp boil when hosting a backyard gathering where I wanted to avoid the mess of a traditional boil. The grilling method intensified all the flavors, and now my family requests this dish almost weekly during summer months.

Ingredients

• Jumbo shrimp or tiger prawns: peeled and deveined for faster cooking and eating. Look for sustainably sourced when possible
• Old Bay seasoning: the classic seafood spice blend that provides perfect balance of heat and savory notes
• Corn on the cob: cut into sections allowing for easier grilling and serving. Choose corn with bright green husks and plump kernels
• Baby potatoes: halved for quicker cooking time. Red or gold varieties work wonderfully here
• Sausages: sliced for easy grilling. Andouille gives authentic flavor but any smoked sausage works well
• Fresh lemon: quartered to provide brightness that balances the rich buttery sauce
• Garlic: crushed to release maximum flavor. Fresh cloves rather than pre-minced make a significant difference
• Butter: creates the rich sauce that coats everything beautifully. Use high quality butter for best results
• Fresh parsley: adds color and herbaceous notes that lighten the dish. Always choose fresh over dried
• Olive oil: prevents sticking and adds another layer of flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Seafood:

Toss your prawns with half the Old Bay seasoning and let them marinate for 5 minutes. This brief marinade time allows the spices to adhere to the shellfish without starting to cook them in the seasoning as would happen with acidic marinades. The prawns will absorb just enough flavor while maintaining their tender texture.

Combine All Ingredients:

Mix corn, potatoes, sausage, lemon, and garlic in a large bowl before adding the seasoned shrimp. Pour in half the melted butter along with parsley and remaining Old Bay. Gently toss everything to ensure even coating of the seasonings and butter. Allow this mixture to rest for 10 minutes which gives the flavors time to begin melding together before hitting the heat.

Prepare Your Grill:

Whether using a grill pan indoors or outdoor barbecue, properly preparing your cooking surface is crucial. Brush with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure beautiful grill marks. For a grill pan, heat to medium high before adding ingredients. For an outdoor grill, preheat to approximately 400°F for best results.

Grill With Care:

Place all components on the grill surface with space between pieces to ensure even cooking. For grill pan method, the addition of water and covering creates a steam environment that ensures potatoes cook through completely. For outdoor grilling, the foil packet method traps moisture and allows everything to cook in the flavorful butter sauce while still getting those desirable grill marks.

Finish With Freshness:

Just before serving, sprinkle with remaining fresh parsley and additional Old Bay if desired. This final touch adds bright color and fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish and cuts through the richness.

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The secret to this recipe's success is the quality of your Old Bay seasoning. I once made this dish with a seasoning blend that had been sitting in my pantry for over a year, and the flavor was noticeably less vibrant. Fresh spices make all the difference, especially with seafood where the delicate flavors need proper enhancement.

Make Ahead Options

While this dish is best served fresh off the grill, you can prepare several components ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. Clean and devein shrimp, cut corn, and halve potatoes up to 24 hours before cooking. Store everything separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The seasoning mixture can also be combined ahead of time. When ready to cook, simply toss everything together and proceed with grilling as directed.

Perfect Pairings

This grilled shrimp boil is essentially a complete meal on its own, but a few simple sides can round out the feast. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery main dish. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce that pools at the bottom of your plate. For beverages, try a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or keep it casual with cold beer or lemonade.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on availability and preference. No prawns available? Substitute any shellfish like scallops or lobster tails, adjusting cooking time accordingly. For a twist on the traditional recipe, try using kielbasa or chorizo instead of regular smoked sausage for added spice. Sweet potatoes can stand in for baby potatoes for a nutritional boost, though they may require slightly different cooking times. Allergic to shellfish? Focus on the sausage and vegetables, perhaps adding chicken pieces to maintain protein content.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of seafood in this shrimp boil?

Absolutely! While tiger prawns or jumbo shrimp work best, you can add or substitute other quick-cooking seafood like scallops, small pieces of firm fish, or even mussels. Just be mindful of different cooking times—add seafood that cooks quickly toward the end to prevent overcooking.

→ What's the best substitute for Old Bay seasoning?

If you don't have Old Bay, you can make a similar blend with paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, celery salt, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Alternatively, cajun or creole seasoning makes a good substitute, though these tend to be spicier than Old Bay.

→ How do I know when the shrimp are properly cooked?

Properly cooked shrimp will turn from translucent gray to an opaque pink with bright red tails. They should form a loose C-shape when done. If they curl into a tight O-shape, they're likely overcooked. The total cooking time should be around 5-7 minutes depending on size.

→ Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

Yes! You can cut the corn, halve the potatoes, slice the sausage, and peel and devein the shrimp up to a day in advance. Store everything separately in the refrigerator. You can also mix the Old Bay seasoning with the shrimp a few hours before cooking to enhance the flavor.

→ What side dishes pair well with a shrimp boil?

Classic accompaniments include cornbread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. Coleslaw also pairs wonderfully with the rich, buttery flavors. For drinks, consider a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer.

→ Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Definitely! Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix, or include sliced jalapeños or other hot peppers with the vegetables. You could also serve with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer extra heat.