How to Make an Easy Cajun Shrimp Boil in 30 Minutes

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you ready for a recipe that’s as flavorful as it is quick? Today, I’m excited to share with you my Easy Cajun Shrimp Boil recipe, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. This dish is a true showstopper, packed with succulent shrimp, spicy sausage, and tender veggies, all seasoned to perfection with that classic Cajun flair. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes! Whether you’re looking for quick family dinners or easy pasta recipes (yes, you can even serve this over pasta for a fun twist!), this shrimp boil is a winner. So grab your apron and let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinner ideas
• One pot wonder – minimal cleanup!
• Loaded with flavor from Cajun seasoning and seafood spices
• Feeds a crowd – great for seafood boil for a crowd
• Customizable – add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level
• Easy to make ahead and reheat for later

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this mouthwatering Cajun Shrimp Boil:

• 2 pounds large jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined, leave tails on)
• 1 pound smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille, cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 4 lemons (2 for cooking, 2 for serving)
• 1 medium onion (cleaned and cut into large pieces)
• 6 cloves garlic (cleaned and smashed)
• 1/4 cup seafood seasoning (like Old Bay)
• 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning
• 1 pound small red potatoes (cut in half)
• 4 ears corn (each cut into 4 pieces)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley or cilantro (plus more for garnish)
• finely minced garlic (start with 1 tablespoon)
• crushed red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon)
• prepared horseradish (1 tablespoon)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s get cooking! This Cajun Shrimp Boil is a breeze to make, and I’ll walk you through every step:

1. Fill a large stock pot halfway with water, about 8 to 10 cups of water. Cut 2 lemons into quarters and add to the water. Add the onion, garlic, seafood seasoning, and Cajun seasoning and bring to a boil.
2. Add the potatoes to the boiling water and cook for 10 minutes. Then add the corn and sausage and cook for 6 minutes more. Finally, add the shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes, or until they’re translucent, pink, and curled. (Add more water if needed during this time to keep everything submerged in the seasoned water.)
3. As soon as the shrimp are done, immediately drain the mixture and pour it out onto a large baking sheet.
4. For the butter topping, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, then whisk to combine. Pour half of the butter topping over the shrimp boil and stir to coat.
5. Reserve the remaining butter mixture for serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and lemons. Serve immediately!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few tips to make your Cajun Shrimp Boil truly unforgettable:

• Customize to your taste: Love it spicy? Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Not a fan of heat? Omit the spicy elements altogether.
• Use a variety of veggies: While potatoes and corn are classic, you can also add carrots, bell peppers, or even zucchini for extra color and flavor.
• Make it a meal: Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the buttery broth, or over rice for a hearty option. For a lighter meal, pair it with a fresh salad or my Simple Sautéed Cabbage.
• Prep ahead: Chop your veggies and marinate the shrimp (if you have time) up to a day in advance. This makes for a quick assembly when you’re ready to cook.

How to Serve

Serving your Cajun Shrimp Boil is all about presentation and extra flavor:

• Garnish generously: Fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning make the dish pop on the plate.
• Offer dipping options: Set out small bowls of melted butter, cocktail sauce, or even a spicy aioli for dipping shrimp and sausage.
• Add a side: Pair with crusty bread, Asian Cabbage Stir-Fry, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it holds up for later:

• Make ahead: Cook the entire recipe up to a day in advance, then refrigerate until ready to serve. Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Freezer-friendly: While shrimp don’t freeze particularly well after cooking, you can prepare the sausage, potatoes, and corn ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days before cooking.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For a quick lunch, reheat and serve over a bed of rice or with a side of Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole.

And there you have it, folks! A delicious, easy, and crowd-pleasing Cajun Shrimp Boil that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for quick family dinners, easy pasta recipes, or a hearty weeknight meal, this recipe delivers. Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media – I’d love to see how you make it your own!