Flavorful Old Bay Shrimp Boil Extravaganza
Celebrate summer with our Flavorful Old Bay Shrimp Boil Extravaganza! This classic seaside dish is a cherished tradition in our family every May, bringing friends and loved ones together for a feast of vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients. The combination of succulent shrimp, spicy sausage, tender potatoes, and sweet corn, all seasoned with zesty Old Bay seasoning and accompanied by a cold beer, makes for a truly festive experience. Roll up your sleeves and get ready for a delicious, hands-on meal that invites laughter, joy, and a bit of good-natured mess!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Old Bay Seasoning
1/2 cup (none)
Salt
2 tablespoons (none)
Water
4 quarts (none)
Beer
1 (12-ounce) can (your choice of lager or light beer)
Red Potatoes
8 medium (cut into quarters)
Vidalia Onions
2 large (cut into wedges)
Smoked Sausage
2 lbs (cut into 2-inch lengths)
Corn on the Cob
8 ears (frozen, thawed (I use Birdseye Little Ears))
Large Shrimp
4 lbs (in shells)
Instructions
1
In a large 8-quart stock pot, combine Old Bay seasoning, salt, water, and beer. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2
Once boiling, add the quartered red potatoes and wedges of Vidalia onions. Allow them to cook for 8 minutes.
3
Next, stir in the smoked sausage and let the mixture continue boiling on high for an additional 5 minutes.
4
Add the thawed corn on the cob to the pot, boiling for another 7 minutes to ensure the corn is warmed through.
5
Finally, gently add the shrimp, cooking for about 4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
6
Carefully drain the cooking liquid, then transfer the ingredients into several large bowls or shallow pails for serving.
7
Sprinkle the assembled seafood feast generously with extra Old Bay seasoning for added flavor before diving in!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Flavorful Old Bay Shrimp Boil Extravaganza?
It is a classic seafood dish featuring shrimp, smoked sausage, potatoes, and corn, seasoned with Old Bay and cooked in a beer-infused broth.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What size stock pot is recommended?
A large 8-quart stock pot is recommended to accommodate all the ingredients and liquids.
How much Old Bay seasoning is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of Old Bay seasoning in the boil, plus extra for sprinkling at the end.
What type of beer should I use?
A 12-ounce can of your choice of lager or light beer is suggested.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
Use 8 medium red potatoes and cut them into quarters.
What kind of onions are best for this boil?
The recipe recommends 2 large Vidalia onions cut into wedges.
How long do the potatoes and onions need to cook?
They should be boiled for 8 minutes once the liquid reaches a rolling boil.
When do I add the smoked sausage?
The sausage is added after the potatoes and onions have cooked for 8 minutes.
How should the sausage be cut?
The 2 lbs of smoked sausage should be cut into 2-inch lengths.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses 8 ears of frozen corn on the cob that have been thawed.
How long does the corn cook?
The corn should boil for 7 minutes to ensure it is completely warmed through.
Should I peel the shrimp before boiling?
No, use 4 lbs of large shrimp still in their shells for this recipe.
How long do the shrimp take to cook?
The shrimp take about 4 minutes to cook until they turn pink and opaque.
What is the total amount of water used?
The recipe requires 4 quarts of water.
Do I keep the cooking liquid after the boil is done?
No, you should carefully drain the cooking liquid before serving.
What is the best way to serve the shrimp boil?
Transfer the ingredients to several large bowls or shallow pails for a festive, hands-on experience.
Is salt added to the boil?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of salt are added to the stock pot along with the seasoning.
Can I add more seasoning at the end?
Yes, it is encouraged to sprinkle the assembled seafood feast generously with extra Old Bay seasoning before eating.
What is the culinary category of this dish?
This dish is categorized as Seafood.
Is this a traditional family recipe?
Yes, it is described as a cherished family tradition typically enjoyed every May.
Does the recipe include nutritional facts like calories?
No, the nutritional information for calories, fat, and carbohydrates is not provided for this specific recipe.
What is the texture of the shrimp when done?
The shrimp should be succulent, firm, pink, and opaque.
How many ears of corn are needed?
You will need 8 ears of corn on the cob.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 main ingredients in this recipe.
Why is beer used in the cooking liquid?
Beer is used to add a depth of flavor and a zesty, classic seaside aroma to the boil.
Can this be eaten with utensils?
While you can use utensils, it is described as a 'hands-on meal' that invites a bit of good-natured mess.
What is a Vidalia onion?
A Vidalia onion is a type of sweet onion that pairs perfectly with the savory spices in a shrimp boil.
How long do the sausage and vegetables boil in total?
In total, the ingredients are added in stages over approximately 24 minutes of boiling.
Is there a specific brand of corn mentioned?
The recipe author mentions using 'Birdseye Little Ears' for the corn on the cob.