Savory Summer Old Bay Shrimp Feast
Experience the ultimate taste of summer with this Savory Summer Old Bay Shrimp Feast. Perfect for gatherings and outdoor parties, this vibrant dish combines tender shrimp, hearty vegetables, and smoked sausage, all infused with the signature flavor of Old Bay seasoning. Although it may appear intimidating, this recipe is surprisingly simple and can be whipped up in just 30 minutes. Serve it family-style on a vibrant table lined with butcher paper, allowing guests to dig in and enjoy the interactive dining experience. Add wedges of fresh lemon for a zesty kick, and prepare to delight in a dish that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
16 cups (none)
pale beer
1 (12 ounce) can (optional)
Old Bay Seasoning
1/2 cup (none)
salt
2 tablespoons (none)
small red potatoes
1 lb (cut in half)
large onions
2 (sliced)
garlic cloves
6 (peeled)
lean smoked sausage
2 lbs (cut into 2-inch pieces)
fresh corn
8 ears (husked and cut in half)
extra-large shrimp
4 lbs (deveined but shells kept on)
lemon
1 (cut into wedges)
Instructions
1
Begin by filling a very large pot (at least 12-quart capacity) with 16 cups of water and 1 can of pale beer (if using). Add 1/2 cup of Old Bay seasoning and 2 tablespoons of salt. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil over high heat.
2
Once boiling, carefully add 1 pound of halved small red potatoes, 2 sliced onions, and 6 peeled garlic cloves. Allow these ingredients to cook for 8 minutes, ensuring they are well-integrated.
3
Next, incorporate 2 pounds of cut smoked sausage into the pot and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to evenly distribute the flavors.
4
Add in 8 husked and halved ears of corn, cooking them for another 7 minutes. Continue to gently stir the mixture to ensure even cooking.
5
Finally, stir in 4 pounds of deveined extra-large shrimp, carefully monitoring their cooking time until they turn pink, which should take about 4 minutes. It’s crucial to avoid overcooking the shrimp to maintain their succulent texture.
6
Once the cooking time is complete, use a strainer to carefully drain the broth from the pot. Transfer the shrimp boil onto a large platter, baking sheet, or directly onto a table lined with newspaper or butcher paper. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle additional Old Bay seasoning on top. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy your delicious summer feast!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Summer Old Bay Shrimp Feast?
It is a vibrant summer dish that combines tender shrimp, hearty vegetables, and smoked sausage, all infused with Old Bay seasoning.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is surprisingly simple and can be whipped up in just 30 minutes.
What size pot is required for the shrimp boil?
You will need a very large pot with at least a 12-quart capacity.
Is beer a necessary ingredient?
No, the pale beer is listed as an optional ingredient to be added to the water.
How much Old Bay seasoning should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of Old Bay seasoning in the boiling mixture, plus extra for sprinkling at the end.
What kind of potatoes are best for this feast?
Small red potatoes, cut in half, are recommended for this recipe.
How should the onions be prepared?
The recipe requires 2 large onions that have been sliced.
Do the garlic cloves need to be chopped?
No, the recipe calls for 6 peeled garlic cloves to be added whole.
What type of sausage is used in this shrimp boil?
The recipe uses 2 pounds of lean smoked sausage cut into 2-inch pieces.
How long do the potatoes, onions, and garlic cook?
They should cook in the boiling seasoned water for 8 minutes.
When do I add the smoked sausage to the pot?
Add the sausage after the potatoes have cooked for 8 minutes, and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
How should the corn be prepared before cooking?
The corn should be husked and cut in half before being added to the pot.
How long does the corn need to cook?
The corn should be added after the sausage and cooked for 7 minutes.
What size shrimp is recommended?
The recipe calls for 4 pounds of extra-large shrimp.
Should the shrimp be peeled before boiling?
The shrimp should be deveined, but the shells should be kept on during the cooking process.
How long do you cook the shrimp?
The shrimp should cook for about 4 minutes until they turn pink.
How can I avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Monitor the shrimp closely and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink, which takes roughly 4 minutes.
How do I serve the shrimp boil?
Serve it family-style on a large platter, baking sheet, or a table lined with newspaper or butcher paper.
What is the purpose of using butcher paper or newspaper?
It creates an interactive dining experience where guests can dig in directly from the table surface.
What should be served as a garnish?
Fresh lemon wedges and an extra sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning are recommended.
How much water is needed for the base?
The recipe requires 16 cups of water.
Can this recipe be served at outdoor parties?
Yes, it is perfect for gatherings and outdoor summer parties.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The signature flavor comes from the Old Bay seasoning combined with the smokiness of the sausage.
How much salt is added to the boil?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of salt in the boiling water.
What is the total amount of shrimp used?
The recipe calls for 4 pounds of shrimp.
Is the broth meant to be eaten?
No, the instructions state to use a strainer to carefully drain the broth from the pot before serving.
Is this a family-style meal?
Yes, it is designed as a family-style dish for shared interactive dining.
What kind of beer is suggested?
A 12-ounce can of pale beer is suggested as an optional addition to the water.
Does the recipe include instructions for cleaning the shrimp?
Yes, the ingredients specify that the shrimp should be deveined.
How many ears of corn are needed?
The recipe uses 8 ears of fresh corn, husked and halved.