Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Shrimp & Sausage Feast?
It is a mouthwatering seafood boil featuring shrimp, spicy sausage, potatoes, corn, carrots, and onions seasoned with a variety of spices.
What type of pot is recommended for this recipe?
A 30-quart stock pot is recommended. A Bayou Classic Turkey Fryer with a perforated basket works exceptionally well.
How much water should I use for the boil?
Fill the 30-quart stock pot halfway with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
What seasonings are used in the broth?
The broth uses minced garlic, cayenne pepper, black pepper, Old Bay seasoning, and both Zatarain's dry and liquid shrimp and crab boil.
How long should the seasonings simmer before adding ingredients?
Allow the seasonings, onions, and lemon juice to boil for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
What vegetables are added first?
The potatoes and mini carrots are added first because they take longer to cook.
How long do the potatoes and carrots need to cook?
Cook them for 5-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
When do I add the sausage?
Incorporate the sliced sausage after the potatoes and carrots have started cooking.
How long should the sausage boil?
Let the sausage boil for 10-12 minutes to infuse its flavor into the broth.
How should the corn be prepared?
Use 6 ears of corn and slice them into thirds before adding them to the pot.
When is the corn added to the feast?
Add the corn after the sausage has boiled, cooking for another 5-7 minutes.
What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2-3 lbs of shrimp, ideally 70-75 count, that have been peeled and deveined.
Can I add other seafood besides shrimp?
Yes, you can optionally add 2 lbs of cleaned scallops to elevate the dish.
When should the seafood be added?
Stir in the shrimp and optional scallops last, as they cook very quickly.
How long does it take to cook the shrimp?
The shrimp and scallops take about 5-7 minutes until they are pink and opaque.
Do I keep the cooking liquid?
No, carefully drain the pot and discard the liquid before serving.
How should the final dish be served?
Transfer the feast to a large serving platter and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires 3 medium onions, sliced.
What provides the heat in this boil?
The heat comes from 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper and the Zatarain's crab boil seasonings.
How much Old Bay seasoning is used?
The recipe uses 8 tablespoons of Old Bay Original Seasoning.
What amount of sausage is required?
You will need 4-5 lbs of sliced sausage.
How many potatoes should I use?
Use 2 lbs of diced potatoes.
Is there a specific way to prep the lemons?
The juice from 3 whole lemons is added to the boil, and additional wedges are served on the side.
What kind of carrots are used?
One 1-lb bag of whole mini carrots is used for this recipe.
What are the Zatarain's requirements?
You need 3 (3 ounce) boxes of the dry boil and 1 (4 ounce) bottle of the liquid boil.
Is this dish suitable for large groups?
Yes, it is perfect for gatherings, beach parties, and large family dinners.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized under seafood boils, gathering meals, and easy party food.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of ground black pepper.
Can this recipe be considered a summer meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer recipe and is ideal for outdoor gatherings.