Cajun shrimp boil is a classic dish full of bold, rich flavors. It melds together a combination of shrimp, potatoes, and corn with a spiced butter sauce that with have you oohing and aahing over every bite!

Cajun butter shrimp seafood boil with potatoes and corn on a large platter.

Emily's Recipe Notes

Making a shrimp boil is by far the easiest (and most economical) way to enjoy a seafood boil! You get all the flavors of the cajun butter sauce without having to spring for crab legs or lobster (which are, of course, delicious - but aren't exactly weeknight dinner fare).

If you work quickly and make the butter sauce while your potatoes are boiling, you can having this dish ready in 40 minutes.

If you love Cajun flavors, check out my Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe as well!

Shrimp seafood boil ingredients on a marble background.

Ingredients for cajun butter seafood boil sauce on a marble background.

Shrimp Boil Ingredients

Shrimp - try to find jumbo shrimp (16 to 20 pieces per pound). These hold their shape better during a boil. I have better luck finding these in the frozen section. If possible, buy them peeled and deveined as this will save you quite a bit of time!
Baby Red Potatoes - the smaller the better here! You'll leave the potatoes whole so you want them to be an inch to an inch and a half.
Corn - find fresh sweet corn if possible. I've used frozen corn on the cob in this recipe before, but fresh corn tends to be a little plumper and juicier.
Butter - I recommend using unsalted butter so you can salt to taste at the end - as some of the seasoning blends have salt in them.
Seasonings - you'll use Old Bay Seasoning, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning for the sauce. Don't skip any of them - they all add something special!
Worcestershire sauce - even the small amount used in this recipe adds a wonderful punch of umami flavor.

How to Make a Shrimp Boil

Step 1: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and Old Bay and cook for 30 seconds. Add the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and optional hot sauce. Cook for 1 minute, then remove from the heat and stir in the parsley.

Potatoes boiling in a large pot of water.

Step 2: Fill a large stockpot with 3 quarts of water. Squeeze the juice from the lemon halves into the water, then add the lemon halves, Old Bay, kosher salt, and bay leaf. Bring to a rolling boil. Add the potatoes and boil for 12 to 15 minutes (depending on their size) until they are nearly fork-tender.

Corn and potatoes boiling in a large pot of water.

Step 3: Add the corn and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.

Shrimp being added to corn and potatoes in a large pot of water.

Step 4: Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they are pink, opaque, and just cooked through.

Step 5: Carefully drain the boil and discard the lemon halves and bay leaf. Return the potatoes, corn, and shrimp to the pot. Pour about two-thirds of the Cajun butter sauce over everything and gently toss until well coated.

Cajun shrimp boil with red potatoes and corn on the cob.

Step 6: Transfer the shrimp boil to a large serving platter or spread it onto a parchment-lined table. Drizzle with the remaining Cajun butter sauce and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.

Cajun butter seafood boil sauce in a white bowl with a gold spoon.

Thank You for Sharing!

If you make this Shrimp Boil or any other Seafood Recipes on This Healthy Table, please take a moment to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It really help to others who want to try the recipe!

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