Low Country Shrimp Boil

Cook: 65 min Cuisine: American

A flavorful and hearty seafood boil featuring tender shrimp, spicy sausage, sweet corn, and potatoes, all infused with bold seasonings. Perfect for casual gatherings and outdoor feasts, this dish delivers a taste of Low Country coastal cuisine with vibrant flavors and satisfying ingredients.

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Ingredients

  • 4 qt. water
  • 2 lemons, quartered
  • 2 onions, quartered
  • 1 to 2 oz. special seasoning (Old Bay or Old Savannah)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 pieces long sausage
  • 2 potatoes, quartered
  • 2 corn-on-cob
  • 1 1/2 to 2 lb. shrimp (heads off, tails on)

Instructions

  1. Combine water, lemons, onions, seasonings, and bay leaves; bring to a rolling boil and cook for 15 minutes.
  2. Reduce to medium boil; add sausage and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
  3. Add potatoes and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes.
  4. Add corn on the cob and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
  5. Add shrimp and cook for 1 to 3 minutes until just done.
  6. Drain the contents and serve hot.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding smoked sausage or andouille sausage instead of regular sausage. If you want more spice, add a few dashes of hot sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes to the broth. You can substitute fresh corn with frozen corn if fresh isn't available, but adjust cooking times accordingly. To enhance the dish, try serving it with a side of garlic butter for dipping the shrimp.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the shrimp boil on a large platter lined with butcher paper for a festive touch. Pair it with a refreshing coleslaw or a light salad to balance the richness of the shrimp and sausage. This dish also pairs beautifully with Spicy Grilled Catfish for a delightful seafood spread. Don’t forget to provide plenty of napkins!

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers should be cooled completely before storing. Place the shrimp boil in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the leftovers in a pot over medium heat with a splash of water to prevent drying out, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Low Country Shrimp Boil contains roughly 3019 calories, with 53g protein, 462g carbohydrates, and 121g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (304% of the Daily Value), iron (196% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (172% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 586mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

3019 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 53.1g 100% DV
Total Fat 121.4g 100% DV
Carbs 462.3g 100% DV
Fiber 85g 100% DV
Sugar 5.4g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 585.6mg 25% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV
Cholesterol 47.3mg 16% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 176.8mcg 20% DV
Vitamin C 154.5mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 627.9mg 48% DV
Iron 35.3mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Shellfish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add other seafood to the boil?

Absolutely! Feel free to add clams, mussels, or crab to the boil for an elevated seafood experience. Just remember to adjust cooking times, as different seafood may require varying lengths of cooking to ensure everything is perfectly done.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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