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Easy Spicy Cajun Shrimp Boil Recipe One Pot Perfect Meal

spicy Cajun shrimp boil - featured image

A quick and flavorful one-pot Cajun shrimp boil featuring juicy shrimp, tender potatoes, corn, and smoked sausage with a bold, spicy seasoning blend. Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for casual gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • pounds (680g) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on for extra flavor)
  • 4 medium red potatoes, halved or quartered
  • 2 ears of corn, cut into thirds
  • 1 smoked sausage (like Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on your heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 4 cups (950 ml) water or seafood stock
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cajun seasoning: In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Set aside.
  2. Pour 4 cups (950 ml) water or seafood stock into a large pot. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Once boiling, add the halved potatoes and quartered onion. Cook for about 10 minutes until potatoes start to soften but aren’t fully done.
  4. Add the corn pieces and sliced sausage. Sprinkle half of the Cajun seasoning over everything, stirring gently. Let it cook for another 5 minutes.
  5. Add the peeled shrimp along with the rest of the Cajun seasoning and smashed garlic cloves. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Cook for 3-5 minutes more, until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook.
  7. Turn off heat and add butter, stirring until melted and coating the shrimp and veggies.
  8. Serve immediately on a large platter or straight from the pot. Garnish with lemon wedges.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; cook 3-5 minutes only. Use smoked sausage for best flavor. Season in layers for balanced taste. Add butter at the end for richness. Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level. For gluten-free, use gluten-free sausage or omit sausage. For dairy-free, replace butter with olive oil or omit.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp boil, spicy shrimp boil, one pot shrimp boil, easy shrimp recipe, Cajun seafood, quick dinner, Southern cooking