If you’re craving a flavorful, fuss-free meal that bursts with fresh, smoky goodness, this Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy shrimp mingling with smoky sausage, sweet corn, and buttery baby potatoes all cooked together on the grill, creating a vibrant seafood feast that’s perfect for any casual gathering or quick weeknight dinner. The combination of citrus, garlic, and Old Bay seasoning brings a zesty, comforting vibe that’ll make you want to dive in fork-first without hesitation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil Recipe lies in its simplicity and straightforward ingredients, each selected to balance flavor and texture effortlessly. Fresh shrimp, smoky sausage, and crisp corn are complemented by buttery potatoes and zesty spices, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Using tails on or off depends on your preference; tails add a fun presentation while off makes eating easier.
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds: Adds a rich, smoky flavor that complements the seafood perfectly.
- 2 ears of corn, cut into thirds: Provides a sweet crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
- 1/2 lb baby potatoes, halved: Adds a comforting, creamy texture once cooked, soaking up all the buttery goodness.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps to lightly coat ingredients for even grilling and locks in flavor.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Essential for that signature buttery richness that ties everything together.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives a fragrant bite enhancing the overall aroma and taste.
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning): The magical spice blend that delivers that classic seafood boil punch.
- 1 lemon, sliced: Adds a bright, acidic note that balances the richness perfectly.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional): Provides a fresh herbaceous finish and a pop of green.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors.
How to Make Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Grill and Potatoes
Start by heating your grill to medium-high, aiming for about 400°F (200°C) so everything gets that perfect sear and smoky char. While the grill warms up, toss your halved baby potatoes with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then microwave them for 5 to 6 minutes until they’re just tender. Partially cooking the potatoes ahead ensures they finish grilling evenly alongside the shrimp and sausage without becoming undercooked or mushy.
Step 2: Toss All Ingredients Together
Grab a large bowl and combine the shrimp, smoked sausage rounds, corn pieces, and partially cooked potatoes. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and melted butter, sprinkle in the minced garlic and Old Bay seasoning, then squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the mix for a tangy zing. Toss everything gently until each ingredient is evenly coated with the fragrant, buttery spice blend—this step is where all the magic flavor development happens.
Step 3: Assemble into Grill Packets
Divide your mixture into four generous piles and place each onto a large sheet of aluminum foil. Wrap them tightly into sealed packets to trap steam and grill essence inside, or if you have one, use a grill basket to hold the ingredients securely. The foil packets work wonderfully by steaming and grilling all at once, melding flavors while giving you minimal cleanup afterward.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Lay the packets or grill basket on the hot grill and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’ll know it’s done when the shrimp turn a beautiful pink and everything inside is piping hot with a hint of light char. The sausage should be sizzling, the corn tender-crisp, and the potatoes fully flavored from the buttery spices.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Carefully open each foil packet or lift the grill basket off the heat. The aromas alone will have everyone eager to dig in! Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra lemon wedges if you want that final touch of brightness and color. Serve immediately while hot for a truly satisfying seafood boil experience.
How to Serve Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley brightens up the dish visually and adds a subtle herbaceous contrast to the smoky, buttery flavors. Don’t forget to include some lemon wedges on the side—squeezing fresh lemon juice over the grilled shrimp boil just before eating highlights the spices and adds a refreshing bite.
Side Dishes
This easy recipe shines as a complete meal but pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp garden salad, garlic bread for mopping up those buttery juices, or even coleslaw for a cool, crunchy balance. Light and fresh sides let the bold flavors of the shrimp boil remain the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil Recipe family-style on a large wooden board or in a shallow platter lined with newspaper for a classic boil vibe. You can also layer everything in a large bowl for a rustic yet inviting presentation that encourages everyone to dig in with their hands and enjoy the communal feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp boil can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since the shrimp and vegetables absorb the buttery sauce, they stay flavorful but are best enjoyed within this short window to keep their texture fresh.
Freezing
While shrimp is best freshly cooked, you can freeze leftovers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Consume within 1 month for best quality and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the shrimp tender and prevent the potatoes from drying out. Splash a little butter or olive oil during reheating to restore moisture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before tossing with the seasonings to avoid excess moisture on the grill.
What can I substitute for Old Bay seasoning?
If you don’t have Old Bay on hand, Cajun seasoning or a homemade blend of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and cayenne works beautifully for that spicy, savory kick.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil Recipe has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the Old Bay or Cajun seasoning. You can adjust the heat by adding more cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you love a spicier dish.
Can I prepare this recipe without a grill?
You can absolutely cook the shrimp boil mixture in an oven using foil packets at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until the shrimp are cooked through and everything is heated thoroughly.
How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked?
Shrimp turns opaque and pink when done, with a firm texture. Overcooking causes them to become rubbery, so watch closely during grilling to pull them off at just the right time.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil Recipe is a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing way to enjoy a classic seafood feast with a modern twist. The simple ingredients and straightforward grilling method deliver incredible flavor and a fun, hands-on eating experience that’s perfect for family dinners or outdoor gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your go-to dish for easy, delicious seafood nights.
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Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy grilled shrimp boil is a flavorful, one-pan meal perfect for outdoor cooking. Featuring juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, tender baby potatoes, and sweet corn, all seasoned with Old Bay and garlic butter, then cooked to perfection on the grill in foil packets or a grill basket. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and delicious seafood boil alternative ideal for summer gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Seafood and Meat
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
Vegetables
- 2 ears of corn, cut into thirds
- 1/2 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 1 lemon, sliced
Seasonings and Fats
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (200°C), to ensure even cooking and the perfect sear for the shrimp and vegetables.
- Par-cook Potatoes: Toss the halved baby potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Microwave for 5-6 minutes until they are just tender. This step helps to soften the potatoes before grilling.
- Combine Ingredients: In the large bowl containing the potatoes, add the shrimp, sliced smoked sausage, corn pieces, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Toss everything thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients with the flavorful seasoning and butter mixture.
- Prepare Grill Packets: Divide the mixture evenly into 4 large sheets of aluminum foil or place all ingredients into a grill basket. If using foil, wrap each packet tightly to contain all juices and aromas during cooking.
- Grill the Packets: Place the foil packets or grill basket on the preheated grill. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping once halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heat distribution. The shrimp should turn pink and fully cook, while the sausage, potatoes, and corn become hot and slightly charred.
- Serve and Garnish: Carefully open the foil packets or remove the grill basket from the grill to avoid steam burns. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional lemon wedges if desired. Serve the shrimp boil hot for a delicious seafood feast.
Notes
- Use tails on shrimp for easier handling and presentation if preferred.
- Feel free to substitute smoked sausage with andouille for extra spice.
- If you don’t have a microwave, par-boil potatoes in salted water for 8-10 minutes until tender.
- Make sure the foil packets are sealed tightly to prevent juices from leaking and keep the steam inside.
- Adjust Old Bay seasoning quantity to taste if you prefer a milder or spicier dish.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices for a complete meal.
