If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, is delightfully easy to whip up, and brings that perfect touch of summer to your table, you are going to fall head over heels for this Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil Recipe. It combines juicy shrimp, smoky sausage, tender baby potatoes, and sweet corn, all coated in a buttery, garlicky, and boldly seasoned sauce that grills to perfection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a fuss-free dinner that feels like a celebration, this recipe is your new go-to for that irresistible seafood boil experience with a smoky grilled twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil Recipe, the ingredient list is refreshingly straightforward, but every element plays a crucial role, from adding depth of flavor to balancing textures that keep every bite exciting and satisfying.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that grills beautifully and soaks up all the seasoning.
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds: Adds a smoky richness and hearty bite that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- 2 ears of corn, cut into thirds: Sweet and crisp, these brighten up the dish and bring vibrant color.
- 1/2 lb baby potatoes, halved: Creamy and tender, they offer a comforting heft and soak in all the buttery goodness.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps to coat and season the ingredients, ensuring they grill evenly without sticking.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and that silky texture which brings all the flavors together.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a fragrant punch that wakes up every ingredient.
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning): The magic spice blend that ties every element with its bold, savory warmth.
- 1 lemon, sliced: Provides fresh citrus brightness that cuts through the richness.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional): A pop of fresh green and herbaceous note for the finishing touch.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential basics that elevate all the flavors without overpowering.
How to Make Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Grill
Start by heating your grill to medium-high, aiming for around 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This heat level will give you that beautiful sear on the shrimp and sausage while cooking the potatoes and corn just right. A preheated grill is key to locking in flavors and getting a slight char that adds smoky depth to everything.
Step 2: Par-Cooking Potatoes
Toss the halved baby potatoes in a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then microwave them for 5 to 6 minutes until they’re just tender. This step speeds things up on the grill and ensures your potatoes don’t end up undercooked while the other ingredients are ready.
Step 3: Combining the Ingredients
In the same bowl, add your shrimp, sliced sausage, corn pieces, and the par-cooked potatoes. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Toss everything until each piece is luxuriously coated in the buttery, garlicky seasoning—it’s the flavor foundation for this Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil Recipe you won’t want to skip.
Step 4: Wrapping or Basket Prep
Divide the mixture evenly into four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, then wrap tightly into packets. Alternatively, you can put all the ingredients into a grill basket if you prefer. Both methods lock in steam and juices, infusing all the flavors while keeping everything moist and tender.
Step 5: Grilling to Perfection
Place your foil packets or grill basket on the preheated grill and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once halfway through. Watch as the shrimp turn pink and curl, the sausage chars just lightly, and the corn and potatoes soak up that smoky, buttery marinade. This step is where the magic happens, marrying all the components into a harmonious, grill-kissed feast.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serving
Carefully open the foil packets or remove the grill basket, being mindful of hot steam. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and scatter lemon wedges around your Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil Recipe for an added pop of color and brightness. Serve everything bubbling hot and watch everyone dig in with joy.
How to Serve Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley and lemon wedges are classic garnishes that brighten and freshen every bite of this hearty dish. For an extra pop, sprinkle some smoked paprika or a drizzle of melted garlic butter on top—these small touches elevate the grilling flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is a stand-alone party, but if you want to go all out, consider pairing it with crusty garlic bread for dipping, a fresh green salad to cut through the richness, or perhaps some creamy coleslaw. These sides complement the textures and flavors without competing with the star ingredients.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this shrimp boil family-style right on a newspaper-covered table or a large wooden board for that authentic seafood feast vibe. You can also pack the foil packets individually for easy, mess-free portions or present the shrimp boil inside large lettuce cups for a lighter, hand-held option that’s perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to cool the packets or grilled ingredients completely before sealing to preserve freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place the cooled foil packets or ingredients in an airtight container or freezer bag. They keep well for up to 1 month, making it easy to enjoy this flavorful meal later without losing much quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp boil in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 10 to 15 minutes, or reheat directly on the grill wrapped in foil to bring back that grilled flavor and texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
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 and other ingredients. This ensures they grill evenly and get that perfect texture.
What can I substitute for Old Bay seasoning?
If you don’t have Old Bay on hand, Cajun seasoning is a great alternative that offers a similar spicy and savory profile. You can also mix paprika, celery salt, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne to mimic the flavor.
Is it necessary to par-cook the potatoes?
Yes, par-cooking the potatoes ensures they become tender in the relatively short grilling time. Without this step, the potatoes may remain hard and undercooked, which can be disappointing in a quick shrimp boil.
Can I make this recipe indoors if I don’t have a grill?
You can! Simply roast the packets in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes, or cook everything in a large skillet on the stove top. The flavors are delicious either way, though grilling adds that extra smoky touch.
How spicy is this Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil Recipe?
The spiciness largely depends on the seasoning blend you choose. Old Bay seasoning has a mild to moderate heat, while Cajun seasoning can add a bit more kick. You can always adjust by adding more or less or include a pinch of cayenne if you want it hotter.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil Recipe is one of those wonderful dishes that brings people together through simple, bold flavors and effortless cooking. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, bursting with color, texture, and that unbeatable grilled charm. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making it soon; once you do, it’ll become a fast favorite for any occasion that calls for a joyful, no-fuss seafood feast.
Print
Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American Southern
Description
This Easy Grilled Shrimp Boil is a flavorful and straightforward seafood feast perfect for outdoor grilling. Combining tender shrimp, smoky sausage, sweet corn, and baby potatoes all coated in a buttery, garlicky Old Bay seasoning blend, this recipe delivers a deliciously charred and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. Perfect for four servings, it’s a hands-on yet simple way to enjoy a classic shrimp boil with a smoky grilled twist.
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
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
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
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C) to ensure it’s ready for cooking your shrimp boil.
- Prep Potatoes: Toss the halved baby potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Microwave for 5–6 minutes or until they are just tender, then set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In the same large bowl, add the shrimp, sliced smoked sausage, corn pieces, the pre-cooked potatoes, the remaining olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Toss everything thoroughly so all ingredients are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Prepare for Grilling: Divide the combined mixture into 4 large foil sheets, or alternatively, place all ingredients into a grill basket. If using foil, wrap each packet tightly to trap steam and flavors during grilling.
- Grill: Place the foil packets or grill basket on the preheated grill. Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping once halfway through to ensure even cooking. The shrimp should turn pink and be completely cooked, and all ingredients should be hot with slight charring for added flavor.
- Serve: Carefully open the foil packets or remove the grill basket from the grill. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges, if desired, and serve hot for a satisfying seafood boil experience.
Notes
- Microwaving the potatoes ahead of grilling helps speed up the cooking process and ensures they become tender inside the foil packets.
- If you don’t have a grill basket, the foil packets method works perfectly to cook and steam the ingredients evenly.
- Adjust the Old Bay seasoning-to-taste for more or less heat and spice.
- For tail-on shrimp, the tails add extra flavor; for easier eating, leave tails off.
- Use fresh lemon slices to add brightness just before serving.
- Optional parsley adds a fresh herbal note as a garnish.
