If you’re craving the ultimate seafood feast that’s simple to pull off and downright delicious, you’re in for a treat with this Easy Low Country Shrimp Boil Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out—it’s that magical combination of juicy shrimp, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and smoky kielbasa all simmered together in a flavorful, spiced broth. When I first tried making this at home, I was hooked instantly. Seriously, once you make it, your family will go crazy for it too. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step, share my best tips, and even offer some creative ideas to make this recipe truly your own.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity Meets Flavor: The recipe is straightforward, but the flavors burst with every bite.
Great for Sharing: Perfect for casual gatherings, making memories around the table effortless.
Flexible Ingredients: You can tweak it to suit your family’s taste or dietary needs without losing the essence.
Quick to Make: From prep to plate in about an hour—perfect for a weekend treat or special occasion.

The image shows a mixed seafood boil spread out over a layer of newspaper. The dish includes several large pink shrimp with visible tails and light seasoning scattered on them. There are multiple chunks of bright yellow corn on the cob, halved into small sections, positioned evenly throughout the seafood. Red potatoes, both whole and sliced, add a round and smooth texture, with some pieces garnished with chopped green herbs. Sliced sausage rounds with a slightly browned surface are scattered among the other ingredients. Bright yellow lemon wedges are placed on top and around the mix, adding a fresh pop of color. A small white bowl filled with thick red sauce is positioned near the top center, completing this rustic, colorful seafood spread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Low Country Shrimp Boil, Low Country Shrimp Boil, Seafood Boil Recipe, Shrimp and Corn Boil, Southern Shrimp Boil

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Low Country Shrimp Boil Recipe is in its fresh, simple ingredients that harmonize perfectly. When you gather them, aim for quality shrimp and fresh veggies — it really does make a difference. Oh, and don’t skip the beer in the broth; it adds depth that you just can’t beat.

Flat lay of extra large unpeeled shrimp with vibrant pink shells, small glossy red potatoes, four large ears of corn broken into smaller pieces with bright yellow kernels, sliced kielbasa with a rich reddish-brown color, two whole fresh lemons with bright yellow peel alongside lemon rinds, one large quartered white onion with purplish skin, a small white ceramic bowl of finely minced fresh garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of reddish-orange Old Bay seasoning, a small white ceramic bowl containing a dark amber beer, and a rustic bag of shrimp and crab boil spice mix beside the ingredients all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Easy Low Country Shrimp Boil, Low Country Shrimp Boil, Seafood Boil Recipe, Shrimp and Corn Boil, Southern Shrimp Boil

Shrimp: I always opt for extra-large shrimp, unpeeled, since the shells add flavor during cooking and keep the shrimp juicy.
Water: The base of our boil; make sure to use fresh, cold water to start.
Beer: Adds a subtle richness to the broth. Use a lager or pilsner for best results.
Shrimp and Crab Boil Seasoning: This magic packet is usually available at the seafood counter — it’s what gives the broth that iconic Low Country kick.
Old Bay Seasoning: A classic, essential spice blend for any seafood boil.
Kosher Salt: Balances flavors perfectly; don’t skip it!
Lemons: Juiced and with rinds included — they brighten the broth beautifully.
Onion: Quartered, it adds a savory depth to the broth.
Red Potatoes: Small ones work best; they cook evenly and soak up the seasoning well.
Corn on the Cob: Break into smaller pieces for easier eating and perfect sweetness.
Kielbasa: Sliced for that smoky, meaty kick that pairs amazingly with shrimp and veggies.
Butter: Melted with garlic, it’s what you toss everything in at the end to add richness and a luscious finish.
Garlic: Finely minced to infuse the butter with savory flavor.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Easy Low Country Shrimp Boil Recipe my own depending on what’s available or the occasion. Don’t be afraid to mix it up—you’ll discover some fun twists that make the dish uniquely yours!

Spicy Kick: I sometimes add extra cayenne or toss in some chopped jalapeños to turn up the heat—my family digs the extra zing.
Shellfish Swap: Tried swapping shrimp for crab legs or adding mussels for a seafood extravaganza—just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Vegetarian Twist: Omitting the shrimp and kielbasa, I bulk up on potatoes, corn, and add smoked tofu for texture—it’s surprisingly satisfying!
Healthier Version: Use turkey sausage instead of kielbasa and lots of fresh veggies to lighten things up without losing the soul of the dish.

How to Make Easy Low Country Shrimp Boil Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp Like a Pro

Start by deveining your shrimp — it’s a little tedious, I know, but trust me, it makes all the difference. I like to keep the shells on as they add flavor and keep the shrimp from drying out. Once peeled and deveined, set them on ice or in the fridge to keep them fresh until you add them to the boil.

Step 2: Build That Flavorful Broth

In a large stockpot, pour in cold water, then add your beer, the shrimp and crab boil seasoning packet, Old Bay seasoning, kosher salt, lemon juice and the rinds from those lemons, and the quartered onion. Bring it all up to a boil and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This is where the magic begins — those ingredients steep together creating the signature Low Country flavor.

Step 3: Add Potatoes

Drop in your red potatoes and let them cook for about 10 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy since they’ll keep cooking with the corn, kielbasa, and shrimp. I usually test by stabbing with a fork—should go in with a little resistance.

Step 4: Corn and Kielbasa Join the Party

Add the corn pieces and sliced kielbasa next, simmering for another 5 minutes. This step infuses the smoky sausage flavor right into the broth and lets the corn become perfectly tender and sweet.

Step 5: Finish With the Shrimp

Last but definitely not least, add your shrimp. Cook them for about 3 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque. You don’t want to overcook them—shrimp turn rubbery fast, so keep a close eye here. When they’re done, drain everything well.

Step 6: Garlic Butter Toss

Melt your butter with finely minced garlic, then toss the whole boil in this indulgent sauce while everything is still hot. This extra step seals in flavor and adds that silky, garlicky goodness that has become my family’s favorite part.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Low Country Shrimp Boil Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: I learned the hard way that giving ingredients room to cook evenly prevents undercooked potatoes or rubbery shrimp.
Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and rinds add brightness that bottled lemon just can’t compete with.
Shell-On Shrimp Boosts Flavor: Keeping the shells on during cooking improves taste and moisture retention—that’s my go-to trick.
Timing Is Everything: Cook potatoes first, then corn and sausage, and shrimp last—we don’t want any mushy veggies or overcooked seafood.

How to Serve Easy Low Country Shrimp Boil Recipe

Easy Low Country Shrimp Boil Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love serving this shrimp boil with extra lemon wedges—fresh citrus always makes seafood pop. For dipping, cocktail sauce is a classic, but I’ve also mixed up some spicy mayo for a creamy, tangy twist that everyone raves about.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple with crusty bread to soak up the buttery broth or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. And if you’re feeling fancy, coleslaw with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing partner for this hearty dish.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to serve is spreading a big sheet of newspaper or butcher paper on the table, piling the boil right on top for casual, hands-on fun. For special occasions, try serving on large platters garnished with fresh herbs and lemon slices for that wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is pretty rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and it’s an easy next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this boil once or twice, but keep in mind that potatoes and corn can change texture a bit. If you freeze, pack shrimp separately and reheat gently to keep them from toughening up.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop in a covered pan with a splash of water or broth, then toss with a little fresh melted garlic butter to bring back that fresh-off-the-stove vibe.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this shrimp boil?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp fully before cooking to avoid uneven cooking. Pat them dry to prevent extra water from diluting the flavors in the boil.
What if I can’t find shrimp and crab boil seasoning?

No worries! You can substitute with extra Old Bay and add some crushed red pepper flakes and bay leaves for a similar flavor profile. It won’t be exact, but still delicious.
How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Look for them to turn pink and opaque, which usually takes about 3 minutes in the boiling broth. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so watch closely!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just double-check that the shrimp and crab boil seasoning and Old Bay seasoning you use are gluten-free, and swap the kielbasa for a gluten-free sausage option to keep it safe.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Low Country Shrimp Boil Recipe is more than just a meal to me—it’s a celebration on a plate that brings people together effortlessly. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, it’s one of those dishes that’s casual yet packed with flavor that wows every time. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and make it your own little tradition. Trust me, once you’ve made it, you’ll be excited to do it again and again!