Print

Easy Flavor-Packed Shrimp Boil in a Bag Recipe Perfect for Quick Dinners

shrimp boil in a bag recipe - featured image

A quick and easy shrimp boil cooked in a sealed bag that locks in bold flavors and minimizes cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced (optional but recommended)
  • 1 pound small red potatoes, halved or quartered
  • 3 ears fresh corn on the cob, cut into thirds
  • 6 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 lemon, sliced thinly
  • 3 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons (½ stick) butter, melted
  • 4 cups water or seafood broth

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry. Slice the andouille sausage, halve the potatoes, and cut corn into thirds. Smash garlic cloves with the flat side of your knife. Slice the lemon thinly.
  2. In a boil-safe bag, add Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss in the garlic cloves and lemon slices. Pour melted butter and seafood broth (or water) into the bag.
  3. Carefully place potatoes, corn, sausage, and shrimp into the bag. Seal the bag tightly, leaving a little air inside to allow ingredients to move and cook evenly.
  4. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Submerge the sealed bag into the boiling water. Reduce heat to medium and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender, shrimp are opaque and curled, and sausage is heated through.
  5. Use tongs to carefully remove the bag from the pot. Let it rest for a minute, then cut open carefully to avoid steam. Pour contents onto a large platter or newspaper-covered table and serve.

Notes

Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp to avoid waterlogged flavors. Avoid puncturing the bag during cooking to trap steam and flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste and consider adding cayenne or jalapeños for extra heat. Resting the bag after boiling helps flavors meld and finishes cooking. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or dairy-free spread. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheat gently on stovetop.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp boil, seafood boil, shrimp recipe, quick dinner, easy shrimp boil, boil in a bag, seafood, family dinner