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Fish, Americas

Shrimp low country boil

A shrimp low country boil is a one pot meal from the American South, serving 4, ready in 45 minutes, very easy to make, for about €5.00 per person. Shrimp, smoked sausage, corn and potatoes all cook together in the same spiced broth. The key is adding each ingredient in cooking order so everything finishes at the same time.

Tonight we're eating Southern style with a low country boil, shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes all cooked together in a spiced broth.

Shrimp low country boil
Total time
45 min
Difficulty
Very easy
Cost per person
€5.00
Calories per person
800 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Summer
The kids
They generally like it

A low country boil is an entire meal cooked in one pot, then poured straight out onto the table. The potatoes soak up the spiced, lemony broth, the smoked sausage flavors everything around it, the corn adds a sweet crunch, and the shrimp come out pink and juicy right at the end. Melted parsley butter ties it all together when you serve it.

This is a summer dish for nights when you want to eat with your hands and skip the complicated cleanup. Kids love peeling their own shrimp and picking at the corn, while adults get that relaxed, coastal dinner feeling. It works just as well for a weeknight as it does for having friends over without spending hours in the kitchen.

The ingredients

4 people

Fish counter

  • Whole or peeled shrimp 800 g

Butcher

  • Smoked sausage 400 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Ears of corn 4
  • Baby potatoes 800 g
  • Onion 1
  • Lemon 2
  • Parsley 3 sprigs

Pantry

  • Seafood seasoningoften in the pantry 3 tbsp
  • Bay leavesoften in the pantry 2
  • Coarse saltoften in the pantry 1 tbsp

Dairy

  • Butter 80 g

Allergens Shellfish, Lactose, Celery

The step by step recipe

  1. Fill a large pot with water, the onion, the lemon cut in half, the seasoning, the bay leaves and the salt, and bring to a boil. 10 min

    The broth should be very fragrant, it's what gives flavor to everything else.

  2. Add the potatoes and let them cook. 12 min

    Choose small, evenly sized potatoes so they all cook at the same rate.

  3. Add the corn, cut in half, and the sausage, cut into chunks. 8 min

    The corn is ready when the kernels are tender to the bite.

  4. Add the shrimp and cook until pink. 3 min

    Turn off the heat as soon as they turn pink, they keep cooking in the hot broth.

  5. Drain everything, pour it onto a table covered with paper, and drizzle with melted parsley butter.

    Spread it all out in the middle of the table and eat with your hands, that's the spirit of the dish.

Our tips to get it right

  • Taste the broth before adding the potatoes, it should be distinctly salty and fragrant since it's what flavors the entire dish.
  • Don't overcook the shrimp, they go from perfect to rubbery in just a few extra seconds.
  • If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before adding to the broth so they cook evenly.

The variations

  • Swap the smoked sausage for chorizo for a spicier, bolder flavor.
  • For a shellfish free version, double the sausage and potatoes and keep the same spiced broth.
  • For kids, cut back on the seafood seasoning and serve the parsley butter on the side so everyone can season to taste.

What to serve it with

  • Cornbread for soaking up the broth
  • Cold lemonade
  • Crunchy coleslaw

Storage

Leftovers keep for 2 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a skillet or over steam so the shrimp don't turn rubbery. Freezing isn't recommended, the potatoes and shrimp lose their texture.

Questions about this dish

Can you make a low country boil ahead of time?

You can make the broth and cut the vegetables ahead, but the actual cooking happens right before serving. Shrimp and corn lose their texture if they sit too long after cooking.

What seafood seasoning should you use?

A classic blend with paprika, mustard, pepper and cayenne works great. You can find premade blends at the store, or adjust the heat level to your own taste.

Can you use peeled shrimp instead of whole shrimp?

Yes, both work well in this recipe. Whole shrimp with the shell on hold a bit more flavor, but peeled shrimp are easier to eat.

How do you know when the potatoes are done?

Poke a potato with the tip of a knife, it should slide in easily with no resistance. Small, evenly sized potatoes take about 12 minutes.

How long does it take to make a shrimp low country boil?

Count 45 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “very easy”.

How many calories are in a shrimp low country boil?

About 800 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a shrimp low country boil cost?

About €5.00 per serving, or €20.00 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains shellfish, lactose, celery. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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