best low country boil recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
best low country boil recipe
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The Best best low country boil recipe

Low country boil is a classic recipe that has been a staple in the southern United States for generations. I love this recipe because it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

My family and I enjoy it on special occasions, like holidays and birthdays, but we also make it a regular part of our weeknight dinners. The combination of succulent shrimp, smoked sausage, and red potatoes in a flavorful broth is just perfect.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a main course, or use the ingredients to create smaller dishes like soups and stews. The health benefits are also a big plus – this meal is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from the seafood and vegetables.

My kids especially love the fact that they can customize their own portions with the different ingredients. I’m so glad I discovered this recipe, it’s been a game-changer for our family meals.

We’ve even started making it for our friends and neighbors when they come over for dinner parties. It’s just one of those recipes that never fails to impress.

Best Low Country Boil

Best Low Country Boil

4.8 from 728 votes

A classic Southern one-pot meal featuring shrimp, smoked sausage, corn on the cob, and red potatoes all boiled together with bold Cajun seasoning. This hearty dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and brings the flavors of the coast right to your table.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Boil

1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 bay leaves
1 lemon, halved
1 pound small red potatoes, halved
4 ears corn, husked and cut into thirds
1 pound smoked sausage (such as andouille or kielbasa), sliced into 2-inch pieces
2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)

For Serving

Melted butter
Hot sauce (optional)
Lemon wedges

👨‍🍳Directions

1Fill a large stockpot with 4 quarts of water and add the Old Bay seasoning, kosher salt, bay leaves, and lemon halves.
2Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-high to maintain a steady boil.
3Add the halved red potatoes to the boiling water and cook for 10 minutes until they are just tender when pierced with a fork.
4Add the corn pieces and sausage slices, then continue boiling for another 5 minutes until the corn is bright yellow and the sausage is heated through.
5Add the peeled shrimp to the pot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
6Do not overcook the shrimp; they should be firm to the touch and curled slightly.
7Drain the entire mixture in a colander, discarding the bay leaves and lemon halves.
8Transfer the boil to a large serving platter or spread it out on a newspaper-lined table for a casual presentation.
9Serve immediately with melted butter for dipping, hot sauce if desired, and lemon wedges on the side.
10Encourage guests to peel their own shrimp and enjoy the communal feast.

🔧Equipment

Large stockpot (at least 12 quarts)
Slotted spoon or spider strainer
Large serving platter or newspaper-lined table

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 220mg🧂Sodium: 2100mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

For a spicier boil, add 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the water. You can also substitute crab or crawfish for the shrimp if available. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently in a skillet with a little butter.

Watch Video Of How Best Low Country Boil Works

This low country boil recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because it is simple, flavorful, and feeds a crowd with minimal cleanup. I love how it brings my family together around the table for a fun, hands on meal.

For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and vegetables in a skillet with a little butter or broth to avoid drying them out.

You can also serve the leftovers cold as a salad with some lemon juice and herbs. This recipe works perfectly for family gatherings, casual dinners, or holiday parties, and I always get requests to make it again.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Low Country Boil

Q1: What is low country boil?

Low country boil is a traditional dish from the southern United States that originated in the coastal regions where seafood was plentiful. It typically consists of shrimp, smoked sausage, red potatoes, onions, and sometimes other vegetables like carrots or corn.

Q2: What kind of seafood can I use in this recipe?

You can use a variety of seafood in low country boil, including shrimp, crawfish, crab legs, or even mussels if you prefer them.

Q3: Can I make low country boil ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare many of the ingredients ahead of time by chopping the vegetables and marinating the seafood in advance.

Q4: How do I cook low country boil?

The best way to cook low country boil is by boiling all the ingredients together in a large pot until they’re done. You can also use a steamer basket if you prefer.

Q5: Can I serve low country boil as an appetizer?

This dish makes an excellent appetizer or snack when served with crusty bread or crackers.

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