Buttery Grilled Shrimp Boil

This grilled shrimp boil brings together succulent prawns, sweet corn, tender potatoes, and savory sausage all seasoned with classic Old Bay and grilled to perfection. What makes this recipe special is the convenient grilling method that locks in amazing flavors while keeping your kitchen cool during warm weather.

I first made this for a backyard gathering last summer when I was looking for something impressive but low-stress. The combination of buttery seafood and smoky char from the grill had everyone asking for the recipe before they even finished eating.

Ingredients

• Fresh tiger prawns or jumbo shrimp: Choose ones that are plump and smell like the ocean with no ammonia scent
• Old Bay seasoning: The classic seafood boil flavor that brings everything together with its blend of paprika, celery salt, and other spices
• Fresh corn on the cob: Look for ears with bright green husks and silky tassels for the sweetest flavor
• Baby potatoes: These creamy little gems cook quickly and absorb all the delicious seasonings
• Sausage: Adds smoky richness; use andouille for authentic flavor, or kielbasa for a milder option
• Fresh lemon: Brightens everything up and cuts through the richness of the butter
• Garlic cloves: Provides aromatic depth; crushed rather than minced to release more flavor
• Butter: Creates the rich sauce that coats everything; use unsalted if you want to control the sodium
• Fresh parsley: Adds color and a fresh herbaceous note that balances the richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Prawns:

Toss your peeled and deveined prawns with 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning in a medium bowl. Let them sit for 5 minutes to absorb all that wonderful flavor. This brief marinating time is key for flavor development without toughening the seafood.

Prepare the Mixture:

Combine corn pieces, potatoes, sausage slices, lemon quarters, and crushed garlic in a large bowl. Add your seasoned prawns to this mixture. Pour in 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of chopped parsley, and the remaining tablespoon of Old Bay. Toss everything gently to ensure even coating. Allow this mixture to rest for 10 minutes so the flavors can begin to meld together.

Grill Pan Method:

Brush your grill pan with olive oil and heat over medium high heat until just smoking. Arrange the seafood and vegetables in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Brush with remaining butter and grill for 5 minutes until you see those beautiful grill marks forming. Reduce the heat to medium, flip everything over, and add 1 cup of water to create steam. Cover with foil and let everything steam simmer for 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the prawns are pink and opaque.

Barbecue Grill Method:

Prepare your grill with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place your seafood and vegetables directly on the grates just long enough to develop those gorgeous grill marks. Transfer everything to a large disposable aluminum pan or make individual foil packets. Add the remaining butter, cover securely, and return to the grill for 15–20 minutes over indirect heat until everything is perfectly cooked.

Bookmark

My family discovered this recipe during a beach vacation when we wanted seafood but not the hassle of a traditional boil. The buttery garlic sauce became an instant hit; my daughter now requests it for her birthday dinner every year even though her birthday is in December.

Make Ahead Options

This shrimp boil can be prepped up to 4 hours before cooking. Simply prepare everything through the seasoning step, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to cook, let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking. The flavors actually develop nicely during this rest period, making the final dish even more delicious.

Perfect Substitutions

If you cannot find fresh prawns, frozen ones work wonderfully; just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning. For a more luxurious version, swap in some lobster tails cut into chunks. Not a fan of sausage? Try chicken andouille for a lighter option, or even boneless chicken thighs cut into pieces. For vegetarians, mushrooms (especially large portobello caps, sliced) make a meaty substitute for the sausage.

Bookmark

Serving Suggestions

Serve this vibrant shrimp boil family style, right from the pan or foil packets for casual dining. Traditionally, seafood boils are dumped directly onto a newspaper covered table, but for a more elegant presentation, transfer everything to a large platter and garnish with additional lemon wedges and fresh herbs. Accompany with crusty bread for soaking up the incredible buttery sauce and cold beer or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

The History Behind Shrimp Boils

Seafood boils have deep roots in Southern coastal communities, particularly in Louisiana and the Carolinas. They began as community gatherings where freshly caught seafood would be boiled with corn, potatoes, and spices, then shared among friends and family. This grilled version maintains the spirit of the traditional boil while adding the smoky flavor that only grilling can provide. It transforms the classic communal meal into something you can easily prepare at home any day of the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular shrimp instead of tiger prawns?

Yes, jumbo shrimp work perfectly as a substitute for tiger prawns. Just ensure they're peeled and deveined before seasoning. The cooking time remains the same regardless of which type you choose.

→ What can I substitute for Old Bay seasoning?

If you don't have Old Bay, make your own blend with paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and celery salt. Alternatively, Cajun or seafood seasoning blends can work well as substitutes while maintaining that distinctive flavor profile.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prep all ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. The seasoned shrimp can be prepared up to 2 hours before cooking. For leftovers, store in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat gently.

→ What side dishes pair well with shrimp boil?

This dish is quite complete on its own, but crusty bread for soaking up the buttery sauce works wonderfully. A simple green salad or coleslaw provides a fresh contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the shrimp boil.

→ What type of sausage works best in this dish?

Andouille sausage is traditional and adds authentic flavor, but kielbasa or chorizo also work excellently. For a lighter option, chicken sausage is a good alternative while still providing flavor and texture to complement the seafood.

→ Can I make this dish without a grill?

Absolutely! You can replicate this dish in the oven by placing all ingredients on a large baking sheet, drizzling with butter and seasonings, then roasting at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes until the shrimp are pink and vegetables are tender.