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Flavorful Cajun Boiled Shrimp Recipe Easy Corn and Potatoes Feast

Cajun boiled shrimp recipe - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot Cajun shrimp boil featuring large shrimp, corn on the cob, and baby potatoes seasoned with a homemade Cajun spice blend. Perfect for gatherings and packed with bold, approachable flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds large shrimp, deveined and shells on
  • 4 ears fresh corn, husked and cut into thirds
  • 1.5 pounds baby red potatoes, halved if large
  • 1 large onion, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 stick unsalted butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cajun seasoning by whisking together smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and kosher salt in a small bowl.
  2. Rinse the shrimp under cold water, leaving shells intact. Cut the corn into thirds. Halve any large baby potatoes. Quarter the onion and smash the garlic cloves.
  3. Fill a large pot with about 6 quarts of water. Add half the Cajun seasoning blend, bay leaves, onion quarters, and garlic. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
  4. Add the potatoes to the boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes until they start to become tender.
  5. Add the corn pieces and shrimp to the pot. Add the remaining Cajun seasoning and lemon slices. Boil for 5-7 minutes until shrimp turn pink and curl, and corn is tender but crisp.
  6. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove shrimp, corn, and potatoes. Drain well and transfer to a serving platter or newspaper-covered table.
  7. Optional: Melt butter and mix in a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, then drizzle over shrimp and veggies. Serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Keep shrimp shells on during boiling for extra flavor and moisture. Avoid overcooking shrimp; remove when they curl into a tight ‘C’ and turn opaque. Save a cup of seasoned boiling water for use in soups or risottos. Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level. Use fresh or thawed shrimp for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp boil, boiled shrimp recipe, Cajun seasoning, seafood boil, corn and potatoes, easy shrimp feast, one-pot meal