Low Country Boil

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Low Country Boil is a classic Southern coastal dish, especially popular in Georgia and South Carolina. Packed with shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes, it’s a one-pot feast perfect for casual gatherings and outdoor events. This dish is easy to make, hearty, flavorful, and best enjoyed with friends and family around a communal table or newspaper-covered picnic table.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

red potatoescorn on the cob (halved or cut into thirds)smoked sausage (cut into chunks)large raw shrimp (shell-on, deveined)Old Bay seasoninglemons (halved)onions (optional)garlic (optional)butter (optional, for serving)hot sauce (optional)

directions

Fill a large stockpot with water (about 4-5 quarts), add Old Bay seasoning, lemon halves, and optionally onion and garlic. Bring to a boil.

Add the potatoes and cook for about 10-12 minutes until they begin to soften.

Add the sausage and corn to the pot. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.

Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and are just cooked through.

Drain the boil and pour contents onto a large table lined with newspaper or parchment paper, or transfer to a large serving platter.

Optional: Melt butter and drizzle over the top. Serve with lemon wedges and hot sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 25-30 minutesTotal time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Use crab legs, clams, or crawfish for a seafood mix.

Add mushrooms or green beans for extra veggies.

Use Cajun seasoning instead of Old Bay for a spicier twist.

Toss cooked ingredients in a garlic butter sauce before serving.

Add a splash of beer to the boiling water for depth of flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.To reheat, gently warm in a skillet with a splash of water or steam until heated through.Avoid microwaving shrimp too long to prevent rubbery texture.

FAQs

What is a Low Country Boil?

It’s a Southern seafood boil featuring shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes all cooked in one pot with seasonings.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep all ingredients in advance to save time.

Can I make it without seafood?

Yes, just skip the shrimp and focus on sausage, corn, and potatoes.

Do I need to peel the shrimp?

No, shell-on shrimp adds flavor and keeps them juicy, but you can peel them before or after cooking.

Can I cook this indoors?

Absolutely, just use a large pot on the stove. Outdoors, a propane burner is traditional.

Can I make it less spicy?

Yes, reduce the amount of Old Bay or choose a mild seasoning blend.

What kind of sausage is best?

Smoked kielbasa or andouille sausage are great choices.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in shrimp and potatoes.

How much shrimp per person?

Plan for about 1/3 to 1/2 pound of shrimp per person.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw and drain them before cooking.

Conclusion

Low Country Boil is a festive and flavorful dish that brings people together with its rustic charm and satisfying mix of ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or looking for a fun family dinner, this easy recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.

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