Spicy Low Country Shrimp Boil with Cajun Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant shrimp boil featuring fresh shrimp, spicy Cajun butter sauce, and tender corn and potatoes for a true Southern seafood experience. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, halved baby red potatoes, ears, cut into thirds corn on the cob for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning and 12 halved baby red potatoes. Boil for 10 minutes until potatoes are just tender.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 ears of corn cut into thirds to the boiling water and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined medium shrimp to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Drain all ingredients and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In a small saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Remove the butter from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and the juice of 1 lemon wedge.
  6. Step 6: Toss the drained shrimp, potatoes, and corn in the garlic Cajun butter sauce, squeezing remaining lemon wedges over the top. Serve warm with extra lemon wedges on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Low Country Shrimp Boil with Cajun Butter take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spicy Low Country Shrimp Boil with Cajun Butter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep halved baby red potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Low Country Shrimp Boil with Cajun Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spicy Low Country Shrimp Boil with Cajun Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spicy Low Country Shrimp Boil with Cajun Butter?

Southern seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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