Description
A fast, one-pot Cajun garlic butter seafood boil that delivers maximum flavor with minimal stress. Perfect for weeknights, this recipe uses frozen shrimp, smoked sausage, potatoes, and corn tossed in a rich, spicy garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined (thawed in cold water)
- 1 pound smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced into half-moons
- 1.5 pounds red potatoes, halved
- 4 ears corn on the cob, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 head garlic (about 20 cloves), minced
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 3–4 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 lemons (juice of both, plus wedges for serving)
- 1 gallon water
- 2 tablespoons salt (for boiling water)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Chop corn, slice sausage, halve potatoes, and mince garlic. Measure Cajun seasoning.
- Fill a large stockpot with water and add 2 tablespoons of salt. Bring to a rolling boil.
- Add potatoes and corn to the boiling water. Cook for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside in a large serving bowl.
- Add sliced sausage to the same boiling water. Cook for 5 minutes. Remove and add to the serving bowl.
- Add thawed shrimp to the boiling water. Cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove immediately and add to the serving bowl.
- While seafood cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not brown.
- Add butter to the skillet and stir until melted. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and half the parsley.
- Pour the hot garlic butter sauce over the seafood and veggies in the serving bowl. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning.
- Toss everything together until well coated. Add more lemon juice to taste. Garnish with remaining parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
[‘Do not overcook shrimp; they turn rubbery if cooked too long.’, ‘Save 1 cup of the seasoned boiling water to thin the sauce if needed.’, ‘Toast Cajun seasoning in the oil for 30 seconds before adding butter for deeper flavor.’, ‘Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled, for brightness.’, ‘This recipe does not freeze well due to the dairy sauce separating upon thawing.’]
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
Keywords: Cajun seafood boil, garlic butter shrimp, one pot meal, easy weeknight dinner, frozen shrimp recipe, Louisiana style seafood