13 Seafood Shrimp Boil Recipes Old Bay

There’s something magical about the aroma of a seafood shrimp boil wafting through the air—briny shrimp, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and that unmistakable kick from Old Bay seasoning. I still remember summer evenings at my grandparents’ lakeside cabin in Maryland, where family gatherings revolved around massive pots bubbling over open flames. We’d crack open cold beers, peel endless shrimp, and laugh until sunset, with Old Bay dust coating our fingers like a badge of honor. Those boils weren’t just meals; they were traditions that brought us together.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my own kitchen, tweaking the classic recipe to fit busy weeknights or impress dinner guests. With rising interest in one-pot wonders that are both healthy and hearty, Old Bay shrimp boils are perfect today—they’re affordable, scalable for crowds, and packed with lean protein and veggies. Whether you’re a boil veteran or a newbie, these 13 recipes will elevate your game.

Classic Old Bay Shrimp Boil

This timeless recipe captures the essence of a traditional low-country boil with generous shakes of Old Bay for that signature spicy, herby flavor. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb shrimp, 1 lb baby potatoes, 4 corn ears (halved), 1 lb smoked sausage, ¼ cup Old Bay, 2 lemons (halved), 8 cups water, butter for serving.
Boil water with Old Bay and lemons for 10 minutes, add potatoes and sausage for 15 minutes, then corn for 5 minutes, and shrimp for 3 minutes until pink. Drain and serve on newspaper. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s low-effort, nutrient-dense with whole foods, and evokes coastal nostalgia.

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Boil with Andouille

Amp up the heat with Cajun flair alongside Old Bay in this fiery twist. Ingredients (serves 4): 1.5 lbs shrimp, 1 lb andouille sausage, 1 lb red potatoes, 4 corn ears, 2 bell peppers (sliced), 3 tbsp Old Bay, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 8 cups seafood stock, 2 lemons.
Simmer stock with seasonings and lemons for 10 minutes; add potatoes, sausage, and peppers for 20 minutes, corn for 5, shrimp for 2-3. Drain and toss with butter. The combo boosts metabolism with capsaicin, delivers bold protein, and turns any night into a fiesta.

Garlic Butter Old Bay Shrimp Boil

Infuse richness with garlic butter over the Old Bay base for a decadent yet simple boil. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb shrimp, 1 lb Yukon potatoes, 4 corn ears, ½ lb kielbasa, ¼ cup Old Bay, ½ cup butter (melted), 6 garlic cloves (minced), 8 cups water.
Boil water with Old Bay; add potatoes and kielbasa for 18 minutes, corn for 5, shrimp for 3. Drain, then drizzle with garlic butter. Heart-healthy garlic pairs with Old Bay’s antioxidants for an immune boost and luxurious flavor without guilt.

Lemon Herb Old Bay Shrimp Boil

Bright lemons and fresh herbs elevate this light, zesty Old Bay boil. Ingredients (serves 4): 1.25 lbs shrimp, 1 lb fingerling potatoes, 3 corn ears, 1 onion (quartered), ¼ cup Old Bay, juice of 4 lemons, handful thyme/parsley, 8 cups water.
Boil water with Old Bay, lemons, and herbs; add potatoes and onion for 15 minutes, corn for 5, shrimp for 3. It’s refreshing, vitamin C-packed for skin health, and perfect for summer detox.

Crab and Shrimp Old Bay Seafood Boil

Double down on shellfish with crab legs joining shrimp in this luxurious boil. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb shrimp, 1 lb crab legs, 1 lb potatoes, 4 corn ears, ½ lb sausage, ⅓ cup Old Bay, 2 lemons, 8 cups water.
Season water heavily with Old Bay and lemons, boil potatoes/sausage 15 minutes, add corn 5 minutes, crab/shrimp 4 minutes. Omega-3 rich for brain health, it’s indulgent yet simple for special occasions.

Tropical Pineapple Old Bay Shrimp Boil

Sweet pineapple contrasts Old Bay’s spice in this island-inspired boil. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb shrimp, 1 lb sweet potatoes, 4 corn ears, 1 cup pineapple chunks, ¼ cup Old Bay, 1 jalapeño (sliced), 8 cups coconut water.
Boil coconut water with Old Bay and jalapeño; add potatoes 15 minutes, corn/pineapple 5 minutes, shrimp 3. Bromelain from pineapple aids digestion, making it a tropical gut-friendly delight.

Cheesy Old Bay Shrimp Boil Skillet

Bake it cheesy for a comforting, shareable twist on the boil. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb shrimp, 1 lb baby potatoes, 2 corn ears (cut), ¼ cup Old Bay, 2 cups cheddar, ½ cup cream, 1 lb sausage.
Boil ingredients with Old Bay 20 minutes, drain, transfer to skillet, top with cheese/cream, broil 5 minutes. Calcium boost from cheese enhances bone health in this cozy upgrade.

Smoky BBQ Old Bay Shrimp Boil

BBQ sauce and smoked paprika deepen Old Bay’s savoriness. Ingredients (serves 4): 1.5 lbs shrimp, 1 lb potatoes, 4 corn ears, ½ lb chorizo, ¼ cup Old Bay, ½ cup BBQ sauce, 8 cups water.
Boil with Old Bay; add potatoes/chorizo 18 minutes, corn 5, shrimp 3; toss in BBQ. Antioxidant-rich smoke flavors support heart health in this bold boil.

Veggie-Loaded Old Bay Shrimp Boil

Pack in greens for a nutrient powerhouse boil. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb shrimp, 1 lb mixed potatoes, 2 corn ears, 2 zucchini, 1 lb green beans, ¼ cup Old Bay, 2 lemons.
Boil Old Bay water; potatoes 15 minutes, veggies 8 minutes, shrimp 3. Fiber explosion promotes gut health and satiety in this wholesome version.

Asian Fusion Old Bay Shrimp Boil

Soy and ginger fuse with Old Bay for an umami explosion. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb shrimp, 1 lb rice noodles (shortened), 4 baby corn, ½ lb sausage, ¼ cup Old Bay, ¼ cup soy, ginger slices.
Boil with seasonings; noodles/sausage 10 minutes, corn 5, shrimp 3. Anti-inflammatory ginger complements Old Bay for easy, exotic wellness.

One-Pot Creamy Old Bay Shrimp Boil

Coconut milk creates a creamy, dairy-free boil. Ingredients (serves 4): 1.25 lbs shrimp, 1 lb potatoes, 3 corn ears, ½ lb mussels, ¼ cup Old Bay, 2 cups coconut milk.
Simmer Old Bay in coconut milk; potatoes 15 minutes, corn/mussels 7, shrimp 3. Healthy fats from coconut nourish skin in this velvety pot.

Spicy Snow Crab and Shrimp Old Bay Boil

Snow crab adds elegance with extra Old Bay heat. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb shrimp, 1 lb snow crab, 1 lb potatoes, 4 corn ears, ⅓ cup Old Bay, cayenne pinch.
Boil aggressively seasoned water; potatoes 15 minutes, corn/crab 6, shrimp 3. Premium protein for muscle repair in a spicy seafood feast.

Family-Style Old Bay Shrimp Boil Feast

Scale up for crowds with all the fixings. Ingredients (serves 6): 2 lbs shrimp, 2 lbs potatoes/sausage mix, 6 corn ears, ½ cup Old Bay, lemons/garlic.
Mega-boil: potatoes/sausage 20 minutes, corn 5, shrimp 3. Budget-friendly, bonding fun that feeds many with balanced nutrition.

These 13 Old Bay shrimp boil recipes are your ticket to effortless, flavorful feasts—grab your pot, season boldly, and create memories around the table today!