Easy Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil Recipe – Quick Weeknight Dinner with Cajun Flavor
When I first moved away from the South, one of the meals I missed most was a traditional shrimp boil. The big pot, the newspapers on the table, the spicy steam rising—it was more than food; it was a memory. Living in a small apartment made recreating that difficult—until I discovered the magic of the oven with this easy Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil.
This sheet pan version keeps the essence alive, delivering all the flavor in a more manageable and modern way. Now, I make it for friends, for quick weeknight dinners, and anytime I need a taste of home without the mess.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- One-Pan Simplicity: Everything cooks on a single sheet pan, making prep and cleanup a breeze.
- Bold Southern Flavors: The perfect blend of garlic, smoked paprika, lemon, and Old Bay seasoning gives that authentic boil flavor.
- Customizable: Add more sausage, swap the corn for zucchini, or toss in scallops—it’s up to you.
- Perfect for Entertaining: It looks impressive, feeds a crowd, and leaves you with more time to enjoy the party.
Key Ingredients Breakdown:
- Shrimp: The star of the dish—quick-cooking, juicy, and perfect for soaking up spices.
- Andouille Sausage: Adds smoky, spicy richness that pairs beautifully with seafood.
- Baby Potatoes: Hearty and satisfying; they absorb the seasoned butter for big flavor.
- Corn on the Cob: A sweet and crunchy contrast to the savory elements.
- Old Bay Seasoning: A classic seafood seasoning with celery salt, paprika, and other spices.
- Garlic Butter: Ties everything together with rich, fragrant goodness.
- Lemon: Brightens the dish and balances the spice.
Step-by-Step Process (Summary):
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Boil potatoes until just tender, then drain.
- Mix melted butter, garlic, and seasonings in a bowl.
- Toss shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes in the butter mixture.
- Spread everything on a lined sheet pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until shrimp is pink and cooked.
- Finish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Tips and Variations:
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for easier eating.
- Swap andouille for kielbasa or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Add mushrooms or bell peppers for more veggies.
- Spice it up with cayenne or hot sauce.
- Squeeze extra lemon after baking for a bright pop.
Nutritional Information:
This dish is packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich veggies. It’s naturally gluten-free and can be adapted to low-carb or keto diets.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a side of crusty bread, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. Cold beer or iced tea makes the perfect pairing.
Storage Tips:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
A simplified, flavorful shrimp boil cooked entirely on a sheet pan — packed with shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes tossed in Cajun seasoning for an easy, mess-free meal.
- Sheet pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Aluminum foil (optional for easy cleanup)
- 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 12 oz smoked sausage (sliced)
- 2 ears corn on the cob (cut into thirds)
- 1 lb baby potatoes (halved)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 lemon (sliced)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Boil baby potatoes for 8–10 minutes until slightly tender, then drain.
- In a large bowl, combine shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn.
- Add olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Spread the mixture evenly on a large sheet pan.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even roasting.
- Remove from oven and garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
You can use pre-cooked shrimp, but reduce baking time to avoid overcooking. Adjust Cajun seasoning level for your spice preference.
Additional Tips:
- Use jumbo shrimp for a more luxurious feel.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; use two if needed.
- Line the pan with foil or parchment for easier cleanup.
- Make a garlic aioli or lemon butter dip on the side for extra flavor.
FAQs:
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep all the ingredients and store them separately. Toss and bake when ready to serve.
2. What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
Mix paprika, celery salt, garlic powder, and black pepper for a quick homemade blend.
3. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Just thaw and pat dry before using.
4. Is this dish spicy?
Not overly. You can control the spice level by adjusting the seasoning or adding hot sauce.
Conclusion:
This Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil is the ultimate weeknight crowd-pleaser—easy, flavorful, and satisfying. Give it a try and bring a bit of Southern magic to your kitchen tonight! 🌿🍤👩🍳
