Mary KellyBefore we dive into the delicious details of the sheet pan shrimp boil, let’s think about what complements this dish perfectly. Imagine hosting a summer gathering or a casual family dinner. You want dishes that not only satisfy but also harmonize with the main event. Here are a few options that shine alongside your shrimp boil:
Garlic Bread: Warm, buttered garlic bread adds a comforting element. The crispy exterior and soft interior absorb any leftover juices beautifully.
Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw, with a tangy vinaigrette, cuts through the richness of the shrimp, providing crunch and a burst of flavor.
Ice-Cold Beverages: A classic lemonade or iced tea pairs well. For an adult twist, try a light white wine or a zesty beer.
Cornbread: This sweet and savory bread adds a soulful touch. The crumbly texture offers a delightful contrast to the succulent shrimp.
Fresh Salad: A mixed greens salad tossed with a light dressing rounds out the meal, offering brightness and additional crunch.
Now, let’s get cooking!
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As summer rolls around, I feel a pull toward the sun-kissed beaches and backyard barbecues. There’s nothing quite like the feel of sand between your toes and the scent of seafood wafting through the air. Enter the sheet pan shrimp boil. I stumbled upon this dish during one of those hot, lazy afternoons when dynamic cooking felt like a chore.
I wanted something effortless but satisfying. This dish has all the magic of a traditional shrimp boil without the fuss. You can catch me in my kitchen, using my trusty sheet pan—the hero in this culinary tale. Let’s learn together how to whip up a meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
What is Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil?
In its essence, a shrimp boil brings together seafood, veggies, and seasonings in a delightful one-pot affair. The sheet pan version allows you to reap the benefits of this classic Southern dish with minimal cleanup.
You roast everything on a single sheet pan, yielding tender shrimp, perfectly cooked veggies, and an irresistible flavor fusion. It’s seafood with a twist, where simplicity meets heartiness.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
Imagine biting into a juicy shrimp bursting with flavor. The Old Bay seasoning adds a kick, mingling with the smoked paprika and red pepper flakes. Each component contributes to the dish—sweet corn, earthy potatoes, and savory sausage all dance in harmony.
Lemon wedges sprinkled atop bring a refreshing zest that brightens the dish. The result? A palate that’s vibrant, rich, and wholly enjoyable.
Why You’ll Love This?
This dish resonates with so many reasons. It’s simple, delightful, and adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, the sheet pan shrimp boil is sure to please.
The prep work is quick, and the oven does the heavy lifting, freeing you to enjoy the company of your guests. Plus, it’s a conversation starter! Everyone loves the communal aspect of digging into something delicious together.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this fabulous dish:
1 pound red potatoes, whole or halved
½ pound yellow potatoes, whole or halved
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 medium onion, cut into quarters
4 ears of fresh corn on the cob, cut into thirds
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 lemon, cut into wedges
2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
Step by Step Instructions
Let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This sets the stage for roasting those lovely ingredients to golden perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss red and yellow potatoes with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Then, spread them out on the sheet pan, ensuring they have room to roast. These hearty veggies take longer to cook, so we want them on the pan first.
Step 3: Start Roasting
Pop the sheet pan into the oven. Roast the potatoes for about 15 minutes. This gives them a nice head start to get tender and crisp.
Step 4: Chop Your Vegetables
While the potatoes are roasting, get your onion and corn ready. Cut the onion into quarters and slice the corn into thirds. Set them aside.
Step 5: Add More Ingredients
After 15 minutes, remove the sheet pan. Add the onion, corn, and smoked sausage to the pan. Drizzle everything with half of the melted butter and toss to coat. Sprinkle the Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, and the remaining salt. Stir it all together, then place the pan back in the oven for another 15 minutes.
Step 6: Prepare the Shrimp
While that’s roasting away, it’s time to address the star of our show—the shrimp! In a bowl, mix the shrimp with minced garlic, the remaining melted butter, and a sprinkle of salt. This ensures that your shrimp will absorb all those delightful flavors.
Step 7: The Final Countdown
After 15 minutes of roasting the sausage, corn, and onions, take the pan out once more. Add the shrimp to the pan in an even layer. Return the pan to the oven and roast for an additional 8-10 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when cooked, which may happen quicker than you think.
Step 8: Finish With Freshness
Once everything is perfectly cooked, remove the pan from the oven. Squeeze fresh lemon juice all over the flavorful mixture. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and you’re ready to serve!
Tips & Tricks
Choose the Right Shrimp: Opt for fresh or properly frozen shrimp. The size can vary, but large or medium shrimp work best for this recipe.
Adjust Spice Levels: Want it spicier? Add more crushed red pepper flakes. Prefer milder? Skip it altogether.
Batch It Up: If you’re feeding a crowd, feel free to use a bigger sheet pan or multiple pans for a larger batch.
Use a Specific Type of Sausage: Andouille or kielbasa can introduce specific flavors. Experiment with what you like best!
Let It Rest: After cooking, let the dish sit for a couple of minutes before serving. It helps the flavors meld.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition content per serving (roughly calculated for 4 servings):
Calories: 590
Protein: 36g
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: 860mg
How Can You Store This Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil?
If you have leftovers (which I doubt, but just in case!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Consume within three days for optimal freshness. You can reheat in the oven or microwave. Just remember, shrimp can overcook quickly, so heat gently.
Alternatives for Ingredients
If you find yourself missing some ingredients, fear not. Here are a few substitutes:
Potatoes: Instead of red or yellow potatoes, try sweet potatoes for a different flavor. They add a natural sweetness.
Shrimp: If you’re not a shrimp fan, opt for chicken or fish. Just adjust cooking times accordingly as both cook differently.
Sausage: Use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. Season them well to achieve similar flavors.
Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This sets the stage for roasting those lovely ingredients to golden perfection.
- In a large bowl, toss red and yellow potatoes with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Then, spread them out on the sheet pan, ensuring they have room to roast. These hearty veggies take longer to cook, so we want them on the pan first.
- Pop the sheet pan into the oven. Roast the potatoes for about 15 minutes. This gives them a nice head start to get tender and crisp.
- While the potatoes are roasting, get your onion and corn ready. Cut the onion into quarters and slice the corn into thirds. Set them aside.
- After 15 minutes, remove the sheet pan. Add the onion, corn, and smoked sausage to the pan. Drizzle everything with half of the melted butter and toss to coat. Sprinkle the Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, and the remaining salt. Stir it all together, then place the pan back in the oven for another 15 minutes.
- While that’s roasting away, it’s time to address the star of our show—the shrimp! In a bowl, mix the shrimp with minced garlic, the remaining melted butter, and a sprinkle of salt. This ensures that your shrimp will absorb all those delightful flavors.
- After 15 minutes of roasting the sausage, corn, and onions, take the pan out once more. Add the shrimp to the pan in an even layer. Return the pan to the oven and roast for an additional 8-10 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when cooked, which may happen quicker than you think.
- Once everything is perfectly cooked, remove the pan from the oven. Squeeze fresh lemon juice all over the flavorful mixture. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and you’re ready to serve!
Nutrition
Notes
Adjust Spice Levels: Want it spicier? Add more crushed red pepper flakes. Prefer milder? Skip it altogether.
Batch It Up: If you’re feeding a crowd, feel free to use a bigger sheet pan or multiple pans for a larger batch.
Use a Specific Type of Sausage: Andouille or kielbasa can introduce specific flavors. Experiment with what you like best!
Let It Rest: After cooking, let the dish sit for a couple of minutes before serving. It helps the flavors meld.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just remember to thaw them before cooking. A quick soak in cold water will suffice.
2. Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Make it ahead and portion it out for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week
3. Can I make this without a sheet pan?
Sure! You can use a large baking dish or even a Dutch oven. Just make sure there’s enough space for all the ingredients.
4. Is there a vegan version of this?
You can create a vegan shrimp boil using plant-based “shrimp” and a more robust mix of vegetables.
5. What’s the best way to add more flavor?
Experiment with different herbs and spices. Fresh dill or thyme can elevate the dish even further!
Conclusion
There you have it—a delightful journey into the world of the sheet pan shrimp boil. It’s a dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests. You’ll find it’s not just about the food; it’s about gathering those you love and sharing good times. No fuss, no stress, just great flavor.
So, fire up that oven, toss on those ingredients, and get ready for an explosion of taste that will evoke the summer spirit every time you serve it. Happy cooking!
