Cajun Shrimp Boil With Potatoes And Corn
Nothing screams summer quite like a seafood boil. And nothing quite beats the taste of Cajun shrimp boil with potatoes and corn. It's a perfect meal for a lazy summer afternoon with friends and family. The mix of delicious spices, juicy shrimp, tender potatoes, and sweet corn is a winning combination. Luckily, you don't have to go to Louisiana to get a taste of this Southern recipe. In this article, we'll show you every step of cooking the perfect Cajun shrimp boil with potatoes and corn. So, let's get started!
Ingredients
To make the perfect Cajun shrimp boil with potatoes and corn, you need the following ingredients:
- 3 pounds large shrimp, unpeeled
- 3 pounds small red potatoes, washed
- 8 ears of corn, shucked and chopped
- 1 ½ cups of Cajun seasoning
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 head of garlic, halved
- 1/2 cup of butter, melted
- 4 bay leaves
- Water (enough to cover ingredients)
- Salt to taste
- Parsley (optional)
Make sure to buy fresh seafood and vegetables from your local market, and wash them thoroughly before cooking.
Preparation
Here are the steps to take before you start cooking:
- Fill a large pot with water, leaving enough room for the vegetables and seafood.
- Add the Cajun seasoning, lemons, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and salt to the pot.
- Bring the water to a boil and let the ingredients simmer for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors blend together.
- Add the potatoes to the pot and let them cook for 10-15 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Don't overcook them, or they will become mushy and fall apart.
- Add the corn to the pot and let them cook for 5-10 minutes, or until they become tender. Don't overcook them, or they will become soggy.
Cooking the Shrimp
After adding the potatoes and corn, it's time to cook the shrimp:
- Once the vegetables are cooked, turn off the heat and carefully add the shrimp to the pot.
- Let the shrimp cook for 2-3 minutes or until they turn pink. Don't overcook them, or they will become rubbery.
- Drain the contents of the pot into a colander, and let all the excess water drain away.
Serving Your Cajun Shrimp Boil
Your Cajun shrimp boil with potatoes and corn is now ready to serve. Here's how to do it:
- Spread out a large sheet of newspaper or a tablecloth on a table. Dump the contents of the pot onto the sheet.
- Drizzle the melted butter on top of the mixture, and sprinkle some chopped parsley on top if you like.
- Grab your tongs, and invite your guests to dig in. Make sure you have some napkins handy, and a cold drink to wash it all down.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to cook the perfect Cajun shrimp boil with potatoes and corn, don't be afraid to add your own twist to it. Some people like to add sausage, green beans, or celery to the pot. Others like to mix different kinds of seafood, such as crab legs or crawfish. Whatever you choose, make sure to enjoy your meal with good company and good times. Happy cooking!