Photo of Easy Cajun Shrimp Boil by WW

Easy Cajun Shrimp Boil

1
Points® value
Total Time
55 min
Prep
10 min
Cook
45 min
Serves
8
Difficulty
Easy
This Cajun twist on a southern favourite is called a “boil” but the key to tender shrimp is actually gently poaching the shrimp in a broth infused with onion, garlic, and red pepper. Starting with the potatoes and corn in the boiling broth, then adding the shrimp means everything comes out packed with flavour and cooked just right. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra pop of flavor.

Ingredients

Onion

2 large, trimmed, peeled, and quartered through core

Garlic

1 bulb(s), halved horizontally

Bay leaf

4 leaf/leaves

Crushed red pepper flakes

2 tsp(s)

Uncooked new potatoes

2 pound(s)

Cooked corn

8 ear(s), medium, shucked and halved

Uncooked shrimp

2½ pound(s), peeled and deveined

Olive oil

2 tbsp(s)

Cajun seasoning

2 tsp(s), salt-free

Kosher salt

¾ tsp(s)

Lemon

1 wedge(s), cut into 8 wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large stock pot, combine 4 quarts water, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and crushed red pepper. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer 10 minutes.
  2. Add potatoes to pot; increase heat to return water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and boil for 10 minutes. Add corn to pot; increase heat to return water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and boil for 5 minutes. Add shrimp; remove pan from heat, cover, and let stand 5 minutes. Drain. Discard bay leaves, onion pieces, and garlic
  3. Return mixture to pot. Drizzle with oil, and sprinkle with Cajun spice and salt; toss well to coat.
  4. Per serving (about 2½ cups [includes 2 corn pieces])