Low Country Boil Recipe

This low country boil recipe is as good as Southern cooking gets. It combines juicy meaty shrimp with savory sausage, perfectly cooked potatoes, sweet corn cobs, and rich Cajun seasoning. Gah, every bite of it is out-of-this-world good. Plus, it's so, so easy to make!

The Best Low Country Boil

This low country boil recipe is, without a doubt, the best seafood boil recipe out there. It simmers potatoes, corn, sausage, and shrimp all together in cajun spices until each piece is tender and soaks up every ounce of the seasoning. As if that wasn't already delicious, a heavy dose of seasoned melted butter is poured on top of the boil to finish it all off.

This classic Southern recipe is not only delicious, but it's so fun to serve, too. Typically, the entire boil is served on newspaper or just a large tray on top of a picnic table. There are no forks or plates needed! Everyone can just grab whatever meat and veggies that they want. So make sure to have extra paper towels on hand. 

This is a perfect one pot meal since it's got a little bit of everything, but if you really want to take it over the top, serve it with this seafood boil sauce and these Bisquick cheddar bay biscuits to dip in the sauce for the best meal.

Why This Recipe Works

Customizable. This low country boil recipe is so easy to customize however you want! You can toss in some crab legs, use different sausages, add potatoes like red potatoes, or adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences. 

The flavor. Perfectly cooked shrimp simmered with sweet corn, savory sausage, and fluffy potatoes in a seasoned broth. What's not to love about that?!

It's fun and different. There really is nothing like a low country boil party. Every time I make this shrimp boil recipe, it's the centerpiece of the night, and everyone has the best time.

Ingredients

Another thing to love about this low country boil recipe is that the ingredient list is super straightforward.

Here's everything you'll need to make it:

• 1 lb shrimp with the tail on 
• 4 cobs on corn, sliced into thirds
• 2 lb potatoes, chopped
• 12 oz sausage, cut into slices
• 2 stick butter
• 2 lemons, quarter 
• 2 tbsp. Cajun seasoning
• Fresh thyme 
• Salt, to taste

If you have the ingredients to make this Frogmore stew - as some call it - then you have almost everything you need to make my standard seafood boil recipe as well.

How To Make A Low Country Boil

1. Prepare: Cut 2 lemons into quarters. Fill a very large pot with water and add Cajun seasoning and the lemon wedges to it. Bring the seasoned water to a boil.

2. Add the veggies and sausage: As soon as the liquid comes to a rolling boil, add the potatoes, corn, and sausage. Reduce the heat to a low boil and let everything cook for 20 minutes.

3. Add the shrimp and seasoning: Next, add shrimp and continue to cook for 5-10 minutes. To the pot, add fresh thyme and season to taste with some salt and pepper.

4. Assemble the dish: Drain the pot and add your low country boil to a baking pan or large serving plate. Make sure to reserve 1 cup of the broth for the butter.

5. Add the seasoned butter: Whisk the butter with the reserved broth and pour the butter mixture over the old country boil.

6. Garnish and serve: Garnish the boil with lemon wedges, sprinkle with more sea salt, and enjoy!

How To Store This Low Country Boil

In the fridge: Transfer any leftover low country boil to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

In the freezer: Allow leftover low country boil to cool completely, then discard the lemons and transfer the leftovers to a freezer-safe container. I recommend storing the shrimp separately since it can last for up to 10 months. Freeze low country boil for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Transfer the leftover corn and potato mixture to a large pot and add a splash of water or broth. Let this simmer on medium heat until it's fully reheated, then add shrimp and cook for another several minutes until it reaches your desired temperature. Let frozen leftovers thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Low Country Boil Recipe FAQS

What does a lowcountry boil mean?

A lowcountry boil is a famous dish in Georgia and South Carolina that is made with seafood from the low-lying seafood levels of South Carolina.

What is a low country boil made of?

It's typically made with smoked sausage, shrimp, corn on the cob, and potatoes, all coated in cajun seasoning.

What goes well with a low country boil?

You can serve a low country boil with garlic bread, turnip greens, Jiffy jalapeño cornbread, corn casserole, or these fried green tomatoes for the ultimate southern feast.

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