A Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil is the easiest way to enjoy the flavors of a classic shrimp boil with none of the mess or hassle. Traditionally, a shrimp boil involves cooking shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes in a large pot of seasoned water, but cleaning up after that can be a nightmare. Thankfully, you can enjoy all the same great tastes in less time and with just a single sheet pan.
This recipe simplifies everything—no bags, no newspapers, and no lengthy cleanups. With minimal prep and cook time, you’ll have a flavorful, satisfying meal ready in less than 40 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, this Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil will quickly become your go-to recipe.
Let’s dive into this easy and delicious dish and explore how to make your own Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil.
Why Choose a Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil?
Quick and Simple: The Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil comes together in no time, making it a perfect option for busy nights when you still want to eat something flavorful and filling. Minimal prep and cook time make this dish a breeze.
No Mess: Traditional shrimp boils can get pretty messy, especially when you’re using newspaper and bags. The Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil requires only a single pan, which means easy cleanup. Plus, you won’t need to worry about boiling water or scraping shrimp shells off your hands afterward.
Flavorful and Customizable: The combination of shrimp, smoked sausage, corn, and potatoes provides the perfect balance of flavors. The seasoning, butter, and garlic enhance the dish without overpowering the natural flavors of the ingredients. You can also customize this recipe by swapping out ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Healthy and Satisfying: This Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil is rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It offers a balanced meal in one pan—no need for extra side dishes or complicated preparations.
Ingredients for Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
This simple recipe requires just a few key ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand. Here’s a closer look at the ingredients for your Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil:
Main Ingredients:
-
Baby Dutch Yellow Potatoes: These potatoes are small, tender, and have a naturally sweet flavor, which makes them perfect for the Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil. Their small size allows them to cook quickly and evenly.
-
Corn on the Cob: Corn is a classic component of shrimp boils, and it adds a sweet, hearty element to the dish. For this recipe, cutting the corn into smaller pieces makes it easier to cook and serve.
-
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and helps bind the garlic and Old Bay seasoning to the shrimp, sausage, and vegetables. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content.
-
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter with a savory, aromatic flavor that complements the shrimp and sausage.
-
Old Bay Seasoning: A must-have for any shrimp boil, Old Bay is a blend of celery salt, paprika, mustard, and other spices that provides that unmistakable, bold flavor. It’s what gives your Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil that classic taste.
-
Medium Shrimp: Shrimp are the star of the show. For convenience, buy peeled and deveined shrimp to save time on prep. Be sure to choose medium-sized shrimp so they cook quickly and evenly.
-
Smoked Andouille Sausage: This sausage adds a smoky, savory depth to the dish, pairing perfectly with the shrimp and vegetables.
-
Lemon Wedges: Fresh lemon wedges add a zesty, tangy flavor when squeezed over the cooked shrimp and sausage, brightening up the dish.
-
Chopped Fresh Parsley: Parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, complementing the rich, buttery flavors of the Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil.
Optional Garnishes:
-
Lemon: A squeeze of lemon right before serving adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the butter and sausage.
-
Chopped Fresh Herbs: If you want a little extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme after baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
Making a Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil is incredibly straightforward. The entire meal cooks in one pan, and the process is quick and easy. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the shrimp and vegetables cook at the right temperature, giving you perfectly tender potatoes and shrimp every time. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat it with nonstick spray to prevent the ingredients from sticking.
Step 2: Parboil the Potatoes and Corn
To make sure your potatoes and corn cook evenly, parboil them first. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the baby potatoes and cook them for 10-13 minutes or until they’re just tender. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the corn to the pot. This ensures both the potatoes and corn will cook through without being overdone in the oven.
Once they’re done, drain the potatoes and corn and set them aside. You can also do this step a day in advance to save time on busy nights.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and Old Bay seasoning, stirring to combine. The butter will act as a base for the seasoning, and it’ll help coat the potatoes, shrimp, sausage, and corn for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Arrange the Ingredients on the Baking Sheet
Place the cooked potatoes and corn on the prepared baking sheet. Add the shrimp and sausage, making sure everything is in a single layer for even cooking. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the entire sheet, making sure the ingredients are evenly coated. Gently toss everything to ensure all the vegetables, sausage, and shrimp are well-seasoned.
Step 5: Bake the Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The shrimp should be opaque, and the corn should be tender. Be sure to keep an eye on the shrimp—they cook very quickly, and overcooking them will result in rubbery shrimp.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is cooked to perfection, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Serve the Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil immediately, garnished with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley. The lemon adds a citrusy kick that brightens up the dish, while the parsley adds a touch of freshness.
Tips for the Best Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
To make sure your Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil is as flavorful and perfectly cooked as possible, follow these expert tips:
1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
When arranging the ingredients on the sheet pan, try to spread everything out into a single layer. Overcrowding the pan can cause the ingredients to steam rather than roast, which can result in uneven cooking.
2. Use Fresh Shrimp
While frozen shrimp works just fine, fresh shrimp will have a better texture and flavor. If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them thoroughly (either overnight in the fridge or quickly under cold water) before cooking.
3. Adjust the Seasoning to Your Taste
While Old Bay seasoning is a classic choice for a shrimp boil, feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste. If you like a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of Old Bay or skip it entirely.
4. Make It Your Own
The beauty of a Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil is that it’s easily customizable. You can swap the sausage for other proteins like crab, lobster, or even chicken. Additionally, you can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, for extra flavor and nutrition.
5. Parboil the Potatoes and Corn in Advance
If you’re short on time, you can parboil the potatoes and corn a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to finish the recipe. This will cut down on prep time significantly.
What to Serve with Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
A Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil is a complete meal on its own, but you can also pair it with some delicious sides to enhance the experience. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside your shrimp boil:
1. Buttermilk Cornbread
Cornbread’s slightly sweet and crumbly texture pairs beautifully with the savory, spicy shrimp boil. The cornbread will also soak up any extra butter or sauce from the dish, making every bite even more satisfying.
2. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
A side of garlic parmesan roasted broccoli is a great way to add a little more greenery to your meal. The crispy, savory broccoli complements the shrimp and sausage perfectly and provides a nice contrast to the richness of the butter.
3. Easy Garlic Parmesan Knots
Soft, buttery garlic knots are perfect for sopping up any extra sauce from the Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil. They’re easy to make and will be a hit with your family or guests.
4. No-Knead Rosemary Bread
For a more rustic side, try serving the shrimp boil with some fresh rosemary bread. The fragrant rosemary pairs well with the seafood and adds a hearty, satisfying element to the meal.
Storing and Reheating Your Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
If you happen to have any leftovers from your Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil, don’t worry! This dish stores and reheats quite well, allowing you to enjoy it even after the first meal. Here’s everything you need to know:
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftovers, simply place the shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn in an airtight container. You can refrigerate the leftovers for up to 1-2 days. If you’re looking to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze the ingredients, although the texture of the shrimp might change slightly upon reheating.
Reheating Tips
While shrimp can get tough when microwaved, the best method to reheat a Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil is in the oven. To do so, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), cover the leftovers with aluminum foil, and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This method ensures the shrimp stay juicy and the potatoes and corn don’t dry out.
If you’re in a rush, you can use the microwave, but be sure to reheat the shrimp separately for 1-2 minutes, as they cook quickly and may become rubbery if overheated.
Nutritional Benefits of Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
Not only is this Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrition! Let’s take a look at some of the health benefits of the main ingredients:
Shrimp
Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, low in calories and high in nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
Potatoes
Baby Dutch yellow potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates, providing energy that lasts throughout the day. They also contain potassium, which is essential for heart and muscle function.
Corn
Corn is rich in fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full. It’s also high in antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are great for eye health.
Andouille Sausage
Andouille sausage adds a rich, smoky flavor to the dish. While sausage is higher in fat and sodium, it contributes valuable protein to the meal. You can opt for a leaner sausage if you prefer a lighter version.
Garlic and Old Bay Seasoning
Garlic is known for its health benefits, including its ability to improve heart health and reduce inflammation. Old Bay seasoning is a mix of herbs and spices, adding flavor without extra calories, while also offering antioxidants.
Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil Recipe Card:
Ingredients:
-
1 lb baby Dutch yellow potatoes
-
3 ears of corn, each cut into 6 pieces
-
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
-
1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
-
1 (12.8 oz) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
-
1 lemon, cut into wedges
-
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.
-
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes for 10-13 minutes, until just tender. Add corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Drain well.
-
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, and Old Bay seasoning.
-
Arrange potatoes, corn, shrimp, and sausage on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with the butter mixture and toss to combine.
-
Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until shrimp are opaque and corn is tender.
-
Remove from oven and serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges and parsley.
Notes:
-
For quicker prep, you can parboil the potatoes and corn a day ahead and refrigerate them.
-
If using frozen shrimp, thaw them thoroughly before cooking to ensure even browning.
-
You can substitute andouille sausage with other smoked sausage options or even use a different protein like crab or lobster.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
-
Calories: 465 kcal
-
Protein: 32g
-
Carbohydrates: 44g
-
Fat: 21g
-
Saturated Fat: 7g
-
Cholesterol: 180mg
-
Sodium: 1030mg
-
Potassium: 812mg
-
Fiber: 6g
-
Sugar: 4g
-
Vitamin A: 7% DV
-
Vitamin C: 20% DV
-
Calcium: 8% DV
-
Iron: 15% DV
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Method: Baking, Boiling
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Servings: 6
Calories: 465 per serving
Yield: 6 servings