Made with red potatoes, smoked sausage, corn, shrimp, and the perfect combination of seasonings, Instant Pot Shrimp Boil is an easier and faster way to prepare this classic dish.
A southern shrimp boil is one of the easiest and most flavorful meals to make. And when you prepare this classic meal in the Instant Pot, it comes together in record time!
The potatoes and corn soak up the rich flavor of the sausage and shrimp and the bright lemon butter finishes the dish with just the right touch.
You will be amazed at just how authentic this Instant Pot version of a Classic Shrimp Boil tastes!
Ingredients Needed
- Shrimp: This recipe works best using Jumbo Frozen Shrimp. That way the shrimp will not overcook and become rubbery. Also, it is best to use deveined, shelled shrimp that has tails intact for easier eating.
- Sausage: Use either Andouille, Smoked Sausage, or Kielbasa for this recipe.
- Potatoes: Red potatoes are traditional, but feel free to use Yukon Gold potatoes.
- Beer: A mild lager, such as Corona or Coors Light, adds flavor to the shrimp boil. If you don't drink beer, substitute chicken or seafood stock or water in its place.
- Corn: Fresh corn on the cob is best. However, you can substitute frozen, thawed corn cobs.
- Old Bay: Use store-bought or homemade Old Bay Seasoning for classic flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Do NOT use jarred lemon juice as a substitute for fresh lemon juice, for the flavor will be overly bitter and artificial.
How to Make Instant Pot Shrimp Boil
This recipe for shrimp boil only takes minutes of prep work and very minimal time to cook. However, if you are unfamiliar with using an Instant Pot, please start off by looking over my tips for Using an Instant Pot.
- In a 6 or 8-quart Instant Pot layer the potatoes, sausage, and corn in that order. Top with garlic and bay leaves.
- Place the frozen shrimp on top of the corn.
- For the cooking liquid, you need 8 ounces, or 1 cup of stock or beer if using a 6-quart pressure cooker, and 12 ounces, or 1.5 cups, if using an 8-quart IP. It is important to be exact in this recipe, as the amount of liquid greatly impacts the cooking time needed.
- Pour fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and then sprinkle with the Old Bay Seasoning.
- Place lid on instant pot and seal the lid.
- Set to cook on High Pressure for 2 minutes. Do this by hitting manual or pressure cook and then use the +/- buttons to adjust the time.
- Once cook time has elapsed, do an immediate quick release of pressure. This is a time when releasing the pressure immediately is key to prevent the shrimp from overcooking.
- Mix together the melted butter, remaining lemon juice, and parsley.
- Remove the bay leaves and pour the lemon butter over the shrimp boil.
- Serve with hot sauce on the side.
Serving Suggestions
Shrimp Boil is an all-one meal that is traditionally spread out on sheet pans or newspapers after cooking. I personally recommend serving Instant Pot Shrimp Boil on a platter that can retain all the delicious cooking juices, as they are perfect to soak up with Italian Bread or Crusty Dutch Oven Bread.
Shrimp Boil FAQs
I prefer purchasing peeled shrimp, as it is much easier to eat. But you can certainly use frozen unpeeled shrimp. The peels will add flavor to the overall dish and helps to keep the shrimp juicy. Be sure your shrimp is still jumbo size and frozen and the cooking time will remain the same.
YES! If you use fresh or defrosted shrimp or shrimp that is smaller in size, such as medium or large shrimp, your shrimp will overcook in the time it takes for your potatoes and corn to cook.
I love using a combination of both Cajun Seasoning and Old Bay Seasoning for a spicier Cajun-style Shrimp Boil. Instead of using 2 tablespoons of Old Bay Seasoning, I recommend using 1 tablespoon each of Old Bay and Cajun Seasoning.
More Delicious One-Pot Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Rice and Beans
- Instant Pot Jambalaya
- Instant Pot Sausage and Potatoes
- Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
If you enjoyed this simple recipe for Instant Pot Shrimp Boil, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below. I love hearing from you!
Instant Pot Shrimp Boil
Ingredients
- 2 pounds red potatoes cut into 2-inch chunks
- 12 ounces smoked sausage cut in 1-inch slices
- 2 ears corn cut in thirds
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 pound raw, frozen jumbo shrimp
- 8-12 ounces light beer or stock see note
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice divided
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 tablespoon parsley minced
Instructions
- In the inner pot of the Instant Pot, layer potatoes, sausage, and corn in that order. Add garlic and bay leaves. Place the shrimp on top of the corn and then pour the beer or stock into the inner pot. Be sure to use 1 cup of beer/stock for a 6-Quart Instant Pot and 1.5 cups of beer/stock for an 8-Quart Instant Pot.
- Pour 1 ½ tablespoons of the lemon juice over the shrimp and then sprinkle with Old Bay.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and be sure the vent knob is sealed. Set to cook on high pressure for 2 minutes.
- Once cook time has elapsed, do a quick release of pressure.
- Combine the melted butter, parsley, and remaining ½ tablespoon of lemon juice together in a small bowl. Pour over the shrimp mixture and toss to coat, removing the bay leaves as you come across them.
- Serve immediately
Stephanie Marcotte
I rarely leave a recipe comment but this dish was so phenomenal, delicious, and easy! I used andouille sausage and cajun seasoning, and will DEFINITELY be making this again! Every component was cooked (and seasoned) properly. Thanks for a wonderful recipe!
Kristen Chidsey
You are so welcome Stephanie 🙂 Thank you for leaving a comment--I really appreciate it!
Brenda
This was so good!!! And unbelievably easy!!! I never cease to be amazed by how quickly the Instant Pot packs in hours of flavor in such a short time. This recipe had amazing flavor as though it was been simmering in a pot for hours. Delicious. And the jumbo raw, frozen shrimp was a must follow tip to avoid chewy, rubbery shrimp. We’ll be having this again!!
Kristen Chidsey
I LOVE hearing you enjoyed this so much Brenda! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review and comment.
Jennifer
Made this tonight using andouille sausage and homemade chicken broth (instead of beer). It was delicious. Served it with fresh-from-the-oven French bread to sop up the juices. The whole family loved it.
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks for sharing Jennifer! Nothing beats serving with homemade bread either 🙂
RWC
Made this tonight - It was very good! Timing is perfect!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks for sharing! I love hearing you enjoyed!
Lisa
Made this tonight after a long day of golf. It was delicious! Substituted Old Bay for Swamp Fire because we like it extra spicy. It was delicious! Turned out perfect! Thank you for the recipe!
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you enjoyed Lisa!
Lisa Bacon
I haven't made this yet but wondering if the potatoes are cooked enough for only 2 minutes?
Kristen Chidsey
Yes! They are cut small enough and it takes a bit of time to come to pressure, which helps to cook the potatoes.
Lori
Just made this and ate it for dinner! It was amazingly tasty, fast and easy to make! I used dark beer in stead of light beer, so the sauce was darker than I'm sure it was supposed to be, but it really tasted delicious! Everything was cooked perfectly and all the flavors were on point, even the home made Old Bay!! Way to go!!
Kristen Chidsey
So happy to hear that you loved it Lori!
Vanessa Mays
This was definitely a family favorite!!! We used Uncle John's Pride Mild Smoked Country Sausage because we like our food a little spicy 🌶. Thank you for this recipe we will be adding it to our instant pot favorites.
Kristen Chidsey
Thank you for taking the time to let us know how you enjoyed this recipe Vanessa 🙂
Cynthia
My sister in law, Lisa recommended your recipe and it was delicious! Perfect for a summer evening. We also used Louisiana Swamp Fire seasoning. We used frrsh spicy chicken chorizo sausage, and cooked it through before adding to the pot.
Kristen Chidsey
So happy to hear you all enjoyed so much Cynthia. Love that you added chorizo.
Cat Bax
How many servings does this provide? Thanks.
Kristen Chidsey
This will make 6 modest adult servings.
Karysa Faire
DELICIOUS! I followed the recipe almost exactly--used chicken stock instead of beer and added an extra tsp of garlic. Amazingly yummy and turned out even better than I thought it would. I willd efinitely make it again!
Kristen Chidsey
I am so happy to hear this recipe exceeded your expectations! Thanks for sharing.
Frankie j
Hi! I made this recipe for me & my hubby this weekend.
We LOVED IT! Thank you for posting. I have shared it with numberous people & linked it on my channel! I'll be searching for more recipes from you! Instant Pots are the absolute BEST! Thanks again!
Kristen Chidsey
Thank you so much Frankie for sharing! I truly appreciate it!
Kristina P
Hi Kristen, I'll be cutting this recipe in half since I'm just cooking for the two of us. I'm using a 6 qt Instant Pot. Do I keep the liquid at 1 cup? Thanks!
Joan
I'm confused. The ingredients say fresh lemon juice but the notes say do not use fresh lemon juice. Which is it?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Joan! Sorry for any confusion in the wording. Use FRESH lemon juice.
Lisalia
I absolutely LOVE seafood and this had to be the best way to make shrimp. ...well... one of the best ways. This instant pot method turned out perfectly AND also kept the texture perfect! I also used your recommendation of chicken stock as I dont cook with alcohol. And it turned out wonderfully. Thanks for another winning recipe!
Kristen Chidsey
Thank you for sharing Lisalia! I love that you enjoyed and thanks for sharing you used chicken stock.
Jenn J
Wow! What an amazing recipe. We just enjoyed this for dinner and can't wait to make it again for friends. Next time we will reduce the potatoes and increase the amount of shrimp cause they cooked PERFECTLY!! What a winner. Another amazing creation. Thank you!!
Kristen Chidsey
I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed Jenn! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
Aimee Berrett
This is my husband's new favorite meal! So quick and easy, we'll definitely be making it again.
Kristen Chidsey
YAY! I love hearing this a new favorite Aimee. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Katie
So much goodness in this shrimp boil! Every component always turns out great and flavorful.
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment Katie! So happy to hear you enjoyed!
Nala
Great recipe. Could I add crab legs and crawfish? Thanks
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Nala! I am so glad you enjoyed! I would have to experiment with the crab legs. They typically take 3 minutes when frozen, but that is without adding other ingredients. If you give it a try, let us know. As for the crawfish, I would recommend frozen as well so they don't overcook.