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Enjoy the flavors of a classic shrimp boil in record time thanks to this easy Instant Pot Shrimp Boil recipe! With tender red potatoes, savory smoked sausage, sweet corn, juicy shrimp, and the perfect combination of seasonings, this Instant Pot Shrimp Boil delivers all the flavors you know and love in just 15 minutes.
The Best Instant Pot Shrimp Boil
Nothing says summer like a good old Southern shrimp boil.
And living in the Lowcountry, where shrimp boats are nearly as common as cars, I've had my fair share. But of all the versions I've tried, my favorite is also the easiest--Instant Pot Shrimp Boil.
If you're not one of the hundreds of thousands who've already tried this recipe, here's why it's a fan favorite:
- 2-Minute Cook Time. Including prep and pressure time, dinner's ready in just over 15 minutes.
- Dump-and-Cook Simplicity. Just toss everything in and go.
- Unmatched Flavor. As the shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn cook together, they soak up incredible flavor that tastes like it's been simmering for hours.
- Uses Frozen Shrimp. Fresh shrimp is great but not always accessible. This recipe makes it easy to enjoy a shrimp boil anytime of the year.
You'll be amazed how authentic this Instant Pot Shrimp Boil tastes! Ready in minutes, but bursting with the flavor of a slow-cooked classic. I can't wait for you to try it!
Happy Cooking! xo Kristen
Ingredients for Instant Pot Shrimp Boil
You will find the full list of ingredients, along with quantities in the recipe card. Below is a quick glance at what you need and tips to help you make the right selection.
- Shrimp: To prevent the shrimp from overcooking and becoming rubbery, it's essential to use frozen jumbo shrimp. Smaller, fresh, or thawed shrimp are not recommended. Whether you use shrimp with shells or without is a personal preference.
- Sausage: Select pre-cooked andouille, smoked sausage, or kielbasa. All are delicious.
- Potatoes: Red potatoes are traditional, but feel free to use Yukon Gold potatoes if that is what you have on hand.
- 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 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
If you are unfamiliar with cooking in an Instant Pot or the functions of your Instant Pot, be sure to start with my guide for using an Instant Pot for the best results on this and future recipes. You will find the full recipe in detail in the recipe card below.
- Layer Ingredients. In the following order, layer the potatoes, sausage, corn, bay leaves, garlic, and shrimp inside the inner pot.
- Add Liquid. Pour the beer (or stock) over the layered ingredients, paying attention to the fact that the amount of liquid is based on the size of your pressure cooker. (Use 8 ounces for a 6-quart, 12 ounces for an 8-quart.)
- Season Shrimp. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice right over the shrimp and then sprinkle with Old Bay.
- Pressure Cook. Place the lid on instant pot and make sure the vent knob is sealed. Set to cook High Pressure for 2 minutes.
- Immediately Release Pressure. 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.
- Prepare Lemon Butter. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, additional fresh lemon juice, and minced parsley together.
Kristen's Tip
Prepare the lemon butter while the shrimp boil is pressure cooking to maximize your time.
- Toss and Serve. Remove the bay leaves and pour the lemon butter over the shrimp boil. Serve immediately with hot sauce on the side.
Kristen's Tip
Serving Tip
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.
FAQs on Instant Pot Shrimp Boil
I prefer purchasing peeled, deveined shrimp, as they are easier to eat. That said, unpeeled shrimp will add flavor to the overall dish and helps to keep the shrimp juicy. It is truly a personal preference.
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.
For a spicier Cajun-style Shrimp Boil, use 1 tablespoon each of both Old Bay and Cajun Seasoning rather than 2 tablespoons of Old Bay Seasoning.
More Delicious One-Pot Instant Pot Recipes
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Instant Pot Shrimp Boil
Video
Ingredients
- 2 pounds red potatoes, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, cut in 1-inch slices
- 2 ears corn on the cob, cut in thirds
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 dried bay leaves
- 1 pound raw, frozen jumbo shrimp, tails on, peeled or unpeeled
- 8 ounces light beer or stock *for 6-quart model
- 12 ounces light beer or stock *for 8-quart model
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice, for shrimp boil
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced parsley
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice, for seasoned butter
Instructions
- In the following order, layer potatoes, sliced sausage, corn cobs, minced garlic, and bay leaves inside the inner pot. Place the frozen shrimp right on top of the corn. Pour 8 ounces light beer or stock *for 6-quart model or 12 ounces light beer or stock *for 8-quart model (see recipe notes if using a 3-quart model).
- Add 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and be sure the vent knob is sealed. Set to cook on high pressure for 2 minutes by hitting "manual" or "pressure cook" and using the +/- buttons to adjust the time until it reads "2."
- Once the cooking time has elapsed, do a quick release of pressure by carefully knocking the venting knob from the sealed to the venting position using a long spoon (stand back to protect yourself from the steam).
- Combine 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted) with 1 tablespoon fresh minced parsley and ½ tablespoon 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
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This post was originally shared in 2021 and updated in 2025.
Is there a way to make this with chicken (a non seafood option)? I have a family member with a severe (life threatening) seafood allergy that has always wanted to have a low country boil, but obviously can't. I considered substituting chicken but was unsure of cooking time impact with the instant pot.
Hi Carolyn! I would simply omit the shrimp and add extra sausage. It will be great. Enjoy!
Do you use a trivet?
Not for this recipe. You want everything to absorb the broth. Enjoy 🙂
If I double the ingredients, do I double the cook time?
Hi Kahla! This recipe can be doubled if using an 8-quart--it is a bit too much for a 6-quart (you can make 1.5 times the amount) The cooking time stays the same, but it will take a bit longer to come to pressure.
So fast and wonderful! We loved the flavor. Used the Old Bay substitute and it was perfect. Will make again!
I appreciate you sharing, Sheryl!
I made this tonight for dinner it was so good my daughter in-law scarfed it down. I made it with purple and red potatoes, frozen corn and chicken broth instead of beer so easy and delicious 😋
I love hearing this and appreciate you sharing!
Hi Kristen! I just started following your instant pot recipes as I am a complete newbie with this beast! However, your instructions are so clear that even this 77 year old can make an amazing meal like this shrimp boil. My husband has made shrimp boil his way many, many times and as we were eating this version, he exclaimed how delicious everything was in such a short amount of time. Thank you so much!! I have saved a few of your IP recipes to my app for future use.
Oh I just love hearing this Ceejay! It is my goal to make these recipes easy to follow and delicious!
I made this tonight for dinner and everyone loved it. I used the chicken broth instead of the beer. Otherwise everything else was the same. I will definitely make the shrimp boil again!
Thank you for sharing, Debbi! I appreciate you taking the time to come back and leave a review 🙂
Hi Kristen, are you using already cooked sausage or raw?
Hi Howard! This is precooked smoked sausage.
I made this for dinner and it was so good I left out the beer though and I don't like spicy so no Old Bay seasoning