Name: Instant Pot Shrimp Boil
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 36 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs baby red potatoes; 13 oz beef sausage (Cajun-style or smoked), cut into 2″ pieces; 3 medium ears of corn, halved; 1 cup chopped onion (or pearl onions, peeled); 1½ cups chicken broth; 1 tbsp hot sauce (like cayenne pepper sauce); 4 tsp Old Bay seasoning, divided; 2 lbs frozen extra-large shrimp (13–15 per lb); ¼ cup butter, melted; 1 tsp garlic powder; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Lemon wedges (for serving)

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This Instant Pot Shrimp Boil is a fast and flavorful take on the classic Southern seafood feast. Loaded with baby potatoes, Cajun-style sausage, sweet corn, and juicy shrimp, it’s all pressure-cooked to perfection in a boldly seasoned broth. Finished with a drizzle of garlicky butter, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges, this one-pot meal is ideal for summer gatherings or a weeknight dinner with flair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love how easy and quick this shrimp boil is to prepare—thanks to the Instant Pot, it all comes together in just over 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. The layers of flavor from the broth, sausage, and Old Bay seasoning make every bite satisfying and bold. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a taste of coastal comfort food, this dish delivers big flavor without the fuss of boiling on the stove. Instant Pot Shrimp Boil

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1.5 lbs baby red potatoes
13 oz beef sausage (Cajun-style or smoked), cut into 2″ pieces
3 medium ears of corn, halved
1 cup chopped onion (or pearl onions, peeled)
1½ cups chicken broth
1 tbsp hot sauce (such as cayenne pepper sauce)
4 tsp Old Bay seasoning, divided
2 lbs frozen extra-large shrimp (13–15 per lb)
¼ cup butter, melted
1 tsp garlic powder
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

Add Ingredients to Instant Pot: Place potatoes, sausage, and corn into the Instant Pot liner. If you prefer softer onions, add them now. For a firmer texture, add them later with the shrimp.
Mix Broth & Seasonings: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, hot sauce, and 3 teaspoons of Old Bay seasoning. Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the pot.
Pressure Cook – Step 1: Ensure the Instant Pot’s silicone ring is secured. Close the lid and seal the vent. Cook on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes. Perform a quick release when the timer is done.
Add Shrimp & Cook – Step 2: Quickly add in the frozen shrimp and onions (if not added earlier). Close the lid again and cook on HIGH pressure for 1 minute. Perform another quick release.
Drain (Optional): If desired, drain the excess liquid from the pot.
Season & Serve: Transfer everything to a large, rimmed serving tray. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Drizzle this over the shrimp boil.
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 minutes
Pressure Build/Release Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 36 minutes
Calories per serving: 570 kcal

Variations

Swap the seafood: Use crab legs or crawfish instead of shrimp, or mix them together for variety.
Make it spicier: Increase the hot sauce or add crushed red pepper flakes to the broth.
Add more veggies: Toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
Lighter option: Use turkey sausage instead of beef for a lower-fat version.
Serve it differently: Spoon over rice, quinoa, or with warm crusty bread for a heartier meal.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water until heated through. Avoid microwaving the shrimp for too long to prevent overcooking.

Freezing is not recommended due to the texture change in potatoes and shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?

Yes, but reduce the second pressure cook time to 0 minutes (just pressurize and quick release) to avoid overcooking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure not to exceed the max fill line of your Instant Pot. You may need to slightly increase pressure build time.

Can I make this without an Instant Pot?

Yes, boil the potatoes and corn on the stove, then add sausage and shrimp until cooked through. Finish with the same butter drizzle.

What’s the best sausage to use?

Cajun-style or smoked beef sausage works best for flavor.

Can I use peeled shrimp?

Yes, peeled and deveined shrimp make for easier eating, but unpeeled adds more flavor to the boil.

Do I need to thaw the shrimp first?

No, the recipe is designed for frozen shrimp. Just add them directly for convenience.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, if all the ingredients used (especially the sausage and hot sauce) are certified gluten-free.

Can I add crab legs or lobster tails?

Yes, add them with the shrimp for a deluxe seafood boil. Cooking time remains the same.

How do I make it less spicy?

Use less hot sauce and a milder sausage. You can also serve it with a yogurt or sour cream dip to mellow the spice.

What’s a good side dish for this?

Crusty bread, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad pair perfectly with this dish.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Shrimp Boil is your shortcut to a Southern-style seafood feast—no giant pots or hours of cooking required. With layers of savory, spicy, and buttery flavor in every bite, it’s a satisfying, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting guests or just want something special for dinner, this recipe brings big flavor to your table with minimal effort.