Authentic Low Country Boil

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low country boil

What’s Up, Hungry People!

The season for indulging in a comforting low country boil is upon us. What’s not to love? It’s like throwing a little seaside party right in your kitchen.

Low country boils blend the bold flavors of Cajun and Old Bay seasoning. Imagine a pot brimming with Andouille sausage, juicy shrimp, fresh corn, hearty potatoes, and aromatic onions. And for those feeling a little extra splashy, you can even toss in crabs, clams, or lobsters. Unfortunately, these extras didn’t make the cut for the Starving Chef’s shopping list this week, but that doesn’t diminish the fun!

ingredients for diy country boil

Here’s What You Need:

  • Shrimp: The star protein that brings a fresh, seafood touch.
  • Corn: Adds a sweet crunch and is a classic in boils.
  • Andouille sausage: Brings a spicy, smoky flavor to the mix.
  • Potatoes: Offer a hearty base, absorbing the seasoning flavors.
  • Onion: Provides an aromatic depth to the boiling pot.
  • Old Bay seasoning: Classic seafood seasoning adding zest and depth.
  • Cajun spice blend: Brings the heat and southern flair to the dish.
  • Salt & pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.
  • Crusty bread: Ideal for dipping and sopping up those delicious juices.
  • Butter: Adds richness when spread on bread or drizzled over the boil.
simmering spices

Let’s Cook!

Firstly, fill that hefty pot with water and dive in with your top-choice Cajun spice blend and a good sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning.

Kick things off with potatoes and onions. Drop them into the simmering pot because they take a bit to get perfectly soft and flavorful.

boiling potatoes

Now, it’s sausage time. Add those tasty chunks of Andouille next.

Is your potato giving in to a gentle prod of a fork? Perfect. Slide in those ears of corn. A little secret from my kitchen to yours: for more manageable bites, I sometimes break my corn ears into mini-cobs. It’s an amusing feat, to be honest. Give it a try! Snapping those fresh corn cobs might just make you feel like a culinary superhero.

boiling corn

Corn boiling wisdom coming your way: just let that corn cook up until the water starts to bubble and boil anew. To keep the rhythm going and get everything ready at the same time, I toss the shrimp into the mix about a minute before that water starts to dance.

floating corn

Once your shrimp turns opaque and is all cooked up, it’s time to take that pot off the heat.

corn with seafood

Serve It Up the Right Way

Did you know? Traditional low country boils are often laid out on sheets of newspaper. I was oblivious to this fact until after savoring my delicious creation! For my rendition, I paired it with some hearty beer bread.

Dive Deeper into the Low Country Boil:

  • Potato Size Matters: Ensure you cut larger potatoes in half. Uniform sizes mean even cooking.
  • Shrimp Watch: Don’t overcook. When they turn pink, they’re ready. Overcooking makes them rubbery.
  • Seasoning to Taste: Always adjust your seasoning. Some like it spicier, while others prefer milder flavors.
  • Draining Tip: When using a colander, give it a few good shakes. It helps remove excess water.
  • Serving Suggestion: Spreading the boil on newspaper isn’t just traditional; it makes for easy cleanup.
  • Butter it Up: Feel free to melt the butter and drizzle it over the boil or use it as a dip.
diy shrimp boil

The low country boil is a celebration of flavors and textures, and there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of diving into this pot of goodness. From the spicy kick of the Andouille sausage to the fresh burst of the shrimp, every bite is an adventure. Paired with crusty bread and a generous spread of butter, it’s a meal that promises comfort and delight. So, next time you’re thinking of a cozy, flavorful dish to share with loved ones, remember this recipe. After all, the best moments are shared around a pot of bubbling, aromatic deliciousness.

low country boil ingredients

Low Country Boil

The Starving Chef
Experience the vibrant blend of shrimp, Andouille sausage, and seasoned veggies in this classic low country boil.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Campfire Cooking, Fall, Summer
Cuisine American, Creole, Seafood
Servings 6

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz raw shrimp peeled, tails on
  • 4 ears corn snapped in half
  • 2 links Andouille sausage chopped
  • 8 oz rainbow or fingerling potatoes
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun spice blend
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • crusty bread for serving
  • butter for serving

Instructions
 

  • Fill a large pot with 4 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Stir in the Old Bay and Cajun seasonings.
  • Wash the potatoes. If any are large, cut them in half. Dice the onions. Add the onions and potatoes to the boiling water. Cook for about fifteen minutes, or until the potatoes are nearly fork tender.
  • Add the chopped Andouille sausage to the water. Once the water returns to a boil, add the corn cobs.
  • As the water begins to boil again, add the shrimp. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked. Then, remove the pot from the heat.
  • Drain the contents of the pot using a colander. Season the boil with salt and pepper to taste. Spread out the meal on dry newspaper, accompanied by crusty bread and butter. Gather your family around, and dive into your low country boil. Enjoy!
Keyword cajun, corn, sausage, seafood, Southern
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