Gather your friends and family for a Traditional Southern Shrimp Feast that brings big flavors and even bigger smiles. This recipe captures the essence of a coastal cookout with fresh ingredients and a touch of spice that makes it perfect for any occasion.
Shrimp are the star of this dish, offering a delicate sweetness that pairs well with the spices. Make sure they're peeled and deveined for ease of eating. Corn adds natural sweetness and a crunchy texture, while baby potatoes provide a hearty, satisfying base. Smoked sausage brings a rich, savory depth that complements the shrimp perfectly. Old Bay seasoning is the key to that classic Southern flavor, with its blend of herbs and spices. Lemons add brightness and acidity to lift the dish. Garlic infuses the cooking water with a subtle but essential depth of flavor. Finally, butter ties everything together with a silky finish.
This shrimp feast is best enjoyed al fresco with a chilled glass of white wine or a light beer. Spread some newspaper across the table for a no-fuss cleanup and dig in with your hands for the full Southern experience. Pair with a simple green salad or coleslaw to balance the richness.
Start by filling your largest pot with 4 quarts of water. This might seem like a lot, but remember, we're cooking a feast here! Add the Old Bay seasoning, halved lemons, and smashed garlic to the pot. Bring this fragrant concoction to a rolling boil — you'll know it's ready when the kitchen starts to smell like a day at the beach.
Once boiling, carefully add the baby potatoes. You're looking for them to be just tender, which should take about 10 minutes. Give them a gentle poke with a fork to check for doneness.
Next, toss in the corn and smoked sausage. Let them join the party for about 5 minutes. The corn should be bright and tender, and the sausage will add its smoky essence to the pot.
Now, it's time for the shrimp. Add them to the pot and watch as they transform from grey to a lovely pink. This takes roughly 3-4 minutes, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
With everything cooked to perfection, carefully drain the pot, discarding the lemon halves and garlic — they've done their job. Arrange your cooked ingredients on a large serving platter.
Drizzle the whole lot with the melted butter and a sprinkle of salt. Finish with a generous garnish of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
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