Easy Instant Pot Shrimp Boil Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This Instant Pot Shrimp Boil is fast, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd without turning on the stove. It’s got everything you love about a classic low country boil—tender potatoes, juicy shrimp, sweet corn, and smoky sausage—all cooked in a fraction of the time thanks to the pressure cooker.
I’ve always loved seafood boils, but I never thought I could make one this good at home—until I tried this Instant Pot version!
It’s everything I love about a shrimp boil without the hassle. Just layer your ingredients, set the timer, and let the Instant Pot do all the work. The result? A juicy, flavor-packed dinner ready in under an hour.
Perfect for a weeknight meal, summer dinner party, or anytime you want a little Southern comfort with minimal cleanup.
You might love these Shrimp Tacos With Cilantro Lime Crema next.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Recipe Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Instant Pot Shrimp Boil:
Ingredient Notes
Shrimp – Use large or jumbo shrimp for best texture. Tail-on looks nice for serving.
Sausage – Andouille or kielbasa work great for a smoky, savory bite.
Potatoes – Baby golds or red potatoes are good substitutes for fingerlings.
Old Bay – Classic for seafood boils, but Cajun seasoning can work too.
Chicken Broth – Adds more flavor than water, but either will work.
See the recipe card for full ingredient amounts and instructions.
Recipe Variations
Swap in crab legs or clams for a seafood twist.
Use baby red potatoes or Yukon golds if you don’t have fingerlings.
Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for a spicier boil.
Serve over rice instead of with bread for a heartier meal.
How to Make Instant Pot Shrimp Boil: Step by Step
Here are quick visual instructions. Be sure to check out the full instructions with exact ingredients in the printable recipe card below.
Step 1: Wash and prep the shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage. Slice the sausage to your desired thickness.
Step 2: Pour chicken broth or water into the pot. Add potatoes, then corn, and finally sliced sausage.
Step 3: Sprinkle most of the Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the layered ingredients, reserving about 1/2 tbsp of Old Bay for the shrimp.
Step 4: Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes. Perform a quick release.
Step 5: Open the lid and add the shrimp. Sprinkle the reserved Old Bay seasoning over the shrimp. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 1 minute. Perform a quick release.
Step 6: Drain excess liquid or serve with broth. Drizzle melted butter over the top. Garnish with extra Old Bay seasoning, parsley, and lemon wedges. Serve immediately with crusty bread or rice.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Don’t overcook the shrimp – 1 minute is all you need under pressure.
Layer smart – Keep shrimp on top and cook it last to avoid rubbery texture.
Serve it messy – This is a hands-on, family-style dish. Cover your table with parchment and dig in.
Use the liquid as a dip – The seasoned broth makes a great side for dunking bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but make sure they’re thawed before cooking to avoid overcooking or uneven texture.
It’s up to you! Peeled shrimp are easier to eat, but unpeeled shrimp can add more flavor during cooking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid rubbery shrimp.
I hope you enjoy this Instant Pot Shrimp Boil as much as I do! If you try it, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below. Happy cooking!
More Shrimp Recipes
Easy Instant Pot Shrimp Boil Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 1 lb fingerling potatoes mixed medley
- 4 ears of corn cut into thirds
- 1 lb smoked sausage sliced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning plus extra for garnish
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon halved
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and prep the shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage. Slice the sausage to your desired thickness.
- Layer in Instant Pot: Pour chicken broth or water into the pot. Add potatoes, then corn, and finally sliced sausage.
- Season: Sprinkle most of the Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the layered ingredients, reserving about 1/2 tbsp of Old Bay for the shrimp.
- First Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes. Perform a quick release.
- Add Shrimp and Second Pressure Cook: Open the lid and add the shrimp. Sprinkle the reserved Old Bay seasoning over the shrimp. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 1 minute. Perform a quick release.
- Finish and Serve: Squeeze the juice of one lemon half over the shrimp boil. Drain excess liquid or serve with broth. Drizzle melted butter over the top. Garnish with extra Old Bay seasoning, parsley, and lemon wedges. Serve immediately with crusty bread or rice.
The nutritional details for recipes are estimated using MyFitnessPal and can vary with different products, measurement accuracy, and source reliability. We aim to provide accurate information but cannot guarantee the precise accuracy of the nutritional data