35+ Shrimp Boil Sides (Easy Seafood Boil Side Dishes)

Wondering what the best side dishes for a seafood boil are? I’ve got you covered with this handy guide of 35+ delicious shrimp boil sides.

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These simple side dishes served with your favorite seafood boil recipe will guarantee an amazing, meal!

What to Serve with a Shrimp Boil

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How to make ahead & store

Many of these shrimp boil side dish recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead. 

Wine pairings for a seafood boil

  • Balance the heat in the seasonings with a crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay.
  • If you prefer beer, a crisp lager or a hoppy pale ale is also an excellent match for the rich and flavorful seafood boil.

More seafood side dish recipes

Did you make any of these shrimp boil sides?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of sides for a shrimp boil. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

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Seafood boil spread out on newspapers with small bowl of garlic butter sauce.

Easy Shrimp Boil

Wondering what the best side dishes for a seafood boil are? I've got you covered with this handy guide of 35+ delicious shrimp boil sides. Pair them with this delicious seafood boil recipe.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 people

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds mixed seafood (crab legs, shrimp, clams, mussels, lobster tails, etc.)
  • 1/3 cup Old Bay seasoning
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 lemon (halved (plus additional lemon wedges for serving))
  • 1 pound smoked sausage ( cut into 1 inch rounds, kielbasa, andouille, etc.)
  • 2 pounds red potatoes
  • 4 ears corn (shucked and halved)
  • 1 large onion (chopped)
  • Seafood Boil Sauce (for serving)

Instructions

  • Add 12 cups (3 quarts) water to an extra large stockpot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the old bay seasoning, garlic, lemon, potatoes, sausage and onion. Return to a boil and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
  • Add the seafood & corn. Cook for 5-7, until the shrimp is pink and the seafood is cooked through.
  • Drain the food through a colander & discard the liquid. Serve on newspapers, a baking sheet, or a large platter. Serve with lemon wedges and seafood boil sauce, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

The boiling times can vary for every type of seafood. This is why it’s a good idea to stagger the various kinds in the pot so everything finishes cooking simultaneously. 
Here’s a general timing guideline:
  • Lobster tails: 8 to 12 minutes
  • Crab legs:  5 to 7 minutes
  • Crawfish: 5 to 7 minutes
  • Clams: 5 to 7 minutes 
  • Mussels: 4 to 6 minutes
  • Scallops: 2 to 5 minutes
  • Shrimp: 2 to 4 minutes
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Equipment

Extra Large Stockpot You’ll need an extra large, 16-quart stockpot. Or, you can split the recipe in two and use two large stockpots.

Nutrition

Calories: 365kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 1524mg | Potassium: 696mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 89IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 3mg

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