Dive into a seafood feast with this Instant Pot Shrimp Boil recipe. Using the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can recreate the flavors of a classic shrimp boil with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Bursting with juicy shrimp, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and zesty seasoning, this dish promises a taste of coastal indulgence right in your own kitchen.

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Why You'll Love Shrimp Boil
- Quick and Effortless Cooking: The Instant Pot cuts down the cooking time significantly, making it possible to enjoy this savory dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Flavorful and Juicy: This Instant Pot Shrimp Boil recipe locks in all the flavors, ensuring each bite of shrimp and vegetable is bursting with a delicious blend of spices and juiciness.
- One-Pot Wonder: I absolutely love the convenience of using just one pot for everything, which means less cleanup and more time savoring the meal.
If you love shrimp boil be sure to check out this recipe for Instant Pot Crab Boil too. Both go great with Cornbread or Rosemary Foccacia Bread.
Recipe Ingredients
- Oil of Choice: Is used to sauté the onions and garlic, adding a smooth richness and preventing them from sticking to the pot.
- Medium Potatoes: Add a hearty, starchy element to the dish, soaking up all the flavors while adding texture.
- Onion: Provide a sweet, slightly pungent flavor that adds depth to the overall dish.
- Minced Garlic: Infuses the dish with a rich, aromatic note that complements the other savory ingredients perfectly.
- Corn on the Cob: Adds a sweet, juicy crunch to the dish, offering a delightful contrast to the other ingredients.
- Sausage Links: Bring a smoky, savory flavor and protein to the dish, complementing the sweetness of the shrimp and corn.
- Water or Beer: Are used as the cooking liquid; water for a more neutral flavor or beer for a deeper, maltier taste.
- Old Bay Seasoning: This classic seafood seasoning adds a complex mix of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors that are a perfect match for the shrimp.
- Shrimp: The star of the dish, shrimp brings a sweet, delicate seafood flavor that pairs wonderfully with the Old Bay Seasoning.
How To Make Instant Pot Shrimp Boil?

Step One: Place oil in the Instant Pot and set it to the saute setting. Once oil is hot, add the onion and cook for two minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for one minute before turning off the Instant Pot.

Step Two: Add the sausages. These sausages can be precooked or uncooked. If they are raw, cook them for about 5 minutes on each side before adding them to the Instant Pot. If they are precooked, simply brown them on each side in the IP before adding them to the mixture.

Step Three: Next add the potatoes and corn in the bowl with the mixture.

Step Four: Add the Corn Cobs to the pot. Old Bay seasoning and the water. If you want to add any other seasoning, like garlic powder or onion powder, now is the time.

Step Five: Once seasoned pressure cook for 8 minutes followed by a quick release.

Step Six: Add uncooked shrimp and pressure cook for an additional minute followed by a quick-release. Your Instant Pot Shrimp Boil dish is now ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips For Pressure Cooking Shrimp Boil
- Timing is Key: Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready before starting to maintain a smooth cooking process.
- Layering Matters: Place ingredients strategically, with heartier items at the bottom, allowing flavors to meld.
- Season Thoughtfully: Adjust Old Bay seasoning to taste, adding gradually and tasting as you go for the perfect balance.
Optional
- Garlic Butter Sauce: You can drizzle garlic butter sauce over the Instant Pot Shrimp Boil for finishing touch as an optional ingredient, adding a rich, savory depth to the shrimp boil.
- Melted Butter: Enhances flavor when served as a dip for the shrimp and potatoes, offering a rich, savory taste.
Substitutions
- Frozen Shrimp: You can use frozen shrimp instead of fresh shrimp, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, adding a couple of minutes to ensure thorough cooking.
- Chicken Broth: You can use use chicken broth as a substitute for water or beer in the shrimp boil recipe. It adds depth and richness to the flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Andouille Sausage: Can be used as a substitute for the sausage links in the Instant Pot shrimp boil recipe. It brings a smoky, spicy flavor that complements the seafood and vegetables. Use it by chopping and adding in place of the regular sausage links.
Variations
- Lemon Herb Twist: Infuse a burst of freshness by adding fresh lemon slices and a blend of herbs like chopped fresh parsley and thyme.
- Cajun Spice Adventure: Amp up the heat with Cajun seasoning or a spicy hot sauce for a fiery variation.
- Potato-Free Option: For a low-carb alternative, skip potatoes and opt for cauliflower florets or additional corn.
- Spicy Andouille Sausage: Kick up the spice by using Andouille sausage for an extra zing.
Tips For Storing Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Leftover Instant Pot shrimp boil can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Store in the freezer. Properly stored, a shrimp boil can be frozen for up to 3 months for the best quality.
- Reheat from Refrigeration: Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes with a damp paper towel cover, stirring halfway through.
- Reheat from Freezing: Thaw frozen cooked shrimp overnight in the refrigerator, then microwave on high for 1-2 minutes with a damp paper towel cover, stirring halfway through.
What To Serve With Shrimp Boil?
- Corn On The Cob: Serve sweet corn alongside shrimp boil for a classic pairing.
- Potato Salad: Enjoy creamy potato salad as a hearty side dish to complement the shrimp boil.
- Garlic Bread: Serve garlic bread to soak up the flavorful juices from the shrimp boil.
- Coleslaw: Pair crisp coleslaw with shrimp boil for a refreshing contrast.
FAQ'S
Add the shrimp towards the end of the cooking process, and use the Pressure Cook setting for just one minute to maintain their tender texture.
Feel free to include crab legs, mussels, or clams for a seafood mix, adjusting the cooking time accordingly for each type.
Ensure uniform potato sizes, and consider cutting them into slightly larger chunks to maintain a firmer texture.

Instant Pot Shrimp Boil
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Oil
- 6 Potatoes Diced
- 1 Onion Diced
- 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic
- 4 Cob Corns split in three
- 6 Sausage Links chopped
- 2 cups Water or beer
- 3 Tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 cups Shrimp
Instructions
- Place oil in the Instant Pot and set it to the saute setting.
- Once oil is hot, add the onion and cook for two minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for one minute before turning off the Instant Pot. Add the sausages. These sausages can be precooked or uncooked. If they are raw, cook them for about 5 minutes on each side before adding them to the Instant Pot. If they are precooked, simply brown them on each side in the IP before adding them to the mixture.
- Then, add the potatoes and corn in the bowl with the mixture.
- Add the Old Bay seasoning and the water. If you want to add any other seasoning, like garlic powder or onion powder, now is the time.
- Secure the lid on the pressure cooker. Then, select the manual setting and set the timer for eight minutes. Once the timer goes off, quick-release the pressure. Be careful when opening the lid, as there will be hot steam. Wait until it has dissipated before removing the food from the pressure cooker.
- Add uncooked shrimp and pressure cook for an additional minute on the manual setting. followed by a quick-release.
- Your Instant Pot Shrimp Boil dish is now ready to enjoy! Serve with your favorite sides or as a dish on it's own.
Shrimp and corn. My favourite things. I love this.
Looks like the shrimp was not raw but already cooked. Is that correct?
No, the shrimp was raw when placed into the pot to cook, and it cooks as the instant pot builds up pressure and fr 1 minute after.