Spicy Garlic Shrimp & Andouille Boil for Two

A smaller scale of a southern classic!

16 ingredients
5 steps
Added Jan 8, 2026

Ingredients

  • 1 pound shell-on shrimp (16/20
  • 8 ounce andouille sausage, cut into 1” chunks
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 3 tablespoon Old Bay
  • 5 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (Crystal, Tabasco, etc.)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 Juice 1/2 lemon
  • 1 Salt to taste
  • 1 chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1

    Boil It Up: Fill a pot with 2–3 quarts of water.

  2. 2

    Squeeze in the lemon and drop the halves in. Add Old Bay, smashed garlic, bay leaf, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Add the andouille sausage, simmer for 5–6 minutes.Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until pink and curled. Drain and discard lemon halves and bay leaf.

  3. 3

    Make the Garlic Butter Sauce. In a skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in hot sauce, paprika, cayenne, black pepper, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Toss in the drained shrimp and sausage, stirring to coat well.

  4. 4

    Serve: Serve in a large shallow bowl or platter. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges if you like. Add a chunk of crusty bread or toasted baguette — you’ll want it for the sauce.

  5. 5

    Add a splash of beer or white wine (2–3 tbsp) to the butter sauce just before tossing the shrimp in. Simmer it for 30 seconds first to cook off the alcohol.