Instant Pot Shrimp Boil Recipe with How-To Video

Instant Pot Shrimp Boil is a fantastic one-pot shrimp recipe made right in your pressure cooker. Sausage, potatoes, corn on the cob, shrimp, and bold Cajun seasoning come together to create a flavorful low country boil that’s fast, easy, and perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot shrimp boil captures all the flavor of a classic low country boil without the fuss of a large outdoor pot. In under 20 minutes of total cooking time, you get tender shrimp, smoky sausage, soft potatoes, and sweet corn, all infused with Old Bay and Cajun-inspired spices. The pressure cooker speeds up the process while concentrating flavors, making this a great option for busy evenings, small gatherings, or anytime you want a comforting seafood meal with minimal cleanup.

If you enjoy pressure-cooker seafood, try other Instant Pot seafood options for more variety and quick dinners.

What Is The Best Size Shrimp To Use

Large shrimp (deveined) work well because they hold up in the short pressure-cooking cycle and provide satisfying bites. If your shrimp are frozen, follow the recipe timing below—one minute at high pressure is usually enough. For thawed shrimp, reduce the pressure time to zero minutes (pressurize and immediately quick release) to avoid overcooking. Adjust according to the shrimp size: smaller shrimp need less time, larger shrimp need just a touch longer.

Best Potatoes For Low Country Boil

Yellow or red potatoes are ideal for this recipe. They hold shape well and absorb spice. Quarter or halve potatoes so they cook evenly in the Instant Pot. If cut a bit small they can become very soft, which some people enjoy—just keep size consistent so everything finishes at the same time. Parboiling is not necessary when using the pressure cooker.

How To Serve Instant Pot Low Country Shrimp Boil

Serve the shrimp boil straight from the pot for a casual family-style meal—spread butcher paper on the table for a classic presentation. Melted butter mixed with a little extra Old Bay or Cajun seasoning makes a delicious drizzle. Lemon wedges, chopped parsley, cocktail sauce, or your favorite hot sauce are great on the side. For a lighter option, skip the butter and add a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parsley.

Lager Beer Adds Incredible Flavor

Cooking the vegetables and sausage in a lager adds depth and a subtle malt sweetness to the broth. Use a mild lager you enjoy; the exact brand is not critical. If you prefer not to cook with alcohol, substitute low-sodium chicken broth or stock with equally good results.

How To Make Instant Pot Shrimp Boil

1. Prep your ingredients: quarter potatoes, slice sausage, and slice the onion. Add potatoes, sausage, onion, and 3 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning to the Instant Pot. Toss to combine.
2. Top with corn pieces, pour in one 12–16 oz bottle of lager (or chicken broth) and 1/4 cup water. Do not stir. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release.
3. After quick release, open the lid and add the frozen shrimp. Seal again and cook on high pressure for 1 minute, then quick release immediately.
4. Optional: while the shrimp finishes, melt butter with garlic and 1 tablespoon Old Bay in a small saucepan over low heat. Drizzle the butter mixture over the finished boil or serve it on the side for dipping.

Easy Pressure Cooker Shrimp Boil

This method is fast, simple, and full of flavor. The Instant Pot shortens cooking time and reduces the need for constant timing and turning that a stovetop or outdoor boil might require. It’s an efficient way to get the classic taste of a seafood boil with less fuss and fewer pots to wash.

What Goes With Shrimp Boil

• Coleslaw or a crisp green salad
• Warm cornbread or crusty bread to soak up juices
• Baked beans or a simple potato salad
• Macaroni salad or another chilled pasta salad

Variations To Recipe

• Add crab legs along with the shrimp for a crab-and-shrimp boil.
• Include whole mushrooms or artichoke hearts when you add the shrimp.
• Use a different Cajun seasoning blend if you prefer more heat or a smokier flavor.
• Omit sausage for a lighter seafood-only version, or swap for smoked chicken sausage.
• Add more hot sauce or cayenne if you want extra spice.

Once finished, serve directly from the Instant Pot or drain into a large bowl and toss with the melted butter mixture. Paper on the table and disposable plates make cleanup easy for casual get-togethers.

Craving More Shrimp Recipes

• Healthy shrimp and avocado salad
• Mexican-style shrimp bites with avocado
• Creamy shrimp pasta
• Quick lemon garlic shrimp (10 minutes)