Instant Pot Shrimp Boil Soup Recipe

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 7 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
• 2 pounds red potatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups frozen corn kernels
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/2 tablespoon liquid shrimp and crab boil
• 2 teaspoons seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 pound medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Directions

1. Combine olive oil, chopped onion, and sliced smoked sausage in a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot). Select the "Saut" function and cook for 5 minutes. Turn the pot off.
2. Stir in the chopped potatoes, minced garlic, frozen corn, chopped parsley, liquid shrimp boil, seafood seasoning, and chicken broth. Mix well to combine.
3. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to the manufacturers instructions, and set the manual timer for 20 minutes. Allow approximately 20 minutes for the pressure to build.
4. Once cooking is complete, release pressure carefully using the quick-release method, as per the manufacturers instructions (about 5 minutes).
5. Unlock the lid and remove it. Stir in the raw shrimp, then close the lid again and let the dish stand for 10 minutes, allowing the shrimp to cook through.
6. After 10 minutes, serve the dish with lemon wedges for added flavor.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	488
Total Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	183mg
Sodium	1837mg
Total Carbohydrate	64g
Dietary Fiber	9g
Total Sugars	13g
Protein	30g
Vitamin C	99mg
Calcium	145mg
Iron	3mg
Potassium	1573mg

Servings per Recipe: 6

Author: Nicole Russell

History of the Shrimp Boil

The shrimp boil is a traditional Southern American dish, popular along the Gulf Coast, especially in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas. Historically, it was a social event, often held in large outdoor gatherings, where shrimp, sausage, corn, potatoes, and sometimes other vegetables were boiled together in a large pot and served on newspapers for easy cleanup. These gatherings were more than just about foodthey were celebrations of community, friendship, and the regions rich seafood culture. The use of seasoning, particularly Old Bay or Cajun spices, reflects the areas deep connection to bold flavors and vibrant culinary traditions.

Regional Characteristics

While the basic ingredients of a shrimp boil remain the same, the regional variations can differ greatly. In Louisiana, for example, Cajun and Creole seasoning dominate, often adding heat and depth to the dish. Coastal Texas might feature a spicier version with a more pronounced use of chili powder, while in Florida, the boil may incorporate a sweeter variety of corn or use shrimp caught directly off the coast. This recipe, prepared in the Instant Pot, modernizes the traditional shrimp boil by transforming it into a soup format, which is not only convenient but also retains the rich flavors of the classic dish.

Difference from Similar Dishes

Though it shares ingredients with other Southern staples like gumbo and crawfish boils, the Instant Pot Shrimp Boil Soup stands out due to its soup-like consistency, as opposed to the typically dry, communal nature of a traditional shrimp boil. The soup format allows the flavors to meld together into a rich broth, providing a different experience compared to the classic boil, where the seafood, sausage, and vegetables are typically served separately. Additionally, the use of the Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, making it a more accessible and quick version of the traditional recipe.

Where It's Typically Served

Traditionally, shrimp boils are served at casual gatherings, such as family cookouts, beach parties, or large community events. The Instant Pot Shrimp Boil Soup, however, is versatile enough to be enjoyed in more intimate settings, such as family dinners or meal prep for busy weekdays. Its also an excellent dish for special occasions like the Fourth of July or Mardi Gras celebrations, where seafood plays a key role in the festivities. Its hearty, flavorful nature makes it a perfect comfort food, especially during colder months when soup is a popular choice.

Fun Facts

1. Did you know that shrimp boils were originally a means of celebrating harvests and gatherings in rural coastal communities? The boiling of seafood, sausage, and vegetables together symbolized the abundance of the local catch and the agricultural season.

2. Although shrimp boils are now a popular dish in the U.S., shrimp are not native to the Gulf of Mexico; they were introduced by European settlers who found the shrimp in local waters.

3. The Instant Pot version of the shrimp boil soup can be customized to include other seafood, such as crab or lobster, offering a broader range of flavors depending on your personal preference.

4. The dish is often served with crusty bread or cornbread on the side to help soak up the flavorful broth.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 7 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 2 pounds red potatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups frozen corn kernels
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/2 tablespoon liquid shrimp and crab boil
• 2 teaspoons Old Bay (R) seasoning
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 pound shrimp, medium raw, peeled and deveined
• 1 lemon, wedged

Instructions

1. Combine olive oil, chopped onion, and sliced smoked sausage in a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot). Select Saut and cook for 5 minutes. Turn the pot off.
2. Stir in potatoes, garlic, corn, parsley, liquid shrimp boil, seafood seasoning, and chicken broth. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturers instructions; set manual timer for 20 minutes. Allow 20 minutes for pressure to build.
3. Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturers instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid. Stir in shrimp, put the lid back on, and let stand for 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:

• Calories: 488
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 64g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 183mg
• Sodium: 1837mg
• Fiber: 9g

FAQ about Instant Pot Shrimp Boil Soup Recipe