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Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Cajun Shrimp Boil with Crispy Potatoes

Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Cajun Shrimp Boil with Crispy Potatoes

All the bold, garlic-butter-drenched goodness of a traditional coastal shrimp boil, adapted for a fast Tuesday night on a single sheet pan. The secret cheat code? Par-cooking the potatoes in the microwave for five minutes so everything finishes roasted, crisp, and perfectly juicy at the exact same time.

Elena Reyes
Elena Reyes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 22 minutes
4
easy
dinner
sheet-pan30-minute-mealseafoodcomfort-food+1

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Timeline

32 minutes
0m10m20m30m
Preheat Oven & Pan
5m
Microwave Potatoes
5m
Mix Cajun Butter
3m
Season Veggies
3m
Roast Potatoes & Corn
12m
Prep & Season Shrimp
3m
Roast Shrimp & Lemons
8m
Garnish & Serve

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined(Tail-on looks great, but tail-off is easier weeknight eating)
  • 1.5 lbs baby yellow potatoes(Halved, or quartered if larger than a golf ball)
  • 2 ears fresh sweet corn(Cut into 1-inch thick rounds)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter(Melted)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1.5 tbsp Old Bay seasoning(Or Cajun seasoning if you like a bit more kick)
  • 4 cloves garlic(Finely minced)
  • 2 lemons(1 sliced into thin rounds, 1 cut into wedges for serving)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley(Roughly chopped for freshness)
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper(Freshly cracked)
  • 2 tbsp water(For microwave par-cooking)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Place a large rimmed sheet pan on the middle rack of your oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C).

    5 min

    Tip: Preheating the pan is my favorite trick—it gives the potatoes an instant sear the second they hit the metal.

  2. 2

    Place 1.5 lbs baby yellow potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tbsp water. Cover with a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 4 to 5 minutes until slightly fork-tender.

    5 min

    Tip: This is our cheat code! Without this step, your shrimp will turn to rubber before your potatoes are cooked.

  3. 3

    In a small bowl, whisk together 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1.5 tbsp Old Bay seasoning, and 4 cloves garlic.

    3 min

    Tip: Mixing oil with melted butter keeps the garlic from burning at high heat while giving you that rich flavor.

  4. 4

    Drain any excess water from the potatoes. Toss the par-cooked potatoes and 2 ears fresh sweet corn with 2/3 of the Cajun butter mixture, 0.5 tsp kosher salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper.

    3 min

    Tip: Save the remaining 1/3 Cajun butter in the bowl for the shrimp later.

  5. 5

    Carefully remove the hot sheet pan from the oven using oven mitts. Spread the potatoes (cut-side down!) and corn in a single layer across the pan. Roast for 12 minutes.

    12 min

    Tip: Putting potatoes cut-side down against the hot steel guarantees those golden crispy edges everyone fights over.

  6. 6

    While the veggies roast, pat 1.5 lbs extra-large shrimp completely dry with paper towels, then toss in the bowl with the remaining 1/3 Cajun butter mixture.

    3 min

    Tip: Dry shrimp absorb the seasoned butter far better and get a better sear instead of steaming.

  7. 7

    Pull the sheet pan out, nudge the potatoes and corn slightly to make room, and nestle the shrimp and 1 lemon slices onto the pan in a single layer. Return to the oven and roast for 6 to 8 minutes until shrimp are opaque and pink.

    8 min

    Tip: Shrimp cook fast! Take them out as soon as they form a gentle 'C' shape.

  8. 8

    Garnish immediately with 2 tbsp fresh parsley and serve right off the pan with wedges from 1 lemon for squeezing.

    2 min

    Tip: Don't skip that squeeze of fresh lemon right at the end—it cuts through the rich butter perfectly.

Chef's Notes

If you love classic shrimp boil additions, feel free to toss in sliced precooked smoked turkey sausage or kielbasa along with the potatoes during step 5! Frozen shrimp work completely fine here—just thaw them in cold water for 15 minutes and dry them thoroughly before tossing with the garlic butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Cajun Shrimp Boil with Crispy Potatoes take to make?

Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Cajun Shrimp Boil with Crispy Potatoes takes about 32 minutes total. That includes 10 minutes of prep and 22 minutes of cooking.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 servings.

What skill level is needed for Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Cajun Shrimp Boil with Crispy Potatoes?

This recipe is rated easy — it's beginner-friendly and straightforward.

What ingredients do I need for Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Cajun Shrimp Boil with Crispy Potatoes?

The main ingredients are: extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined, baby yellow potatoes, fresh sweet corn, unsalted butter, extra virgin olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, garlic, lemons, fresh parsley, kosher salt, black pepper, water.

What type of meal is Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Cajun Shrimp Boil with Crispy Potatoes?

Sheet-Pan "Cheat Code" Cajun Shrimp Boil with Crispy Potatoes is categorized as: dinner.