Zesty Creole seafood in one comforting dish.
There’s something magical about a pot of spicy seafood simmering away, filling the kitchen with Cajun aromas and making everyone hungry before it’s even served. This Spicy Southern Shellfish Bowl is my go-to when I want something warm, bold, and irresistibly buttery. The combination of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes in a spicy butter sauce just hits different.
I made it once for a last-minute gathering—and everyone kept asking for the recipe before we even sat down. It’s now a regular feature at family get-togethers, quick weeknight dinners, and those nights when takeout just won’t cut it.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Southern Shellfish Bowl
Flavor-packed. Fast. And totally soul-satisfying.
- One-pot wonder – Fewer dishes, more flavor.
- Family-friendly – Easy to adjust the spice level.
- Creole comfort – Bold Southern taste in every bite.
Ingredients (for 4–6 servings)
- 500g (1 lb) large shrimp (peeled, deveined – fresh or frozen)
- 200g (7 oz) smoked sausage (sliced – Andouille or Kielbasa)
- 2 fresh corn cobs, halved
- 500g (1 lb) baby red potatoes
- 4 boiled eggs, peeled
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 lemon, juiced + wedges for garnish
- 6 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (Louisiana-style recommended)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Optional: seafood boil sauce or melted seasoned butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Spicy Southern Shellfish Bowl
Step 1 – Boil Veggies & Eggs
Fill a large pot with heavily salted water. Boil potatoes until tender (10–12 min). Add corn, cook 5 more min. Add boiled eggs last 2 min to warm through.
Step 2 – Cook Sausage & Shrimp
Sauté sausage slices in a large skillet over medium heat until golden. Add shrimp, season with Cajun and Old Bay. Cook 3–4 min until pink and curled.
Step 3 – Make Spicy Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in garlic powder, lemon juice, hot sauce, and brown sugar. Simmer 2–3 min until fragrant.
Step 4 – Toss It All Together
In a large bowl or pan, combine cooked potatoes, corn, eggs, shrimp, and sausage. Pour over the spicy butter sauce and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
Step 5 – Garnish & Serve
Top with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Serve hot with crusty bread or white rice to soak up the sauce.
Notes & Personal Tips
- Spice control: Use less hot sauce for a milder version.
- Extra flavor: Add smoked paprika or chipotle to the sauce.
- Make it deluxe: Throw in crab legs or mussels for seafood feast.
- No corn? Use zucchini slices or green beans.
Messy hands, full hearts, and big bold flavors—this Southern seafood dish delivers on all fronts. Whether you’re craving comfort or showing off at a dinner party, this Spicy Southern Shellfish Bowl is unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this less spicy?
Yes! Use half the hot sauce or opt for a mild Cajun seasoning.
2. Can I swap the shrimp for something else?
Definitely. Try mussels, clams, scallops, or chunks of cod.
3. How long can I store leftovers?
Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container.
4. Can I freeze this recipe?
Mostly, yes—skip the eggs and remake the butter sauce fresh.
5. Best way to reheat?
Use a skillet on low heat with a splash of broth. Avoid overcooking shrimp.
Spicy Southern Shellfish Bowl
Ingredients
- 500 g 1 lb large shrimp (peeled, deveined – fresh or frozen)
- 200 g 7 oz smoked sausage (sliced – Andouille or Kielbasa)
- 2 fresh corn cobs halved
- 500 g 1 lb baby red potatoes
- 4 boiled eggs peeled
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 lemon juiced + wedges for garnish
- 6 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp hot sauce Louisiana-style recommended
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Optional: seafood boil sauce or melted seasoned butter
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1 – Boil Veggies & Eggs
- Fill a large pot with heavily salted water. Boil potatoes until tender (10–12 min). Add corn, cook 5 more min. Add boiled eggs last 2 min to warm through.
Step 2 – Cook Sausage & Shrimp
- Sauté sausage slices in a large skillet over medium heat until golden. Add shrimp, season with Cajun and Old Bay. Cook 3–4 min until pink and curled.
Step 3 – Make Spicy Butter Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in garlic powder, lemon juice, hot sauce, and brown sugar. Simmer 2–3 min until fragrant.
Step 4 – Toss It All Together
- In a large bowl or pan, combine cooked potatoes, corn, eggs, shrimp, and sausage. Pour over the spicy butter sauce and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
Step 5 – Garnish & Serve
- Top with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Serve hot with crusty bread or white rice to soak up the sauce.
Notes
Messy hands, full hearts, and big bold flavors—this Southern seafood dish delivers on all fronts. Whether you’re craving comfort or showing off at a dinner party, this Spicy Southern Shellfish Bowl is unforgettable.
