All the flavors of a backyard boil with zero hassle. This Cajun Shrimp Boil Freezer Meal is the ultimate make-ahead Cajun meal. Loaded with hearty ingredients and bold flavors, it’s for sure to be a fun, favorite change from the usual dinner rotation.
All the flavors of a backyard boil with zero hassle. This Cajun Shrimp Boil Freezer Meal is the ultimate make-ahead Cajun meal. Loaded with hearty ingredients and bold flavors, it’s for sure to be a fun, favorite change from the usual dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love this Cajun Shrimp Boil Freezer Meal Recipe
All the shrimp boil flavor, with no clean up. Cajun made easy!
The easiest way to impress with just 10 minutes of effort.
The shrimp stays tender, because it’s tossed in toward the end.
Fine dining on a budget, but it feels and tastes fancy.
All the flavors of a backyard boil with zero hassle. This Cajun Shrimp Boil Freezer Meal is the ultimate make-ahead Cajun meal. Loaded with hearty ingredients and bold flavors, it’s for sure to be a fun, favorite change from the usual dinner rotation.
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What to Serve with Cajun Shrimp Boil
Cornbread – A classic Cajun side, perfect for soaking up juices
Mac and Cheese – Something creamy and rich alongside the flavorful affair
Green Beans – Steam a bag of frozen green beans and toss with salt and lemon juice. Simple, yet so yummy.
Sliced watermelon – A slightly sweet complement to all the Cajun flavor.
Pineapple salsa – A tangy, fresh side that pairs perfectly with shrimp.
Freezer Notes for Cajun Shrimp Boil
Recipe will last for 3-6 months in the freezer (be sure to remove as much air as possible from the freezer bag before freezing).
You do not have to thaw for 12-24 hours before cooking. Recipe can go directly from the freezer into the oven/Instant Pot/slow cooker. However, if you’re using an Instant Pot, it could trigger a burn notice if not thawed beforehand. Though not necessary, to be safe it is best to thaw for 12-24 hours in the fridge before cooking if you’re using an Instant Pot.
Recipe can be frozen after cooking, however this does change the texture and flavor. I recommend freezing raw, not cooked.
When reheating, warm in a pot over medium heat with the leftover broth (or a splash of water or vegetable broth) or reheat in the microwave in 30–45 second intervals, stirring between each.
Want to Make it Fresh in the Slow Cooker Today?
Step 1: Dump all ingredients, except the shrimp, into the slow cooker.
Step 2: Cook on low for 4-5 hours. Add shrimp during the last 15-30 minutes.
Step 3: Remove everything from slow cooker using a slotted spoon and serve.
Optional: Add more Old Bay seasoning to individual plates as desired.
Real Mom Tips
Frozen corn on the cob is your BFF here. It’s cut and ready to go – no shucking or trimming!
Grab peeled and deveined shrimp to save time and make clean-up easier.
Make it fun – use butcher paper or a disposable tablecloth and serve it right in the center of the table. Less dishes, more fun!
Freeze leftover broth in ice cube trays for an easy and convenient flavor booster in rice, soup, etc.
Can I freeze the shrimp with the other ingredients?
While that might seem more convenient, it’s best to keep the shrimp in its own bag (whether it’s the bag you purchased it in or a Ziploc freezer bag). Shrimp cooks much faster than the other ingredients, which is why it’s added at the end of the cooking time.
Is it okay to use raw sausage instead of smoked?
The recipe uses smoked sausage because it brings so much flavor! Plus, it’s already cooked so it eliminates a step. If you only have raw sausage (or don’t want the flavor of smoked sausage), you can certainly use it, just pre-cook it before freezing or cooking in the slow cooker.
What size shrimp is best for this recipe?
The ideal shrimp for this recipe is going to be medium to large peeled and deveined shrimp. Peeling and deveining takes quite a bit of time, so you’ll save yourself time (and clean-up) by buying them peeled and deveined. Buying tail-on shrimp is not necessary either; it’s great for presentation but not needed for any other reason.
I have precooked shrimp on hand; can I use that?
I wouldn’t recommend using precooked shrimp, simply because raw shrimp is infused with all those yummy Cajun flavors while it’s cooking. That said, you certainly can use precooked shrimp. Just add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking so they heat through – overcooking gives them a yucky, rubbery texture.
What if we aren’t shrimp fans?
If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can double the sausage without adjusting the recipe. If you want to have two different proteins, you could use chicken thighs, but you’d need to adjust the cook time and likely add more seasoning. If you use chicken, it can go into the slow cooker with all other ingredients and should cook on low for 5-6 hours. For the Instant Pot, set to High Pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural release and then a quick release. Either way, make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperate of 165°F before serving.
Can I (or should I) peel the potatoes? We aren’t huge fans of potato skins.
I don’t recommend peeling potatoes before cooking. The skins help the potatoes hold their shape during the cooking process. In a sense, they act as a barrier that prevents potato mush. We use baby potatoes in this recipe because the skins are thin and tender but add a slight texture to the dish. If you want them peeled, I recommend just removing the skin as you’re eating – after cooking, it will slip off easily.
My family isn’t a big fan of spice. How can I lower the heat in this recipe?
To decrease spice, you can use a little less Old Bay seasoning or choose a mild sausage. Another option is to squeeze lemon juice over everything after cooking. It’ll brighten the flavors while cutting the spice. Alternatively, you could serve it with a dip of sorts, like lemon herb aioli or avocado crema.
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
