Who says you need a stove to enjoy a classic shrimp boil? We’re flipping the script on traditional seafood boils by nailing it in the microwave—no wrestling with giant pots required.
This recipe delivers bold, buttery flavor in 15 minutes flat, perfect for dorm rooms, tiny kitchens, or last-minute picnic cravings. Plus, you’ll love the zero post-cooking cleanup (we’re not kidding).
We’ll walk you through ingredients, microwave-safe gear, and step-by-step tricks for shrimp that taste like summer.
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Microwave Picnic Shrimp Boil Pack
Course: Main CourseCuisine: American4
10
minutes20
minutes350
kcal35
minutesIf you love shrimp boils but dread the lengthy preparation and cooking time, this microwave version is just for you. It combines fresh shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausages in a microwave-safe pack for a hassle-free meal that’s bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
of shrimp peeled and deveined
of corn cut into thirds
baby potatoes halved
smoked sausage sliced
Old Bay seasoning
butter
salt and pepper to taste
parsley . for garnish
Directions
- In a large microwave-safe dish, combine the halved baby potatoes and sliced sausage.
- Add a tablespoon of butter and sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Toss everything together to coat evenly.
- Cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
- Microwave on high for 8 minutes.
- After 8 minutes, carefully remove the dish, add the corn pieces and shrimp, and drizzle with the remaining butter.
- Squeeze half a lemon over the mixture and toss to mix.
- Cover the dish again and microwave for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Carefully remove the dish from the microwave and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking any remaining ingredients.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon slices on the side..
Notes
- For the most flavorful shrimp boil, feel free to adjust the Old Bay seasoning according to your taste. You can also substitute the sausage with your favorite type or add other vegetables like bell peppers or onions for more variety. This meal is best enjoyed fresh but can also be packed up for a picnic in the park!
What is a Microwave Picnic Shrimp Boil Pack?
Imagine a traditional shrimp boil—plump shrimp, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and smoky sausage—all steamed in a zesty broth. Now shrink that feast into a single-serving pack cooked entirely in your microwave. That’s the picnic pack magic! We layer everything in a microwave-safe bowl or large glass container, season it boldly, and nuke it into buttery perfection.
My uncle Peter once tried to make a “portable” shrimp boil for a family beach trip by stuffing raw ingredients into a thermos. Let’s just say… it didn’t end well. Our microwave version fixes his thermos tragedy with zero soggy potatoes or lukewarm shrimp. You get hot, evenly cooked ingredients in minutes, no propane burner required.
What Does a Microwave Shrimp Boil Taste Like?
Close your eyes and taste summer: juicy shrimp with a subtle snap, corn kernels bursting with sweetness, and potatoes infused with garlic and Old Bay. The microwave locks in those flavors faster than boiling water, so the spices cling to every bite. And yes, that buttery, slightly spicy broth at the bottom? Pure dippable gold. For a taste of tropical delight, consider pairing this meal with beachy coconut shrimp. The sweet coconut and crispy texture make for a perfect contrast to the savory flavors you’ve just enjoyed.
Some swear microwaved shrimp tastes milder than stovetop versions, but we fix that with a post-cook butter toss. Uncle Peter’s wife (a Louisiana native) approved our hack after one bite—high praise from someone who’s perfected crawfish boils for 30 years. For those looking to quickly enjoy seafood, heating up shrimp in the microwave can be a convenient option. Just be sure to follow proper techniques to retain its flavor and texture.
Once you’re hooked on the flavor, let’s talk about building your boil. Trust us—the ingredient list is as flexible as your picnic plans. When preparing your meal, it’s essential to know the quickest and safest ways to heat water. Boiling water in the microwave is an efficient method that can help kickstart your cooking process.
Ingredients for Microwave Shrimp Boil Picnic Pack
Gather your flavor squad! Our test kitchen found 12-15 medium shrimp (peeled) ideal for even cooking, but keep tails on if you’re fancy. You’ll need 1 small red potato (diced thin) and 1 pre-cooked sausage link—andouille kicks up smokiness, but kielbasa works. For a quicker option, consider a simple recipe like quick garlic butter shrimp in the microwave. It’s a fast and delicious way to enjoy shrimp with minimal cleanup.
Essential Ingredients &Amp; Substitutes
- Corn: 1 ear (cut into 2-inch wheels) or ½ cup frozen kernels
- Old Bay: 1 tsp minimum. For heat lovers, add ¼ tsp cayenne.
- Butter: 2 tbsp unsalted. Vegan? Swap equal parts olive oil.
- Garlic & lemon: 1 minced clove + 1 wedge. Bottled garlic works in a pinch.
Forgot Old Bay? Mix ½ tsp paprika + ¼ tsp each garlic powder and celery salt. We’ve all been there during midnight cravings.
Also See: Microwave-ready Ballpark Pretzel Bites in Minutes!
Microwave-safe Equipment Needed
Your weapon: a 2-quart glass bowl (like Pyrex) or 8-cup silicone steamer. Plastic containers can warp or leak chemicals—stick with borosilicate glass. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe plate or paper towel to trap steam. Make sure any Pyrex glass is safe for microwave use (even when used for our microwave picnic shrimp boil pack).
I learned the hard way that “microwave-safe” labels matter. My roomie’s vintage Tupperware? Let’s just say our shrimp boil became a melted plastic souvenir. Microwaving compostable containers can lead to similar disasters, as they may not withstand high temperatures. This can cause harmful chemicals to leach into food or even start a fire in the microwave.
Also See: Copycat Starbucks Iced Tea (Microwave-steeped)
How to Make Shrimp Boil in the Microwave
This isn’t your grandma’s 3-hour shrimp boil. We’re zapping flavors together in 8 minutes flat. Pro tip: arrange ingredients by cook time—taters first, shrimp last. For a delicious twist, try garlic butter shrimp in the microwave for a quick and flavorful meal. It’s an effortless way to enjoy shrimp with rich garlic butter in just a few minutes.
Step 1: Layer Potatoes &Amp; Seasoning
Spread potatoes in your bowl. Sprinkle ½ tsp Old Bay and garlic. Add 2 tbsp water. Cover and microwave 3 minutes on high (1100W). They should pierce easily with a fork—if not, add 30 seconds. Microwaving potatoes is a quick and efficient method, especially when you’re short on time. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy perfectly cooked potatoes in no time.
Step 2: Microwave Corn &Amp; Sausage
Nestle corn and sausage around potatoes. Hit it with another ½ tsp seasoning. Cover and microwave 2 minutes. Rotate corn if your microwave has hot spots (most do!), especially when using lazy pre-cooked sausage and canned corn for a quick picnic shrimp boil pack.
Step 3: Cook Shrimp Perfectly
Push everything to one side. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cover and microwave 1½–2 minutes until opaque. Overcooking = rubber city. Check at 90 seconds! For those looking to enjoy their shrimp leftovers, reheating them in the microwave is a quick and convenient option.
Step 4: Combine &Amp; Toss With Butter
Dump everything into a big mixing bowl. Melt butter in the hot cookware (10 seconds). Pour over, squeeze lemon, toss gently. Serve with crusty bread for broth-dipping emergencies. A delightful way to elevate this dish is by adding quick microwave garlic butter broccoli, which provides a healthy and flavorful side that complements the rich broth perfectly.
Got your flavor fix? Let’s tackle those sneaky microwave mistakes that can turn shrimp into sad, chewy pucks.
Tips to Avoid Common Microwave Mistakes
We’ve all faced microwave mayhem—exploding eggs, rock-hard leftovers. But shrimp boils demand finesse. Overcrowding is enemy #1. Your glass bowl needs space for steam to circulate. Layer ingredients like Tetris blocks, not a packed subway car.
Shrimp turn from juicy to Jurassic faster than you can say “Old Bay.” Cook them last and check every 15 seconds after 1 minute. If edges curl tightly, stop immediately. They’ll keep cooking off the heat (trust us, we’ve salvaged many batches this way).
Power Play: Know Your Wattage
| Microwave Wattage | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| 700-900W | Add 30-45 sec per step |
| 1000W+ | Reduce time by 15-30 sec |
My college microwave was weaker than a sleepy sloth. I learned to add 1 extra minute for potatoes—still better than Uncle Peter’s thermos experiment. When it comes to quick meals, nothing beats the convenience of a lazy microwave instant mashed potato bowl. These bowls allow for a simple and satisfying meal without the hassle of traditional cooking methods.
Steam Burns & Seasoning Blunders
Always lift covers away from your face—steam loves to ambush noses. And that seasoning? Mix it into liquids, not sprinkled on dry shrimp. We once created a cayenne dust cloud that haunted our kitchen for days.
- Stir halfway: Redistributes heat and spices
- Use fresh garlic: Powder clumps in humidity
- Pat shrimp dry: Soggy = steamed, not seared
Mastered the microwave? Let’s tackle keeping your leftovers tasting like day one (no fishy fridge smells, promise).
Now It’s Your Turn to Microwave Magic!
With just a microwave and a few fresh ingredients, you’ve got everything needed for a quick, flavorful shrimp boil picnic pack. Whether you’re craving spicy Cajun or zesty lemon-herb, this method delivers juicy shrimp, tender potatoes, and smoky sausage in minutes.
Give it a try and let us know how your microwave shrimp boil turned out—no backyard boilers or messy cleanup required!
