Save A festive flavor-packed Southern-style seafood boil featuring juicy crab legs, plump shrimp, spicy sausage, potatoes, and corn all tossed in aromatic Cajun spices. This dish is perfect for sharing and brings vibrant flavors to the table for any occasion.
The first time I made this seafood boil, my friends gathered around as I poured everything onto a parchment-lined table. The lively conversation and flavors made for an unforgettable evening.
Ingredients
- Snow crab legs: 2 lbs (900 g), cleaned
- Large shrimp: 1.5 lbs (680 g), shell-on, deveined
- Andouille or smoked sausage: 1 lb (450 g), sliced into 1 inch pieces
- Baby potatoes: 1.5 lbs (680 g), halved
- Corn on the cob: 4 ears, cut into thirds
- Onion: 1 large, quartered
- Lemon: 1, sliced
- Garlic: 4 cloves, smashed
- Old Bay or Cajun seasoning: 1/4 cup (35 g)
- Smoked paprika: 2 tsp
- Salt: 2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1 tsp
- Cayenne pepper (optional): 1 tsp
- Water: 8 cups (2 L)
- Light beer (optional): 1 bottle (12 oz/355 ml)
- Unsalted butter (for serving): 1/2 cup (115 g), melted
- Fresh parsley (for serving): 2 tbsp, chopped
- Lemon wedges (for serving): as needed
Instructions
- Prepare boil liquid:
- Fill a large stockpot with water and beer. Add seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic, onion, and lemon slices. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add potatoes:
- Boil for 10 minutes.
- Add corn and sausage:
- Boil for 7 minutes.
- Add crab legs:
- Boil for 5 minutes.
- Add shrimp:
- Boil just until pink and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Drain:
- Drain seafood and vegetables, discarding cooking liquid and aromatics.
- Serve:
- Transfer everything to a platter or pile on parchment-lined table. Drizzle with melted butter, sprinkle parsley, and serve with extra lemon wedges.
Save Gathering my family for this seafood boil always turns dinner into a celebration. Everyone loves digging in together and savoring the fun flavors.
Required Tools
Large stockpot (8 quart or larger) colander tongs and a big serving platter or parchment paper for the table.
Allergen Information
Contains shellfish, dairy, and possibly gluten. Always check sausage and beer labels for other ingredients if you have allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 620 calories, 27 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 46 g protein.
Save This seafood boil brings people together for a fun hands-on dining experience. Just add good company and your favorite cold drink.
Recipe FAQ
- → What seafood is used in this boil?
Snow crab legs and large shell-on shrimp are featured, both lending juicy, sweet flavors to the boil.
- → Can I substitute the sausage variety?
Yes, andouille is traditional, but smoked sausage or kielbasa work well. Adjust for your spice preference.
- → How is the Cajun seasoning incorporated?
The seasoning is added to the boiling liquid, infusing all ingredients with classic Cajun flavors.
- → Are there gluten or dairy concerns?
This dish contains butter and may have gluten from sausage or beer. Always check ingredient labels.
- → Is the spice level adjustable?
Cayenne pepper can be increased or omitted, allowing you to control the heat according to taste.
- → What are the essential tools needed?
A large stockpot, colander, tongs, and a serving platter or parchment paper are required for preparation.
- → Can leftovers be refrigerated?
Yes, refrigerate cooked seafood and vegetables within two hours and enjoy within two days for best quality.