Pin it A festive, flavor-packed Southern-style seafood boil with juicy crab legs, plump shrimp, spicy sausage, potatoes, and corn, all tossed in aromatic Cajun spices. Perfect for sharing!
The first time I made this seafood boil, my kitchen was instantly filled with the scent of garlic, butter, and spices. Everybody gathered around the table, eager to dig in with their hands—a true Southern feast experience.
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: 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: 1 tsp (optional)
- Water: 8 cups (2 L)
- Light beer: 1 bottle (12 oz/355 ml, optional)
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (115 g), melted
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Lemon wedges: for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking liquid:
- Fill a large stockpot with 8 cups water and beer. Add Old Bay or Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne (optional), garlic, onion, and lemon slices. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Cook potatoes:
- Add potatoes and boil for 10 minutes.
- Add corn and sausage:
- Add corn and sausage, boil for 7 minutes.
- Add crab legs:
- Add crab legs and boil for 5 minutes.
- Cook shrimp:
- Add shrimp and boil just until pink and cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Drain and discard aromatics:
- Drain seafood and vegetables, discarding cooking liquid and aromatics.
- Serve:
- Transfer all ingredients to a large platter or cover a table with parchment and pile the boil on top. Drizzle with melted butter, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Pin it This recipe brings back memories of family summer get-togethers at the lake, laughing as we cracked crab legs and passed around sticky corn cobs.
Required Tools
Large stockpot, colander, tongs, and a big serving platter or parchment paper are all you need for an authentic seafood boil experience.
Allergen Information
This dish contains shellfish, sausage, beer, and butter. Always check sausage labels for traces of wheat or soy if you have dietary restrictions.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 620 calories, 27 g fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 46 g protein, making this both hearty and satisfying for your next feast.
Pin it Your table will be the center of laughter and good eating—don't forget plenty of napkins. Leftovers make excellent seafood salad the next day!
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of sausage works best in this boil?
Andouille or smoked sausage are ideal for adding smoky, spicy flavor, but kielbasa can be used as a substitute.
- → How do I adjust the heat level in the dish?
Modify the cayenne pepper amount to control spiciness. Adding less for milder taste or more for extra kick is recommended.
- → Can I prepare this dish without beer?
Yes, water alone works well for boiling. Beer adds subtle depth but is optional.
- → What sides best complement this seafood boil?
Crusty bread is great to soak up flavorful juices alongside this dish. A crisp lager or chilled white wine pairs nicely too.
- → How do I serve the boil for a group?
Drain all cooked ingredients and pile them directly on a large platter or parchment-lined table for communal enjoying.