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!
I first prepared this seafood boil for a summer family celebration, and the lively table piled high with crab, shrimp, and corn instantly became the centerpiece of our 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: 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 (for serving)
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (for serving)
- Lemon wedges: For serving
Instructions
- Prepare the boiling liquid:
- Fill a large stockpot with 8 cups water and beer (if using). Add Old Bay or Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne, garlic, onion, and lemon slices. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Cook potatoes:
- Add potatoes. Boil for 10 minutes.
- Add corn and sausage:
- Add corn and sausage pieces. Boil for 7 minutes.
- Cook crab legs:
- Add crab legs. Boil for 5 minutes.
- Add shrimp:
- Add shrimp and cook just until pink and cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Drain and arrange:
- Drain the seafood and vegetables, discarding cooking liquid and aromatics.
- Serve:
- Transfer everything to a large platter or pile on parchment. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.
Pin it Making this for my family always brings back warm memories of laughter and getting a little messy with hands-on eating, as everyone reaches for their favorite piece from the colorful spread.
Required Tools
Large stockpot (8-quart or larger), colander, tongs, and a big serving platter or parchment paper for classic presentation.
Allergen Information
Contains shellfish (crab, shrimp), dairy (butter), and sausage or beer may contain gluten or soy. Always check ingredient labels for sensitive diets.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 620 calories, 27 g fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 46 g protein.
Pin it This seafood boil makes every occasion memorable and is sure to spark smiles and satisfied appetites.