Seafood Boil Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A Seafood Boil is a festive, flavor-packed meal perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or any time you want to impress with minimal fuss. Loaded with shrimp, crab, sausage, corn, and potatoes all tossed in a buttery Cajun-spiced sauce, it’s a hands-on feast that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

shrimp (shell-on)crab legsandouille sausage (sliced)cob corn (halved)baby potatoesoniongarlicOld Bay seasoningCajun seasoninglemonbutterwater or seafood stockbay leavessalt

directions

Fill a large stockpot with water (or seafood stock), then add halved lemon, onion wedges, smashed garlic, bay leaves, salt, Old Bay, and Cajun seasoning.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to build flavor.

Add baby potatoes and cook for 10 minutes.

Add corn and sausage, simmer for another 5–7 minutes.

Add crab legs and cook for 5 minutes more.

Finally, add shrimp and cook until just pink and curled, about 2–3 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt butter in a separate pan and stir in extra garlic and Cajun seasoning to make a butter sauce.

Drain the boil and transfer everything to a large tray or newspaper-covered table.

Drizzle generously with the garlic butter sauce.

Serve hot with lemon wedges and extra seasoning if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 30–35 minutesTotal time: 45–50 minutes

Variations

Add mussels, clams, or lobster tails for a deluxe version.

Swap sausage for kielbasa or chorizo for different flavors.

Add whole peeled garlic cloves to the boil for extra richness.

Use beer instead of stock for deeper flavor.

Make it spicy by increasing the Cajun seasoning or adding hot sauce.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.Reheat in a covered pan with a splash of water or butter over low heat until warmed through.Seafood is best enjoyed fresh, so avoid freezing once cooked.

FAQs

Can I make this without crab?

Yes, use just shrimp, or substitute with other shellfish like mussels or scallops.

What’s the best pot to use?

A large stockpot or seafood boiler is ideal to hold all the ingredients comfortably.

Do I need to peel the shrimp?

No, shell-on shrimp add flavor and are traditional, but you can use peeled shrimp if preferred.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can prep and chop ingredients ahead, but cook everything just before serving.

How spicy is it?

The heat level depends on your Cajun seasoning—adjust to taste.

Should I rinse the seafood first?

Yes, rinse shrimp and crab legs under cold water before boiling.

Conclusion

This Seafood Boil Recipe brings bold flavor, vibrant ingredients, and good times to any table. Easy to customize and always impressive, it’s a one-pot wonder that makes sharing a meal truly special. Gather your friends, roll up your sleeves, and dig into this delicious, hands-on feast.

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