Seafood Boil Recipe

Short Description

A seafood boil is a bold, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish featuring fresh seafood, corn, potatoes, and sausage boiled in a spiced broth and tossed in a buttery garlic sauce. This Southern-inspired feast is perfect for gatherings, offering a fun and interactive dining experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Loaded with flavor – A rich blend of Cajun spices, garlic butter, and fresh seafood.
  • Perfect for gatherings – A fun, communal meal for family and friends.
  • Customizable – Use your favorite seafood and spice level.
  • One-pot meal – Easy cleanup with minimal effort.
  • Great for special occasions – Ideal for summer cookouts, holidays, or celebrations.

Ingredients

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

For the Boil:

  • 2 lbs shrimp (shell-on for more flavor)
  • 2 lbs crab legs (snow or king crab)
  • 1 lb lobster tails (optional)
  • 1 lb mussels or clams (cleaned)
  • 1 lb smoked sausage (sliced, andouille or kielbasa)
  • 4 ears corn (cut into halves)
  • 1.5 lbs baby potatoes (red or Yukon Gold)
  • 1 lemon (sliced)
  • 4 cloves garlic (smashed)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 8 cups water
  • 1/2 cup beer or chicken broth (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 1 cup butter (melted)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Boil the broth – In a large pot, bring water, Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, salt, lemon slices, garlic, bay leaves, and beer (if using) to a boil.
  2. Cook the potatoes and corn – Add potatoes and cook for 10 minutes. Then, add corn and sausage and cook for another 5 minutes.
  3. Add the seafood – Add crab legs, lobster tails, and mussels/clams. Cook for 5 minutes. Then, add shrimp and cook for 2-3 more minutes, until everything is fully cooked.
  4. Make the garlic butter sauce – In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Drain and toss – Drain the seafood and vegetables, then toss everything in the garlic butter sauce.
  6. Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot with extra lemon wedges and dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 25 minutes
  • Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

  • Extra spicy – Add more Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper.
  • Low-carb version – Skip the potatoes and corn, adding more seafood and sausage.
  • Different seafood – Swap shrimp for crawfish or add scallops.
  • Creamy garlic butter – Mix heavy cream into the butter sauce for a richer flavor.
  • Grilled seafood boil – Grill the seafood separately and toss with the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Not recommended for potatoes and corn, but seafood can be frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet with extra butter or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Cook potatoes, corn, and sausage on high pressure for 5 minutes, then add seafood and pressure cook for 2-3 minutes.

What’s the best seafood to use?

Shrimp, crab, lobster, mussels, and clams are common, but you can mix and match.

Can I make it less spicy?

Yes! Reduce the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.

How do I prevent overcooked seafood?

Add seafood at the end and cook just until done—shrimp takes 2-3 minutes!

Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes! Just thaw it beforehand for even cooking.

What should I serve with a seafood boil?

Crusty bread, coleslaw, or a fresh salad pair well.

Can I use store-bought garlic butter?

Yes, but homemade garlic butter sauce adds more flavor.

How do I make this without Old Bay seasoning?

Use a mix of paprika, garlic powder, salt, celery salt, and black pepper.

What’s the best pot size?

Use a large stockpot (at least 8 quarts) to fit all ingredients.

Can I add pasta?

Yes! Serve over buttered pasta for a seafood pasta boil twist.

Conclusion

A seafood boil is a fun, flavorful, and impressive dish perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a summer feast or craving a hearty seafood meal, this easy one-pot recipe delivers bold flavors and juicy seafood in every bite. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Southern-style seafood at home!

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Seafood Boil Recipe

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This Seafood Boil is a classic, flavorful dish loaded with shrimp, crab, lobster, and more, all cooked in a rich, spicy, and buttery broth. Packed with bold Cajun seasoning, corn, potatoes, and sausage, this one-pot feast is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or a fun weekend meal!

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Cajun, Southern

Ingredients

Scale

For the Seafood Boil:

  • 4 quarts (16 cups) water
  • 3 tbsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
  • 2 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 lb baby potatoes (red or gold)
  • 4 ears corn, cut into halves
  • 1 lb smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced
  • 1 lb crab legs (snow crab or king crab)
  • 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tail-on)
  • 1 lb mussels or clams, cleaned
  • 2 lobster tails, split in half (optional)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Boil Base

  1. Fill a large stockpot with 4 quarts of water.
  2. Add Old Bay, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, lemon halves, and garlic cloves.
  3. Bring to a boil over high heat.

Step 2: Cook the Ingredients

  1. Add baby potatoes and cook for 10 minutes.
  2. Add corn and sausage, cooking for another 5 minutes.
  3. Add crab legs, shrimp, mussels, and lobster tails. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the shellfish have opened.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
  2. Stir in garlic, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and parsley. Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Drain & Serve

  1. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the seafood, sausage, corn, and potatoes to a large serving tray.
  2. Drizzle with garlic butter sauce and toss gently.
  3. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, and melted butter.


Notes

  • Spicy Option: Add 1 tbsp cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the boil.
  • No Seafood Steamer? Cook everything in a large Dutch oven or slow cooker.
  • Extra Flavor: Toss the seafood in more garlic butter sauce before serving.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.


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