Save 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 a seafood boil, the kitchen was filled with laughter and everyone eagerly gathered around the table for this hands-on feast. It's always a hit, sparking conversation as everyone digs in for crab, shrimp, and buttery potatoes.
Ingredients
- Snow Crab Legs: 2 lbs (900 g), cleaned
- Large Shrimp: 1.5 lbs (680 g), shell-on, deveined
- Andouille/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 (optional): 1 tsp
- Water: 8 cups (2 L)
- Light Beer (optional): 1 bottle (12 oz/355 ml)
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (115 g), melted
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Lemon Wedges: For serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Boil:
- Fill a large stockpot with 8 cups water and beer. 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.
- Add Potatoes:
- Add the potatoes and boil for 10 minutes.
- Add Corn & Sausage:
- Stir in corn and sliced sausage. Boil for 7 minutes.
- Add Crab Legs:
- Add crab legs and boil for 5 minutes.
- Add Shrimp:
- Finally, add shrimp and boil just until pink and cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Drain & Serve:
- Drain seafood and vegetables, discarding cooking liquid and aromatics. Arrange everything on a large platter or on parchment paper. Drizzle with melted butter, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Save Our family loves gathering for seafood boil nights, piling everything onto parchment in the center of the table and sharing stories between savory bites of crab and buttery potatoes.
Required Tools
Large stockpot (8 quart or larger), colander, tongs, and a large platter or parchment paper for serving always make this meal easier to enjoy with friends.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains shellfish (crab, shrimp) and dairy (butter), plus sausage and beer may include gluten or other allergens, so check labels carefully—especially for any guests with sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 620, Total Fat 27 g, Carbohydrates 48 g, Protein 46 g. Satisfying, protein-rich and full of flavor!
Save Share this festive seafood boil straight from the table for a memorable meal—just add friends and plenty of napkins!
Recipe Questions
- → What seafood is ideal for this boil?
Snow crab legs and large shrimp are excellent choices, offering sweet and tender flavors that complement the spicy sausage.
- → How do the spices enhance the dish?
Cajun seasoning combined with smoked paprika, cayenne, and garlic infuse a smoky, mildly spicy, and aromatic profile that balances the richness of the seafood and sausage.
- → Can the sausage be substituted?
Yes, andouille sausage can be replaced with kielbasa or other smoked sausages to vary the smoky and savory taste.
- → What sides pair well with this boil?
Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices, and crisp lagers or chilled white wines complement the spices nicely.
- → How is the boil served for best presentation?
Draining the boiled ingredients and spreading them over a large platter or parchment paper creates a rustic, communal presentation enhanced with melted butter, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges.