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!
I first enjoyed a big seafood boil with friends on a summer evening & we couldn't stop coming back for more buttery shrimp and tender crab legs. It was so much fun spreading everything over a big table and gathering everyone together.
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 on the cob: 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, for heat)
- Water: 8 cups (2 L)
- Light beer: 1 bottle (12 oz/355 ml) optional
- Unsalted butter, melted: 1/2 cup (115 g)
- Fresh parsley, chopped: 2 tbsp
- Lemon wedges: For serving
Instructions
- Prepare the boiling liquid:
- Fill a large stockpot with water and beer (if using). Add seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic, onion, and lemon slices. Bring to a rolling boil.
- Cook potatoes:
- Add potatoes to boiling liquid; cook for 10 minutes.
- Add corn and sausage:
- Add corn and sausage; boil 7 minutes.
- Add crab legs:
- Add crab legs; boil 5 minutes.
- Add shrimp:
- Add shrimp; boil 2 to 3 minutes, until pink and cooked through.
- Drain:
- Drain mixture, discarding liquid and aromatics.
- Serve:
- Arrange seafood and veggies on a platter or table covered with parchment. Drizzle with melted butter and parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.
Save We always have a seafood boil for my dad's birthday & it brings everyone together for a delicious hands-on meal. The kids love picking their own corn and dipping shrimp in butter!
Required Tools
You'll need a large stockpot (8 quart or larger), colander, tongs, and a big platter or parchment paper to serve everything family-style.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains shellfish (crab, shrimp) and dairy (butter), and possibly gluten depending on your sausage or beer choice.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has approximately 620 calories, 27 g fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 46 g protein.
Save This seafood boil is guaranteed to make any gathering memorable. Don't forget plenty of napkins for buttery fingers!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the seafood stays tender?
Boil crab legs and shrimp only until just cooked—about 5 minutes for crab and 2–3 minutes for shrimp—to prevent overcooking and maintain tenderness.
- → Can I substitute the andouille sausage?
Yes, kielbasa or other smoked sausages work well as alternatives, adding a smoky and savory flavor to the boil.
- → What spices create the Cajun flavor?
A blend of Old Bay or Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt offers the signature spicy and aromatic profile.
- → How is the boil best served?
Drain and pile all ingredients on a large platter or a covered table with parchment paper. Drizzle melted butter and sprinkle fresh parsley for added richness and freshness.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Crusty bread to soak up flavorful juices and a crisp lager or chilled white wine complement the hearty seafood boil nicely.