Seafood Boil Recipe

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

this recipe

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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