Save Celebrate the flavors of the South with a festive seafood boil that brings everyone together. This vibrant dish features juicy snow crab legs, plump shrimp, and spicy sausage mingled with tender baby potatoes and sweet corn, all infused with bold Cajun spices. Perfectly suited for sharing around the table, this seafood boil is a centerpiece of communal joy and savory satisfaction.
Save This seafood boil brings the soul of Southern cooking right to your table with layers of aroma, spice, and texture. The vibrant mix of ingredients is a feast not just for the taste buds but also for the eyes, making every meal a celebration.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900 g) snow crab legs, cleaned
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) large shrimp, shell-on, deveined
- 1 lb (450 g) andouille sausage or smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) baby potatoes, halved
- 4 ears corn, cut into thirds
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1/4 cup (35 g) Old Bay or Cajun seasoning
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 8 cups (2 L) water
- 1 bottle (12 oz/355 ml) light beer (optional)
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- 1.
- Fill a large stockpot with 8 cups water and beer (if using). Add Old Bay/Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne, garlic, onion, and lemon slices. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- 2.
- Add potatoes; boil for 10 minutes.
- 3.
- Add corn and sausage; boil for 7 minutes.
- 4.
- Add crab legs; boil for 5 minutes.
- 5.
- Add shrimp; boil just until pink and cooked through, about 2–3 minutes.
- 6.
- Drain the seafood and vegetables, discarding the cooking liquid and aromatics.
- 7.
- Transfer everything to a large platter or cover a table with parchment and pile the boil on top.
- 8.
- Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with extra lemon wedges.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra flavor, toss the finished seafood with additional Cajun seasoning and melted butter. Adjust the seasoning and spice level by varying the amount of cayenne pepper used. Make sure to clean and devein shrimp ahead of time for the best taste and texture. Use a large enough stockpot to accommodate all ingredients comfortably for even cooking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute andouille sausage with kielbasa or other smoked sausages if preferred. The cayenne pepper can be omitted or increased based on your heat tolerance. For a gluten-free version, check that your sausage and beer are gluten-free or omit the beer altogether. Consider adding other shellfish if desired, but keep in mind cooking times may vary.
Serviervorschläge
Serve the seafood boil on a large platter or spread out on parchment paper for an authentic communal experience. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Accompany the dish with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. Pair with a crisp lager or chilled white wine to complete the meal.
Save With its hearty ingredients and bold flavors, this seafood boil is more than a meal—it's an experience that invites laughter, sharing, and slowing down to savor each bite. Whether for a weekend get-together or a special occasion, it's sure to delight and impress every seafood lover at your table.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of sausage works best in this boil?
Andouille or smoked sausage adds a spicy, smoky depth, but kielbasa or similar smoked sausages can be great alternatives.
- → How do the spices contribute to the dish?
Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper blend to create a robust, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor profile that enhances the seafood and vegetables.
- → Can I prepare this without beer?
Yes, you can omit the beer and simply boil in water with seasonings; the dish will remain flavorful.
- → What is the best way to serve this seafood boil?
Drain and pile the cooked seafood and vegetables on a large platter or parchment-covered table, then drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle fresh parsley.
- → How do I adjust the spice level?
Modify the cayenne pepper amount according to your heat preference, increasing for more spice or reducing for milder flavor.