Save A festive, flavor-packed Southern-style seafood boil featuring succulent crab legs, plump shrimp, spicy sausage, tender potatoes, and sweet corn all simmered together with aromatic Cajun spices. This beloved dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for gatherings and celebrations, especially when you want a fun, hands-on meal that everyone can dig into together.
I still remember the first time I hosted a seafood boil with friends scattered around our kitchen table, sleeves rolled up and laughter mingling with the aroma of Cajun spices. It was pure joy watching everyone dive in, creating memories over heaps of crab legs and buttery shrimp. That night made me realize—this recipe isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience.
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: 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: 1/2 cup (115 g), melted
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Lemon wedges: for serving
Instructions
- Build the boil base:
- Fill a large stockpot with water and beer (if using). Add Old Bay or Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne, smashed garlic, onion quarters, and lemon slices. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add potatoes:
- Add the halved potatoes. Boil for 10 minutes to start softening them.
- Add corn & sausage:
- Stir in the corn thirds and sausage slices. Boil for 7 more minutes.
- Add crab legs:
- Add the cleaned snow crab legs and continue boiling for 5 minutes.
- Add shrimp:
- Add the shrimp and boil just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Drain:
- Drain the seafood and vegetables in a colander, discarding the cooking liquid, onion, garlic, and lemon slices.
- Serve:
- Transfer everything to a large platter or cover a table with parchment and pile the boil on top.
- Finish & garnish:
- Drizzle with melted butter, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Save We make this seafood boil a few times every summer and my kids still get excited to eat with their hands, peeling shrimp and searching for the biggest crab leg. It's always a messy, happy meal that ends in laughter and lots of buttery fingers!
Tips for the Perfect Seafood Boil
Use the freshest seafood you can find and adjust the boiling times to avoid overcooking. Layering the ingredients by their cooking time keeps everything perfectly tender and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside crusty bread for mopping up the juices or with simple side salads. A crisp lager or chilled white wine makes the perfect pairing.
Storage & Leftovers
Leftover seafood boil can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Gently reheat in a low oven or steam to avoid drying out the seafood.
Save This seafood boil is a showstopper that delivers flavor and fun in equal measure. Bring everyone together and let the celebration begin!
Kitchen Guide
- → What type of sausage works best in this boil?
Andouille or smoked sausage adds a spicy, smoky flavor complementing the seafood and vegetables perfectly.
- → Can I adjust the spice level of the boil?
Yes, modifying the amount of cayenne pepper allows you to control the heat according to preference.
- → How do I know when shrimp is cooked properly?
Shrimp turn pink and opaque when cooked, usually after 2-3 minutes of boiling in this dish.
- → What side dishes pair well with this seafood boil?
Crusty bread is ideal for soaking up flavorful juices; a crisp lager or chilled white wine complements the meal.
- → Can I prepare this boil without alcohol?
Yes, simply omit the beer and use water with spices; the flavors remain vibrant and delicious.