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! This dish brings the lively spirit of a Louisiana celebration right to your table & is sure to be a showstopper at gatherings.
The first time I made this seafood boil was for a family reunion & it instantly became everyone's favorite. There's something unforgettable about sharing big platters of seafood, laughing, and getting a little messy 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: 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, for heat
- Water: 8 cups (2 L)
- Light beer (optional): 1 bottle (12 oz/355 ml)
- Unsalted butter, melted: 1/2 cup (115 g)
- Fresh parsley, chopped: 2 tbsp
- Lemon wedges: for serving
Instructions
- Prepare broth:
- 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.
- Cook potatoes:
- Add potatoes and boil for 10 minutes.
- Add corn and sausage:
- Add corn and sausage. Boil for 7 minutes.
- Add crab legs:
- Add crab legs and boil for 5 minutes.
- Add shrimp:
- Add shrimp and boil just until pink and cooked through, about 2–3 minutes.
- Drain:
- Drain the seafood and vegetables, discarding cooking liquid and aromatics.
- Serve:
- Transfer to a large platter or cover a table with parchment paper and pile the boil on top.
- Finishing touch:
- Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with extra lemon wedges.
Save We love to gather around the table for this feast & make it a true family event. Even kids enjoy helping pile the seafood high, and there's always lots of laughter as we eat with our hands.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this seafood boil with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices. It also pairs perfectly with a crisp lager or a chilled glass of white wine.
Allergen and Dietary Info
This dish contains shellfish (crab, shrimp), dairy (butter), and possibly gluten (sausage, beer). If you have dietary restrictions, check sausage and beer labels as they may contain soy or wheat.
Cleanup & Leftovers
Cleanup is easy & fun: simply roll up the parchment and discard. Any leftovers can be gently reheated or enjoyed cold for next-day lunches.
Save This seafood boil brings joyful flavor and a festive vibe to any occasion. Just add friends, family, and plenty of napkins for a meal you won't forget!
Recipe Help
- → What type of sausage works best?
Andouille or smoked sausage provide a spicy, smoky flavor that complements the seafood perfectly.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, modify the cayenne pepper quantity to increase or reduce the heat according to your preference.
- → Is beer necessary for the boil?
Beer adds depth and subtle malt notes but can be omitted or replaced with water without impacting the overall flavor too much.
- → How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp are ready when they turn pink and opaque, typically after 2 to 3 minutes of boiling.
- → What is the best way to serve the boil?
Drain the ingredients and pile them on a large platter or spread on parchment paper, then drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.