Seafood Boil Crab Shrimp (Print View)

Flavorful Southern dish with crab, shrimp, sausage, potatoes, corn, and bold Cajun seasonings.

# Components:

→ Seafood

01 - 2 lbs snow crab legs, cleaned
02 - 1.5 lbs large shrimp, shell-on, deveined

→ Meats

03 - 1 lb andouille or smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces

→ Vegetables

04 - 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
05 - 4 ears corn, cut into thirds
06 - 1 large onion, quartered
07 - 1 lemon, sliced

→ Aromatics & Spices

08 - 4 cloves garlic, smashed
09 - 1/4 cup Old Bay or Cajun seasoning
10 - 2 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 2 tsp salt
12 - 1 tsp black pepper
13 - 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Liquids

14 - 8 cups water
15 - 1 bottle (12 oz) light beer (optional)

→ For Serving

16 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
17 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
18 - Lemon wedges

# Directions:

01 - In a large stockpot, combine 8 cups water, beer if using, Old Bay or Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, smashed garlic, quartered onion, and lemon slices. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
02 - Add halved baby potatoes to boiling broth and cook for 10 minutes.
03 - Incorporate corn pieces and sliced sausage, continue boiling for 7 minutes.
04 - Add crab legs and boil for an additional 5 minutes.
05 - Add shrimp and cook just until pink and opaque, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Drain all seafood and vegetables, discard cooking liquid and aromatics. Transfer to a large serving platter or spread parchment on table and pile ingredients attractively.
07 - Drizzle with melted butter, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve alongside lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Combines juicy crab, shrimp, and spicy sausage with classic Southern ingredients like potatoes and corn.
  • Infused with aromatic Cajun spices for a bold, flavor-packed experience.
  • Easy to prepare in one pot, making it perfect for gatherings and sharing.
  • Customizable spice level with optional cayenne pepper.
  • Pescatarian-friendly with meat and seafood balance.
02 -
  • Use fresh seafood and quality sausage for maximum flavor.
  • Keep the shell-on shrimp for extra sweetness and protection during boiling.
  • Don’t overcook the shrimp—watch for the pink color as a cue.
  • Use tongs and a colander to safely remove and drain your seafood boil.
  • Cover the serving area with parchment or newspaper for easy cleanup and a casual vibe.
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