Seafood Boil Crab Shrimp (Printable Version)

A Southern-style seafood feast with crab, shrimp, sausage, potatoes, corn, and bold Cajun spices.

# Components:

→ Seafood

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

→ Meats

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

→ Vegetables

04 - 1.5 pounds 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 teaspoons smoked paprika
11 - 2 teaspoons salt
12 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Liquids

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

→ For Serving

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

# Preparation steps:

01 - Fill a large stockpot with water and beer if using. Add Old Bay or Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic, onion, and lemon slices. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
02 - Add halved baby potatoes to the boiling broth and cook for 10 minutes.
03 - Incorporate corn pieces and sliced sausage, then boil for 7 minutes.
04 - Add crab legs to the pot and boil for 5 minutes.
05 - Add shrimp and boil until they turn pink and are cooked through, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Drain the seafood and vegetables, discarding the cooking liquid and aromatics. Transfer to a large platter or a table lined with parchment paper.
07 - Drizzle melted butter over the boil and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Brings everyone together for a vibrant, communal meal
  • Loaded with bold Cajun flavors and a mix of succulent seafood
02 -
  • Contains shellfish and dairy. Check sausage and beer labels for gluten.
  • Pairs well with lager or chilled white wine, and crusty bread enhances the meal.
03 -
  • Toss seafood with extra Cajun seasoning and melted butter for bold flavor.
  • Substitute sausage type and adjust cayenne to make it milder or spicier.
Return