Description
Coastal charm meets flavor explosion in this irresistible seafood boil, packed with zesty seasonings and ocean-fresh delights. Succulent shrimp, tender crab, and perfectly seasoned sausage create a mouthwatering feast that brings Southern hospitality right to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood and Protein:
- 1 lb crab legs (snow crab or king crab)
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tail-on)
- 1 lb mussels or clams, cleaned
- 2 lobster tails, split in half (optional)
- 1 lb smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 lb baby potatoes (red or gold)
- 4 ears corn, cut into halves
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 3 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 4 quarts (16 cups) water
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Craft the aromatic foundation for your seafood feast by filling a robust stockpot with water, incorporating a vibrant blend of Old Bay, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, lemon halves, and garlic cloves. Ignite the heat and bring the liquid to a rolling boil, allowing the seasonings to meld and create a flavorful broth.
- Introduce baby potatoes to the simmering liquid, allowing them to tenderize for approximately 10 minutes. Subsequently, layer in corn and sausage, permitting them to dance in the bubbling waters for an additional 5 minutes.
- Carefully nestle crab legs, shrimp, mussels, and lobster tails into the pot, monitoring their transformation. Cook for 5-7 minutes until shrimp develop a vibrant pink hue, becoming opaque, and shellfish dramatically unfurl their shells, signaling perfect doneness.
- Meanwhile, prepare a luxurious garlic butter sauce by gently melting butter in a small saucepan. Infuse the liquid with minced garlic, a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Allow the mixture to simmer briefly, developing rich, complex flavors.
- Strategically transfer the seafood medley, sausage, corn, and potatoes to a generous serving platter using a slotted spoon, ensuring minimal liquid accompaniment. Generously drizzle the aromatic garlic butter sauce over the ensemble, delicately tossing to ensure even coating.
- Present the maritime feast immediately, accompanied by additional lemon wedges, zesty cocktail sauce, and a small vessel of melted butter for those desiring extra indulgence.
Notes
- Choose a pot large enough to comfortably fit all ingredients without overcrowding, ensuring even cooking and preventing potential seafood from becoming mushy.
- Use fresh seafood at room temperature to guarantee even cooking and prevent temperature shock that could toughen the proteins.
- Adjust seasoning levels by reducing red pepper flakes for milder palates or adding extra for those who enjoy spicier dishes.
- Customize the seafood mix based on personal preferences or seasonal availability, swapping out ingredients while maintaining similar cooking times and textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1500 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg