Seafood Boil Recipe 🦀🦐🌽
A Seafood Boil is a delicious and festive dish perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or special occasions. Packed with shrimp, crab, sausage, corn, and potatoes, all cooked in a flavorful broth, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp (shell-on, deveined)
- 1 lb snow crab legs (or king crab legs)
- 1 lb mussels or clams (optional)
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb baby red potatoes (halved if large)
- 4 ears corn, cut into halves
- 1 large lemon, quartered
- 1 head garlic, halved crosswise
- 1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning)
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water or chicken broth (enough to cover ingredients in pot)
Optional Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
- Fill a large stockpot about halfway with water or chicken broth.
- Add Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper, halved lemon, and halved garlic head to the water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Add the baby red potatoes to the boiling broth. Cook for about 10 minutes.
- Add the corn and sausage slices and cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Seafood
- Add the crab legs and mussels/clams (if using) to the pot and cook for 5 minutes.
- Finally, add the shrimp and cook for 3–4 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Stir gently to ensure everything is evenly cooked.
Step 4: Drain and Serve
- Turn off the heat and carefully drain the seafood boil into a large colander.
- Transfer everything to a large serving platter or dump it onto a lined table for a casual presentation.
- Drizzle with melted butter and garnish with chopped parsley.
Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce (Optional)
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and lemon juice.
- Serve as a dipping sauce for the seafood.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the broth.
- Provide extra lemon wedges and dipping sauces.
- Pair with a cold drink, like lemonade or beer.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcook Seafood: Shrimp and mussels cook quickly, so keep an eye on them.
- Customize the Seafood: Add lobster tails, scallops, or crawfish for variety.
- Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred heat level.
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a little butter.
This Seafood Boil is not only delicious but also a fun and interactive dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or a cozy family dinner, it’s guaranteed to impress! 🦀🦐🌽🔥 Enjoy!
