Classic Seafood Boil
Traditional Southern seafood boil with shrimp, crab, crawfish, corn, and potatoes in a spicy Cajun seasoning blend. A crowd-pleasing feast perfect for gatherings at 425 calories per serving.
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20m
8
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs large shrimp (31-40 count), shell-on
- 2 lbs snow crab legs
- 1 lb crawfish tails
- 8 small red potatoes, halved
- 4 ears corn, cut into 3-inch pieces
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced into 2-inch pieces
- 1 large yellow onion, quartered
- 1 whole head garlic, halved
- 3 bay leaves
- 1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 stick butter
- 2 lemons, halved
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Boil Pot
Fill a large 20-quart stockpot with water, leaving 6 inches from the top. Add salt, Old Bay seasoning, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- 2
Cook Potatoes and Aromatics
Add halved potatoes, quartered onion, and halved garlic head to the boiling water. Cook for 10 minutes until potatoes are slightly tender when pierced with a fork.
- 3
Add Sausage and Corn
Add andouille sausage pieces and corn segments to the pot. Continue boiling for 8 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and corn to become tender.
- 4
Add Crab Legs
Carefully add crab legs to the pot and cook for 5 minutes. The shells will turn bright orange when properly heated through.
- 5
Add Shrimp and Crawfish
Add shrimp and crawfish tails to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and curl. Do not overcook to avoid rubbery texture.
- 6
Season and Finish
Turn off heat and add butter and lemon halves to the pot. Let everything sit for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
- 7
Serve
Using a large slotted spoon or strainer, transfer all ingredients to a large serving table covered with newspaper or parchment paper. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges and hot sauce.
Chef's Tips
Use a large outdoor burner if possible for better heat control. Don't overcook the seafood - shrimp should be pink and slightly firm. Save the flavorful cooking liquid for dipping bread or making seafood stock.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about making this classic seafood boil
How long does it take to make Classic Seafood Boil?
The listed total time is 55 minutes. Prep time is 20 minutes and cooking time is 35 minutes. Follow the instructions for any resting or chilling steps.
How many servings does this Classic Seafood Boil recipe make?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What is the difficulty level of this Classic Seafood Boil recipe?
The listed difficulty level is medium.