Description
This Southern Seafood Boil is a classic Cajun feast featuring large shrimp, snow crab legs, smoked sausage, baby potatoes, and corn on the cob, all simmered in a flavorful broth with lemon, garlic, and bold Cajun seasoning. Finished with a rich garlic butter drizzle and fresh parsley, it’s perfect for family gatherings, holidays, and backyard cookouts.
Ingredients
Seafood & Meat
- 2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 lbs snow crab legs
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
Vegetables & Produce
- 1½ lbs baby potatoes
- 4 ears corn, cut into halves
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Seasonings & Others
- ¼ cup Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- ½ cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Boiling Broth: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the lemon slices, garlic cloves, Cajun seasoning, and Old Bay seasoning to infuse the water with bold flavors.
- Cook the Potatoes: Add the baby potatoes to the boiling broth and let them cook uncovered for 15 minutes until tender but not falling apart.
- Add Sausage and Corn: Next, add the sliced smoked sausage and halved corn on the cob. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sausage to heat through and the corn to cook slightly.
- Add Crab Legs: Place the snow crab legs into the pot and boil for 5 minutes so the crab legs heat thoroughly and absorb the seasonings.
- Add Shrimp: Finally, add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, signaling they are perfectly cooked.
- Drain and Transfer: Drain the entire seafood boil mixture and transfer it to a large serving platter or bowl for easy sharing.
- Drizzle with Garlic Butter: Melt the unsalted butter and pour it evenly over the seafood boil to enhance the richness and flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh color contrast and serve immediately with extra garlic butter and lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Serve with extra garlic butter and lemon wedges for added flavor.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Consider adding other seafood varieties like crawfish, lobster tails, or clams for a more diverse seafood boil experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Southern, Cajun
