Ultimate Seafood Boil Recipe


Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Ultimate Seafood Boil

Step 1: Prepare the Boiling Pot

  1. Fill a Large Pot with Water: Start by filling a large pot with about 6 quarts of water. Add a few lemon slices, Old Bay seasoning, and Cajun seasoning if you like it spicy. This seasoned water will infuse every ingredient with delicious flavor.
  2. Bring to a Boil: Turn the heat to high and bring the water to a rolling boil. Reduce to a simmer once it reaches a boil.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes and Sausage

  1. Add the Potatoes: Carefully add the baby potatoes to the boiling water. Let them cook for about 10 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
  2. Add the Sausage and Corn: Add the smoked sausage and corn on the cob to the pot. Continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes until the potatoes are fully tender and the corn is beginning to soften.

Step 3: Add the Seafood

  1. Add Crab Legs and Lobster Tails: Gently add the crab legs and lobster tails to the pot. Allow them to cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the shells turn a bright red color.
  2. Add Shrimp Last: Finally, add the shrimp. Shrimp cook quickly, so they only need about 3 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

  1. Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: While the seafood boils, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
  2. Add Lemon Juice and Seasoning: Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice and sprinkle a little extra Old Bay or Cajun seasoning if desired. Remove from heat once the sauce is well combined.

Step 5: Drain and Combine

  1. Drain the Boil: Carefully drain the pot using a colander, or use a slotted spoon to transfer everything onto a large serving platter or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. Pour Over Butter Sauce: Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the seafood, potatoes, and corn. Use tongs to gently toss everything so that the buttery sauce coats each piece evenly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

  1. Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the seafood boil for a pop of color. Add some lemon wedges on the side for those who like an extra citrus kick.
  2. Serve Warm: For the ultimate experience, serve the seafood boil family-style, allowing everyone to dig in with their hands. Place bowls of extra garlic butter sauce or melted butter for dipping on the side.

Leave a Comment