Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor explosion with this mouthwatering Seafood Boil that will transport you straight to the heart of Louisiana! Imagine a steaming platter overflowing with succulent shrimp, sweet crab, and spicy crawfish, all perfectly seasoned and bursting with Cajun charm. This isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that will have your guests begging for seconds and wondering how you became such a cooking superstar!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds shrimp, deveined
- 2 pounds crab
- 2 pounds crawfish
- 1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning
- 4 ears of corn, halved
- 1 pound baby potatoes
- 1 lemon, quartered
- Water
Instructions
- Fill a large pot (at least 12-quart capacity) with water, leaving enough room to add all ingredients without overflowing. For best results, use a dedicated seafood boil pot with a strainer basket.
- Add 1/4 cup of Old Bay seasoning to the water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. The seasoned water will help infuse flavor into the ingredients.
- First, add the baby potatoes to the boiling water. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes until they are slightly tender but not fully cooked.
- Add the corn halves to the pot and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes. The corn should be bright and starting to become tender.
- Carefully add the crawfish to the pot, stirring gently. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the crawfish turn bright red and are fully cooked.
- Next, add the crab to the pot. If using whole crabs, cook for 10-12 minutes. If using crab legs, reduce cooking time to 5-6 minutes.
- In the final 3-4 minutes of cooking, add the shrimp. They cook quickly and should turn pink and curl slightly when done.
- Sprinkle the remaining Old Bay seasoning over the ingredients during the last minute of cooking for extra flavor.
- Carefully drain the water using the pot's strainer basket or a large colander. Be cautious of the hot steam.
- Spread the seafood, corn, and potatoes on a large serving platter or directly on a covered table. Squeeze fresh lemon quarters over the entire dish.
- Serve immediately while hot, providing additional Old Bay seasoning, melted butter, and lemon wedges on the side for guests to customize their serving.
Tips
- • Use a large pot with a strainer basket to make draining easier and prevent overcooking • Add ingredients in stages to ensure each component is cooked to perfection • Don't rush the cooking process—timing is crucial for maintaining the right texture • Fresh seafood makes a huge difference in flavor, so source the highest quality ingredients possible • Keep extra Old Bay seasoning and melted butter on hand for guests who love extra flavor • Consider lining your table with newspaper or butcher paper for an authentic, casual dining experience • Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the seafood at its peak temperature and tenderness
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 371kcal
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 49g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 187mg
