Southern Seafood Crab Shrimp (Printer View)

A hearty Southern boil with crab, shrimp, sausage, potatoes, corn, and aromatic Cajun spices for sharing.

# What you'll need:

→ Seafood

01 - 2 lbs snow crab legs, cleaned
02 - 1.5 lbs large shrimp, shell-on, deveined

→ Meats

03 - 1 lb andouille or smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces

→ Vegetables

04 - 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
05 - 4 ears corn, cut into thirds
06 - 1 large onion, quartered
07 - 1 lemon, sliced

→ Aromatics & Spices

08 - 4 cloves garlic, smashed
09 - 1/4 cup Old Bay or Cajun seasoning (35 g)
10 - 2 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 2 tsp salt
12 - 1 tsp black pepper
13 - 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Liquids

14 - 8 cups water
15 - 1 bottle light beer (12 oz, optional)

→ For Serving

16 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
17 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
18 - Lemon wedges

# Method:

01 - Combine water, beer (if using), Old Bay or Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne, garlic, onion, and lemon slices in a large stockpot. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
02 - Add halved baby potatoes to the boiling liquid and cook for 10 minutes.
03 - Incorporate the corn pieces and sliced sausage; continue boiling for 7 minutes.
04 - Add crab legs to the pot and boil for 5 minutes.
05 - Add shrimp and boil just until they turn pink and are cooked through, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Drain all seafood and vegetables, discarding the cooking liquid and aromatics. Transfer to a large serving platter or spread on parchment paper. Drizzle with melted butter, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with extra lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Packed with seafood and hearty vegetables for a satisfying crowd-pleaser
  • Perfect for sharing at festive occasions and celebrations
02 -
  • This boil contains shellfish, sausage, and dairy, so check for allergies among guests.
  • Serve the seafood boil immediately for the best flavors and textures.
03 -
  • For bolder flavor, toss the seafood with more Cajun seasoning and melted butter before serving.
  • Add crusty bread on the side to soak up any remaining juices.
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