Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Ultimate Seafood Boil

  • Author: Ava Garrison
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Boiled
  • Cuisine: American (Southern, Cajun)

Description

Gather your friends and bring bold coastal flavors to your table with this Ultimate Seafood Boil — a fun, festive, and flavor-packed dish perfect for seafood lovers. This easy dinner recipe blends crab legs, shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes in a rich Cajun butter sauce, making it one of the best food ideas for gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner party meal or hearty weekend treat, this seafood feast is guaranteed to impress. It’s one of those all-in-one dinner ideas that’s not just a meal, but an experience worth savoring.


Ingredients

1 lb snow crab legs

1 lb large shrimp, deveined

1 lb smoked sausage, sliced

4 ears corn, cut into thirds

1 lb baby potatoes

1 lemon, halved

6 cloves garlic, smashed

1 large onion, quartered

4 tbsp Old Bay seasoning

2 tbsp Cajun seasoning

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1/2 cup unsalted butter

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Water (enough to submerge all ingredients)


Instructions

1. Fill a large stockpot with water, add garlic, onion, lemon, and 2 tbsp Old Bay. Bring to a boil.

2. Add baby potatoes and cook for 10–12 minutes until nearly tender.

3. Add corn and sliced sausage, continue boiling for 5–7 minutes.

4. Add crab legs and cook 5–6 minutes if pre-cooked.

5. Add shrimp last, simmer for 2–3 minutes until pink and curled.

6. In a small pan, melt butter. Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, and extra Old Bay. Cook 2–3 minutes.

7. Drain seafood and veggies, place in a large bowl or tray.

8. Pour butter sauce over everything, toss to coat evenly.

9. Garnish with parsley, more Old Bay, and lemon wedges. Serve hot.


Notes

Add crawfish, mussels, or lobster tails to expand your seafood mix.

Use shell-on shrimp for extra flavor, but peeled is easier to eat.

Don’t skimp on seasoning the water — it’s the flavor base for the whole dish.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 1300mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 240mg

Keywords: seafood boil, cajun seafood, crab boil, easy dinner, food ideas