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Why Make This Recipe

If you love seafood and bold flavors, this Cajun Seafood Boil is a must-try! It’s a fun and flavorful way to enjoy a variety of seafood along with hearty sides. Perfect for gatherings, this dish brings people together and creates lasting memories. Dive into a pot full of deliciousness that’s seasoned to perfection, and you’ll see why this recipe is a hit for any occasion.

How to Make Cajun Seafood Boil with Garlic Butter Sauce

Ingredients

3 quarts water
1 12-ounce can of beer (optional)
3 tablespoons Creole Cajun Seasoning
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
Hot sauce, to taste
1 medium yellow onion, roughly sliced into half-moons
1 large lemon, cut into wedges
12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
1 lb baby potatoes, red or gold
1 lb pre-cooked snow crab leg clusters
1 – 1 1/2 lbs jumbo shrimp, deveined
4-6 ears sweet corn on the cob
4-6 hard boiled eggs (optional)
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
10 cloves of garlic, finely minced or pressed
2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
1 teaspoon Creole Cajun Seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Directions

In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, combine water and beer (if using) and bring to a boil.
Season with Creole Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, and hot sauce. Add onion and lemon, stir, and boil for 15 minutes.
Add andouille sausage and potatoes, cooking for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
Gently add snow crab clusters, shrimp, and corn, ensuring everything is submerged. Boil for another 5-7 minutes until shrimp is pink.
For the garlic butter sauce, combine butter, garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, and hot sauce in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Line a baking sheet with foil. Remove seafood boil contents from pot and place on the prepared sheet. Pour garlic butter sauce over and toss to coat.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

How to Serve Cajun Seafood Boil

This dish is best served hot and fresh. Place the seafood and vegetables in a large bowl or directly on a newspaper-lined table for a casual vibe. Serve with lemon wedges and extra hot sauce on the side for those who like it spicy. Pair with some crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up all that tasty garlic butter sauce.

How to Store Cajun Seafood Boil

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. You can also add a splash of water or broth while reheating to keep it moist.

Tips to Make Cajun Seafood Boil

Don’t rush the boiling process; allow the flavors to meld.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you love spice, feel free to add more hot sauce.
For easier cleanup, line your serving area with foil or newspaper.

Variation

You can customize this seafood boil by adding other types of seafood like mussels or clams. You can also switch the sausage for a different flavor, like spicy chorizo or kielbasa.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the seafood boil ahead of time, but it tastes best fresh. If you do, store the seafood and sauce separately to maintain quality.

2. What can I use instead of beer?

If you prefer not to use beer, you can replace it with more water or a seafood or vegetable broth for extra flavor.

3. Is this recipe spicy?

The spiciness depends on how much hot sauce you add. You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of seasoning and hot sauce to your liking.