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Spicy Cajun Crab Boil


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  • Author: Samantha Reed
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A flavorful and fun crawfish boil infused with spicy Cajun seasoning, fresh seafood, and a delicious garlic butter sauce, perfect for gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 quarts of water
  • 1 12-ounce can of beer (optional, but highly recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons of Creole Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning
  • Hot sauce to taste
  • 1 medium yellow onion sliced into half-moons
  • 1 large lemon cut into wedges (plus extra for serving)
  • 12 ounces of andouille sausage sliced into rounds
  • 1 lb of baby potatoes (red, gold, or a mix of both)
  • 1 lb of pre-cooked snow crab leg clusters (fresh or frozen)
  • 11 ½ lbs of jumbo shrimp (deveined, shell-on or peeled)
  • 46 ears of sweet corn on the cob (mini ones preferred)
  • 46 hard boiled eggs (optional)
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter
  • 10 cloves of garlic finely minced or pressed
  • 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley
  • 1 teaspoon of Creole Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • Hot sauce to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the boil: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven (at least 10 quarts), combine the water and beer (if using) over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then add Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, and hot sauce to taste, along with the onion and lemon. Boil for 15 minutes.
  2. Add the andouille & potatoes: Add the andouille sausage and baby potatoes, stirring to combine. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are nearly fork-tender.
  3. Add the seafood & corn: Gently add snow crab clusters, shrimp, and corn, ensuring everything is submerged. Boil for another 5-7 minutes, or until shrimp turns pink. Meanwhile, prepare the garlic butter sauce.
  4. Make the garlic butter sauce: In a small saucepan, combine butter, garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and hot sauce. Stir and simmer for 5-7 minutes until melted and blended.
  5. Assemble the Cajun seafood boil: Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment. Use a spider strainer to remove the seafood boil contents and transfer to the sheet. Add hard-boiled eggs (if using) and discard the onion and lemon bits. Pour garlic butter sauce over the seafood and vegetables and toss together.
  6. Serve: Serve the Cajun seafood boil directly from the baking sheet or divide into plates for a cleaner presentation. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of hot sauce.
  • Feel free to add other seafood like clams or mussels.
  • Adjust the quantity of garlic butter sauce based on preference.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Seafood
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 680
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Fat: 42g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 43g
  • Cholesterol: 220mg