Description
Seafood boils, like this Cajun Garlic Seafood Boil, are a beloved Southern tradition where friends and family gather around a table packed with flavorful seafood, corn, and potatoes—all smothered in a buttery, garlic-rich sauce. This Cajun boil brings together the bold, spicy essence of Cajun cooking in a hands-on, communal meal that feels like a celebration. Perfect for summer events or cozy nights in, this feast offers the true flavor of the coast with minimal fuss and maximum flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- For the Boil:
- Water: Acts as the base for our flavor-packed boil.
- Cajun seasoning: Adds bold, smoky heat. (Use store-bought or homemade.)
- Old Bay seasoning: A classic seafood seasoning with a blend of celery salt, paprika, and mustard.
- Hot sauce: Adds kick to the boil; feel free to adjust to taste.
- Onion: Adds subtle sweetness to the broth.
- Lemon wedges: Essential for balancing flavors with a bright, citrusy note.
- Turkey sausage: Provides smoky depth, complementing the seafood.
- Baby potatoes: These small potatoes are tender and soak up all the flavors from the boil.
- Snow crab clusters: Sweet and delicate, snow crab is a favorite in seafood boils.
- Jumbo shrimp: Opt for shrimp with shells for added flavor.
- Corn on the cob: Sweet, buttery corn perfectly balances the Cajun spice.
- For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Unsalted butter: The base of our sauce; melts smoothly over the seafood.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce a savory aroma and flavor.
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the butter sauce.
- Cajun seasoning: Adds an extra layer of Cajun goodness.
- Old Bay seasoning: Reinforces the boil’s flavor profile.
- Smoked paprika: Adds depth and a smoky undertone.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Hot sauce: For an extra spicy kick in the sauce.
Instructions
- Prepare the Boil Base: In a large stockpot, bring water to a boil. Stir in Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, hot sauce, onion, and lemon wedges. Let everything simmer for about 15 minutes, creating a deeply flavored broth.
- Add Sausage & Potatoes: Once the broth is aromatic, add sliced turkey sausage and baby potatoes. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. This ensures both ingredients are infused with flavor.
- Add Seafood & Corn: Add the crab clusters, shrimp, and corn on the cob, cooking until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, around 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp or crab, as they become tough quickly.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, smoked paprika, and hot sauce. Let it all meld together for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and add fresh parsley.
- Serve the Boil: Drain the boiled ingredients and arrange everything on a lined baking sheet or directly on a table covered with parchment paper. Pour the warm garlic butter sauce over the seafood and vegetables, tossing everything gently to coat in the sauce.
Notes
This seafood boil can be tailored to fit dietary needs and taste preferences. It’s a flexible recipe that encourages creativity and sharing, so feel free to experiment with different seasoning levels and types of seafood.