Garlic butter seafood boil sauce. Add this spicy sauce to your favorite seafood boil, and use some on the side to dip the yumminess in!
While you’re here, be sure to checkout this amazing Blackened Salmon recipe. Another great dish is this Blackened Salmon in Mushroom Cream Sauce!
Living in Houston for so many years, I realized how big of a deal crawfish season is! Any and every chance Houstonians get, they have a crawfish boil, or attend a crawfish boil.
There is something so magical about the opportunity to fellowship around a huge pot of seafood, a cold beverage, and good friends or family! Well this seafood boil provides that same opportunity!
Hands down the best seafood garlic butter sauce I’ve made and tried! I wish I had a picture of it but it looked so good that I instantly had to dig in! Will definitely be using again when I’m in the mood for snow crab legs which is usually once a month! A must try for all my seafood lovers out there!
Crab legs are just as amazing as crawfish, (and in my opinion, better)! This post isn’t to debate that theory though. One of the best parts about seafood is that it takes on the flavors of spices that are used.
Collect ingredients for the Seafood Boil:
Collect all of the items you need before you get started. It makes cooking so much easier! Here is what you will need:
- Seafood: crab legs, shrimp, and any other seafood you like.
- Sausage: feel free to omit this ingredient if you are not a fan. Beef sausage was used for this recipe. Some of my audience have used chicken sausage, and even meatless sausage as a substitute.
- Potatoes: red potatoes are best because they hold-up and do not get so mushy. Regular (russet) potatoes can be used if that’s what you have. Just cut the boil/cooking time a bit because they will get mushy.
- Corn on the cob- frozen works just fine. Fresh corn on the cob can be used as well. Although you do not have to, you can cut it in half for more servings.
- Optional additions: boiled eggs- don’t knock-it until you try it! Some people have sent me pictures of broccoli, and other veggies that they have added. I love it, get creative and make what you like!
Can I use an oven steamer bag?
Yes! In fact, I have made my seafood boil this way a few times and it is AMAZING! Make sure you buy the plastic bags that are made for the oven.
Cook the sauce as directed in the recipe card below. Reserve a bit of sauce for dipping if you’d like. Add the seafood and the vegetables to the bag and pour the sauce all over the top.
Things to keep in mind- the potatoes will take longer to cook, so you may want to cook them separately. Shrimp cooks SUPER fast, and if you cook it too long, it will be mushy or rubbery. So again, cook it separately, or add it to the bag later.
When I use the oven bags, I cook the crab legs, corn, and shrimp for about 20-30 minutes. It came out perfect, and nothing was overcooked. Potatoes and anything else I add to the boil are cooked separately.
Why do all of these seafood boils look different?
All of these photos are a bit different because we make it A LOT around here. Each time we make it, it’s a little different. Don’t worry- the recipe I shared below is THE BEST hands down.
However, I truly encourage you to substitute, or add too as you see fit. If you and your family don’t like spicy- omit some of the seasoning. Utilize what you have on hand. Be creative!
NOTE: the green stuff you see on top in some of the photos is Parsley Flakes. It’s really just an aesthetic touch to make it look extra delicious!
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes! Most of the time, I purchase frozen shrimp and crab legs. Sometimes- it’s cheaper, or just easier to find. Most frozen seafood is fully cooked, and then frozen.
Keep that in mind and adjust cooking times accordingly. If it is pre-cooked, cut the cooking time by 5-10 minutes. Try to get the jumbo shrimp w/ shell on if you’re buying frozen. It tends to stay juicy and plump!
This recipe for the Garlic Butter Seafood sauce is amazing!
You will love it! Make it super spicy, or not so spicy by adjusting your cayenne and red pepper flakes. You MUST add the Old Bay seasoning though, it gives it that amazing tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with your seafood.
You will need a large stock pot to cook everything in, and then it’s on and poppin’! Trust me, you haven’t experienced seafood until you add this sauce!!
There’s nothing like cracking that shell open in the right spot and pulling out the WHOLE, juicy piece of crab meat. Then when you add in your corn-on-the-cob, sausage, and shrimp, it’s a whole meal!
Now that my mouth is watering…. enjoy this recipe!
~Tamara J.
Garlic Butter Seafood Boil
Garlic butter seafood boil and sauce. Add this spicy sauce to your favorite seafood boil, and use some on the side to dip the yumminess in!
Ingredients
- 5 clusters Snow crab legs, washed thoroughly
- 1 pound Shrimp, deveined, tail on
- 1 pound Andouille sausage, cut into thick slices
- 6 Corn on the cob
- 6 Baby red potatoes
- 3 tablespoons Garlic, diced
- 1 whole Onion, diced
- 1 Lemon, juiced
- 4 sticks Butter
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 2 cups Chicken broth, optional (see notes below)
- 1-2 dashes Tabasco sauce
Seasonings to add to Boiling Water
- 5 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 whole Lemon, juiced
- 3 Bay leaves
Seafood Boil Sauce (to pour over and dip)
- 4 sticks Butter, unsalted
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 1 whole Onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons Garlic, diced
- 1 Lemon, juiced
- 2 cups Chicken broth, optional (see notes below)
- 3 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- 3 tablespoons Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon Red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon Lemon pepper seasoning, (optional depending on fresh lemon juice)
- 1-2 dashes Tobasco sauce
Instructions
SEAFOOD BOIL
- Fill up a large stock pot with water, leaving enough room at the top to add the seafood. Add old bay seasoning, lemon, and bay leaves. Bring to a light boil.
- Place the corn and red potatoes into the seasoned water. Boil for 10 minutes.
- Add the crab legs and sausage . Cover with a lid and boil for an additional 15 minutes.
- Add the shrimp. Boil for 5 minutes (shrimp will turn pink, do not overcook).
- Drain the water and remove bay leaves. Transfer to serving dish or leave in the stock pot.
- Pour that delicious garlic butter sauce all over, and/or reserve some sauce on the side to dip the seafood in (recipe below).
GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE
- Melt one stick of butter and olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Add onions and sauté until they become translucent.
- Add Garlic and saute for 30 seconds, stirring constantly so garlic doesn't burn. Add juice of the lemon, and all the seasonings. Adjust cayenne and red pepper to your level of spiciness.
- Add remaining 3 sticks of butter. Simmer until butter is melted, stir constantly.
- If using chicken broth, gently stir it into the mixture now. Pour over your favorite seafood and/or reserve some for dipping.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Chicken broth is used to "cut" the sauce. It does not take away from the flavor in any way. In fact- it's great to add broth if trying to create more sauce, or pour directly over your seafood boil.
Sauce can also be used for dipping.
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I made this for my in-laws and 2 others. They loved it!! Thank you so much., ?
That makes me happy Alfredo! I’m glad you guys enjoyed it!
When and where do you add the 6 baby potatoes?? Did I miss a step ???
Hi Sharee! I updated the recipe to detail when the potatoes are added. Thanks for stopping by!
Did you use the written out ingredients or everything from the video. I noticed in the video she used chicken broth & lemon pepper seasoning and Tabasco which was not listed in the recipe written above
Hello K.E. I have since updated the recipe card to reflect what was used in the video. You will see in the notes section that the chicken broth is optional. Thanks for checking it out, and enjoy!
Thank you !! Can’t wait to try for Good Friday it’s looks super yummy 💕😋😋
Perfect day for a crab boil!
Do I need to thaw the seafood before cooking ?
Hi Imani, it is not necessary, but you definitely can. If you cook from frozen, adjust cooking times accordingly.
I am the only one in my house that eats crab and shrimp. This looks so good I am making this just for me.
Hey Jere! You most definitely should make it for yourself! It is delicious.
OMG. You had me at garlic, butter and seafood. LOL! Love fresh seafood and being able to get my hands dirty! This is such a great recipe! Having friends over next weekend so I reckon this is a winner!
This garlic butter pairs beautifully with any seafood boil! I hope you guys enjoy.
I love me a good seafood boil!! This hits me right in the feels!
Yes,they’re the best!
oooohhhh weee.. this looks so good. I will have to try this recipe out at home.
Thank you. You definitely should!
Girl this recipe is the BOMB!🤸♥️
Thanks love! So happy you enjoyed it.
OK I will be honest I have never heard of seafood boil, I have seen pictures bu did not know its called a seafood boil. With that garlic sauce sounds delicious.
No worries! Seafood boil is a sort of general term used to describe various shellfish and other foods that are boiled/cooked to create a delicious meal! The garlic butter sauce is definitely a must with a great seafood boil!
I love a good seafood boil and your recipe looks so delicious and flavorful!
Thank you! I do too!
This seafood boil looks delicious!! I don’t eat seafood but tasted some shrimp wrapped in bacon last last week that was so good so I am going to try more!!!
That’s funny, because I didn’t use to enjoy seafood either! Now I love it.
I love the simplicity of the garlic butter sauce! Perfect seafood boil.
It is super simple, yet adds such amazing flavor!
I planned on making seafood boil foil packs this week. This is right on time!
You can never go wrong with a good seafood boil!
Do you boil it in the mixture shown on the video or use that mixture to pour over after boiling ? The recipe doesn’t specify.
Hi Shari. I use the sauce to pour over, and dip the seafood into. The seafood is boiled in the water/seasoning that you see on the ingredient card. Hope this helps! Enjoy!
How many do you think this would feed? Trying to make it for Father’s Day for 5 guys…
Hi Carolyn. This particular recipe yields enough for 8 servings.
Love crab almost as much as I love Garlic! So this recipe is a win, win for me!
Absolutely!
This sounds absolutely mouth watering! I love grilled shrimp with butter sauce and this is right up my alley!
Yes, shrimp is delicious with this sauce also!
To be honest, I have not eaten Garlic butter seafood boil sauce before, but I am going to give it a try this time around, hope I will love it. haha.
I hope you love it as well!
You had me at Garlic, Butter & Snow Crab for sure! I live alone, but don’t mind making something this delicious just for me!
You could easily cut the ingredients to make it for one person!
I’ve done something similar to this recipe and it was delicious! Can’t wait to try yours.
Oh awesome! Definitely can’t go wrong with garlic and butter!
This looks so good! I Will try it tomorrow but will only use a little paprika as my taste buds are sensitive
You can definitely adjust it to your spice level!
This looks so good!!! My family loves seafood and garlic so this is the perfect combo! I can’t wait to try it.
It is perfect for seafood, or just about anything! Enjoy!
I love anything seafood and this sounds delicious. I hadn’t heard of the crawfish season until now. Sounds like you have loads of fun.
It is a delicious sauce for sure!
What an easy and delicious-sounding idea! Def need to try this when the weather gets warmer – I bet it would work with other kinds of shellfish, too!
It is an amazing sauce for virtually anything!
My mouth is watering just reading this! Will be trying it soon. Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely! You will enjoy it.
You make everything sound so tasty, and this seafood boil is no exception. I like that the seasonings are pretty straightforward and there’s lots of garlic. Now I just have to find some good seafood in Denver.
Well thank ya Beth! Garlic is one of those ingredients that make everything better!
I love garlic! Anything with garlic is sure to be tasty.
You are absolutely correct! Garlic is the best.
This look so good! I’m making this tomorrow for my son’s 11th Birthday!
Awesome! You guys will enjoy it!
Funny I’m making for my 11 year old today but when and where do you add the potatoes 😩
Awww He’s going to love it Karin! Add the potatoes and the corn to the boiling water before you add the seafood. They take longer to cook.
This sounds like the perfect sauce for seafood and I loved your video! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you. It is definitely perfect for seafood!
I’m going to cook this for our New Year’s Dinner. I will be cooking for a family of 15.
Oh boy! Everyone is going to love it!
IT’S THE BEST I’VE EVER HAD, HANDS DOWN!! PERFECT!! Thank you!
Awe! Thank you!
I love crab ?, this sounds delicious ?
I’m going to try next weekend with the family that I you so much
Awesome! You guys will enjoy it.
This looks amazing. How long can I prepare sauce in advance and store in the refrigerator?
Thank you. I have stored it in a jar with a tight fitting lid for up to a week. Re-heated it, and it was just as delicious!
This sounds soooo amazing!! I am going to try it tonight, but I wanna put the seafood in steamer bags to portion it out for people.
I wonder if I could transfer to steamer bag, then put your garlic butter sauce inside and just shake it all up to spread the flavor around?
Thanks for posting this!
Yes you can definitely cook it that way. I have done it several times, I actually pour the garlic butter into the bag and cook them in the butter!! Let me know how it turns out!
For this recipe, how many servings will it yield? I’m planning on making enough for about 20 people.
Hi there. This recipe fed 8 people. If you are making it for 20 people, I suggest doubling it. That should be enough for everyone. Enjoy!
Were the snow crab frozen or fresh?
When I made this batch, they were fresh from the seafood department. I have made them from frozen as well, both just as delicious!
How long did you need to boil the frozen crab legs?
15 minutes. The complete instructions are in the recipe card above. Thanks for stopping by!
Made this for my hubby’s bday and he was in heaven. The butter sauce was a hit! Thank you so much! 🙂
That’s awesome Erika! So happy you guys enjoyed it! Also- happy belated bday to your hubby!
So am I only adding the bay leaf lemon and old bay to the boiling water and draining that? Then the seafood boil recipe am I following that plus the adj seasoning ingredient list to pour over and for dipping?
Yes, add the bay leaf, lemon, and old bay to the actual seafood boil (boiling water) to cook the seafood. You can drench the seafood in the sauce you make, and/or use it for dipping! We do both. Use chicken broth or water to “cut” the sauce if you do not want it to be straight butter!
Question:
Which of the seasoning do you add to the water when you boil everything? The one that just says seasoning or SEASONING (ADJ. LEVEL OF SPICINESS TO YOUR LIKING)
Thanks
Hello. I have updated the ingredient card to make it more clear. Thanks for checking out the recipe. Enjoy!
I want to make this and add lobster. Any suggestions?
I usually broil or bake my lobster in the oven, then just pour the sauce over it when it’s cooked. Or reserve the sauce for dipping.
Can you heat up left overs and what’s the best way if you can?
Yes Chrissy you definitely can reheat the leftovers. As far as the seafood- I always de-shell it before storing it in the refrigerator. Then I use the seafood in another recipe (like my crab mac n’ cheese recipe for instance), or just reheat in the toaster oven/microwave. For the sauce, store it in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave.
I’ve never tried a seafood boil before but this looks so good I want to try it. For my first time trying this do I need all the extra seasoning or should I just stick with the written? Thanks for any help!
Hi Brenda! The ingredients listed in the recipe card will yield a DELICIOUS seafood boil sauce! Feel free to add to, or take away any seasonings you like or dislike. Thanks for stopping by, and let me know how it turns out!
Are you adding parsley at the end? Do you mix it in the sauce or just sprinkle it over?
Hi Shaleena, the recipe does not call for parsley, it was used for aesthetics only. 🙂
So when do you use the Seafood boil sauce..
If you make enough, pour it over the cooked seafood AND reserve for dipping. Or you can simply make the sauce just to dip the seafood in on the side. Enjoy!
Like!! I blog quite often and I genuinely thank you for your information. The article has truly peaked my interest.
Hi, this looks yummy!! If using frozen crab, do you thaw first? Also, can you use the frozen half corns or is it best to use greasy whole corn on the cob? If using whole corn on the cob do you cut in or to cook whole leave whole?
Can’t wait to try it this weekend!!
Those are all great questions, I’ll be sure to update the post w/ answers, but for now: yes, I use frozen crab legs, and I cook them from frozen. So straight into the boiling water. Either fresh corn, or frozen corn on the cob will work for this recipe. It is definitely a preference thing in regards to cutting them in half, or cooking fresh/ frozen. I know you’ll love it nonetheless! If you have IG, tag me with your pics of how it turns out @razzle.dazzle.life ! 🙂
HI! I need clarification on something. The recipe mentions 3 types of sauces. The first one is added to the boiling pot and I’m assuming the third recipe is the dipping sauce. What about the 2nd one, the middle one? When is that added? Thanks in advance!
Hi Carla- the first part is to simply boil the seafood. The last part are the actual sauce to pour over and/or use for dipping. It is separated by wet and dry ingredients, but it’s all for the sauce.
So you’d say this recipe is for 4 people? Trying to plan a dinner party not sure if I should get more food.
Hi Amber, this recipe yields enough for 8 people (depending on appetites of course)! I would recommend doubling it if you’re going to be entertaining quite a few people.
Hi. Thank you for sharing this recipe – it looks delicious and I want give it a try. However, I dont eat anything from the pig. Do you know if another type of sausage or type of meat may work? For eg turkey or beef sausage? Thanks.
Absolutely. I used beef sausage in this recipe. You can omit it all together, or substitute for sausage of your choice!
I made this for my husband today for Father’s Day and he loved the sauce. In my opinion this is better that using the salty crab and seafood boil you find in the store.
Great recipe 👍.
Thanks
That makes me very happy! I’m glad you guys enjoyed it!
Hands down the best seafood garlic butter sauce I’ve made and tried! I wish I had a picture of it but it looked so good that I instantly had to dig in! Will definitely be using again when I’m in the mood for snow crab legs which is usually once a month! A must try for all my seafood lovers out there!
I love logging in to messages like this!! Thank you girl, it is truly delicious, and addicting!! You sound like me, once a month at least! Thanks for trying, and be sure to snap that pic next time so I can feature you!
It would be nice to know how many quarts of water to put in the pot. You say to fill the pot, leaving enough room to add the seafood. People use different sizes of pots
Hi Tracy. It is not possible to give exact measurements for the water. As you mentioned, people use different sized pots, as well as different amounts of seafood/vegetables. Use your better judgment, and eyeball the water to where it just covers the seafood without overflowing. Hope that helps.
Could you please tell us how you would do the boil in an oven bag? Thanks!
Hello Susan. The post above gives some insight on how to use the oven bags to cook the boil. Thanks for stopping by!
What temperature do you use for the steamer bags?
My oven was set at 350 degrees, this may vary depending on your settings.
Made this for my boyfriend and his parents, I’ve had seafood boil before at family’s houses and restaurants but this … oh my goshhh, it was so delicious. His mother had crab legs before but just plain and no sauce and she absolutely loved this recipe, so did my boyfriend !! I had to tweak the recipe a bit because I added 3 lbs of shrimp & 2 pounds of crab legs but it still came out fantastic. Boyfriend told me to save the recipe because this is what he wants for his birthday dinner haha.
Ayyyye! So happy to hear that you guys loved it! It’s definitely a recipe that’s on repeat over here too! 🙂
Hi! How long does the sauce last in the fridge? Would I be able to make the sauce ahead and reheat it when ready to use?
Hey Kathy! Absolutely! I like my sauce much more a day or two later! Since it has butter, I recommend refrigerating for no more than a week.
Loved this recipe
Thank you DeAnna!
This was soooo good!! Thank you for sharing! My family absolutely loved it!! Delish!
I love to hear it! Thanks for trying it out!!
Hi,
Your receipt looks great. I need some clarification on using the oven bag method. When you say cook for 20-30 minutes in the prepared butter mixture you didn’t specify how to cook it. In the oven or in boiling water? If in the oven, at what temperature?
Thank you in advance,
Vickie
For the oven bag, cook at 350 degrees.