Garlic butter seafood boil with delicious sauce recipe. Full of fresh crab legs, shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage. With thousands of five star reviews, this is the best seafood boil recipe!
While you're here, be sure to checkout this amazing Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits recipe and this Shrimp Brochette!
Jump to:
- Why you will love this easy seafood boil recipe
- Ingredients for the cajun boil :
- How do you make a seafood boil
- Seafood to add to your Cajun Seafood Boil recipe
- Ingredients for garlic butter sauce:
- Pro-tips for the perfect low country boil:
- Video of the best seafood boil recipe:
- FAQ
- What to serve with a low country boil:
- More Seafood Recipes to try:
- 📖 Recipe
We love a great seafood boil down here in the south! Add your favorite seafood to this recipe to make it your own. You should definitely add these Lobster Tails too!
Why you will love this easy seafood boil recipe
Great flavor! Fresh seafood is the ultimate treat. Any of your favorite seafood is great for this recipe. Add some dungeness crab legs, snow crab, king crab legs, lobster tails, or keep it simple the biggest shrimp you can find!
Family and Party friendly! cajun seafood boils and crawfish boils are the BEST to make for a crowd or to make just enough for the family to enjoy.
Restaurant quality! This low country boil is better than any Juicy Crab near me or The Boiling Crab that you may know and love.
There is something so magical about the opportunity to fellowship around a large pot full of a seafood, a cold beverage, and good friends or family!
Ingredients for the cajun boil :
Collect all of the items you need before you get started. It makes cooking so much easier! Here is what you will need for this seafood Cajun boil recipe:
- Seafood: crab legs, shrimp, and any other seafood you like including lobster, clams, or crawfish.
- 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, andouille 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 sweet corn on the cob can be used as well. Although you do not have to, you can cut it in half for more servings. Try this Cajun Fried Corn on the Cob for a super flavor side.
- 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!
How do you make a seafood boil
Make your broth
To make a seafood boil you want to add cold water to a large stockpot over medium high heat. You can also add about 1 cup of a flavorful broth to the pot for .
Season the water with crab boil seasoning, old bay seasoning, or your favorite cajun seasoning.
Add your ingredients
Once you get boiling water, add your baby red potatoes and sweet corn first.
Then you let them cook for about 20 minutes and add in your smoked sausage. After about 15 minutes the sausage should be tender.
Now you can add in your favorite seafood. Place your snow crab legs and shrimp directly into the large stockpot and boil for about 10 minutes.
Seafood to add to your Cajun Seafood Boil recipe
Some of the most popular seafood used in a Louisiana garlic butter seafood boil recipe are crab legs, crawfish (or crawdads). Almost any kind of shellfish will work though. You can even add some lobster tails to make it super fancy!
Crab legs are just as amazing as crawfish, (and in my opinion, better)! You can definitely add some dungeness crab legs, some king crab legs, or some jumbo shrimp too!
Ingredients for garlic butter sauce:
This garlic butter sauce is the star of this entire recipe! You will fall in love the second you taste it.
Here are the main ingredients you will need:
- Garlic powder: make sure you use the garlic powder and not garlic salt.
- Old bay seasoning: old bay has a distinct flavor that pairs beautifully with a crab boil
- Cajun seasoning: this is the main area that the salt content will come into play. So adjust it to get the best flavor for your taste buds.
- Spices: you should add some red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper to add spice to your butter sauce. Hot sauce adds another great kick to get the best flavors!
- Lemon wedges: adding fresh lemon juice gives it a nice acidity to balance the sauce.
All of these seasonings and spices are blended perfectly into the recipe for cajun crab boil butter sauce. You should also save some seafood boil sauce to dip your seafood into!
Plain melted butter is definitely a classic too. You can simply add some butter to a microwave safe bowl, and serve it with your seafood boil as a dipping sauce.
Pro-tips for the perfect low country boil:
To achieve the great flavor of this boil, here are some great tips for you to follow:
- The potatoes take longer to cook, so start cooking them first. Red potatoes are best because they do not get too mushy.
- Shrimp will cook SUPER fast! Use the biggest shrimp you can find; such as colossal shrimp or jumbo shrimp. You can use shell-on shrimp or you can buy it deshelled and cleaned.
- This seafood boil recipe calls for crab legs and shrimp, but you can add or take away any shellfish you would like.
- Some of the best recipes for a seafood boil include boiled eggs! You should definitely give it a try.
- Adjust your cook time based on the kind of seafood you're cooking. Snow crab and shrimp cook the fastest!
Video of the best seafood boil recipe:
FAQ
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes you can use frozen seafood for this recipe. Sometimes- it's cheaper, or just easier to find. Also, 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 with the shell on if you're buying frozen.
How long do I boil seafood?
Keep in mind the various type of seafood you will be adding to your low country boil. They will all cook at different speeds.
- Crab legs: boil for about 8-10 minutes for crab, 20 minutes for fresh crab clusters
- Shrimp: boil for about 3-5 minutes
- Sausage: boil for 8-10 minutes
Remember to boil your potatoes first, then add your corn before adding the seafood.
What to serve with a low country boil:
Although this is a complete meal in and of itself, you can add some side dishes to round out your seafood. Here are a few ideas:
- Garlic bread
- A side salad
- Some roasted vegetables
- Coleslaw
A lot of people like to use their bread to sop up that delicious juicy crab sauce. Adding a side of vegetables will also help balance out the meal!
Now that my mouth is watering.... enjoy this delicious seafood boil recipe!
More Seafood Recipes to try:
Salmon in Mushroom Cream Sauce
Shrimp Boil with Garlic Butter
📖 Recipe
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
- 1 Lemon cut in half
- 2 tablespoons Old bay Seasoning
- 2 Bay leaves
Seafood Boil Sauce (to pour over and dip)
- 4 sticks Butter unsalted
- ¼ 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 Tabasco 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.
- Enjoy!
Joanne says
This looks so good!!! My family loves seafood and garlic so this is the perfect combo! I can't wait to try it.
Tamara J. says
It is perfect for seafood, or just about anything! Enjoy!
HOTFITME says
This looks so good! I Will try it tomorrow but will only use a little paprika as my taste buds are sensitive
Tamara J. says
You can definitely adjust it to your spice level!
Chad says
I’ve done something similar to this recipe and it was delicious! Can’t wait to try yours.
Tamara J. says
Oh awesome! Definitely can't go wrong with garlic and butter!
Simone says
You had me at Garlic, Butter & Snow Crab for sure! I live alone, but don't mind making something this delicious just for me!
Tamara J. says
You could easily cut the ingredients to make it for one person!
Daniels says
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.
Tamara J. says
I hope you love it as well!
Felicia Austin says
This sounds absolutely mouth watering! I love grilled shrimp with butter sauce and this is right up my alley!
Tamara J. says
Yes, shrimp is delicious with this sauce also!
Kay says
Love crab almost as much as I love Garlic! So this recipe is a win, win for me!
Tamara J. says
Absolutely!
Aline says
Wow! I never knew seafood boil was so easy to make! I gotta try this!
Kenya Rae says
I planned on making seafood boil foil packs this week. This is right on time!
Tamara J. says
You can never go wrong with a good seafood boil!
Shari says
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.
Tamara J. says
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!
Carolyn says
How many do you think this would feed? Trying to make it for Father's Day for 5 guys...
Tamara J. says
Hi Carolyn. This particular recipe yields enough for 8 servings.
James says
So just one person lol
I’m making this recipe for my honey bunny and I on NYE. Probably be sleeping by 10pm hehe. Enjoy and be safe everyone.
Tamara J. says
Yes! Happy NY, enjoy!
Davidb says
Made this recipe for dinner. Overall taste was good, Just found the sauce a bit oily probably due to the butter. Just to confirm that I need almost 440grams of butter?
Tamara J. says
Hi David, yes it is a lot of butter! I included tips in the post to cut back on the butter- by using broth, or even water. The flavor is in the seasoning, so feel free to adjust to your preference!
Jazz says
I love the simplicity of the garlic butter sauce! Perfect seafood boil.
Tamara J. says
It is super simple, yet adds such amazing flavor!
Mila says
I love how easy and delicious this is! Now I'm going to do it all the time!
Katrina Adams says
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!!!
Tamara J. says
That's funny, because I didn't use to enjoy seafood either! Now I love it.
Dana says
Can you add lobster tails and other seafood?
Tamara J. says
You most certainly can! People have posted pictures of this recipe on Pinterest with all kinds of other seafood added!
LaKita says
I love a good seafood boil and your recipe looks so delicious and flavorful!
Tamara J. says
Thank you! I do too!
Sadia Malik says
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.
Tamara J. says
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!
Renia Butler says
oooohhhh weee.. this looks so good. I will have to try this recipe out at home.
Tamara J. says
Thank you. You definitely should!
Kim T Greenwell says
Girl this recipe is the BOMB!????♥️
Tamara J. says
Thanks love! So happy you enjoyed it.
Marta says
I love me a good seafood boil!! This hits me right in the feels!
Tamara J. says
Yes,they're the best!
Crystal says
I used this recipe to make a small batch of a seafood boil with just shrimp, potatoes, sausage, and an egg. It was soooooooo good!!! The lemon juice really helped to brighten the flavor too!
Tamara J. says
Thank you for the kind review Crystal!!
Amy Chung says
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!
Tamara J. says
This garlic butter pairs beautifully with any seafood boil! I hope you guys enjoy.
Jere Cassidy says
I am the only one in my house that eats crab and shrimp. This looks so good I am making this just for me.
Tamara J. says
Hey Jere! You most definitely should make it for yourself! It is delicious.
Lacie says
Do you think it would be ok to put a whole crab in? Or should I break it in half? Making this weekend for our anniversary and I'm nervous lol
Tamara J. says
Hey Lacie, I only used crab legs for this recipe. So you may want to look up instructions for cooking a whole crab just to ensure you do it correctly!
Alfredo says
I made this for my in-laws and 2 others. They loved it!! Thank you so much., ?
Alfredo says
I made this for my in-laws and 2 others. They loved it!! Thank you so much., ?
Tamara J. says
That makes me happy Alfredo! I'm glad you guys enjoyed it!
Sharee says
When and where do you add the 6 baby potatoes?? Did I miss a step ???
Tamara J. says
Hi Sharee! I updated the recipe to detail when the potatoes are added. Thanks for stopping by!
Aishah C. says
Hello beautiful! What are the steps for cooking in a oven bag? Please and thank you...
Tamara J. says
Hey there- I have a few more details in the post above. I’ll have to create a separate recipe for that though!
K.E says
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
Tamara J. says
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!
K.E says
Thank you !! Can’t wait to try for Good Friday it’s looks super yummy ????????????
Tamara J. says
Perfect day for a crab boil!
Imani says
Do I need to thaw the seafood before cooking ?
Tamara J. says
Hi Imani, it is not necessary, but you definitely can. If you cook from frozen, adjust cooking times accordingly.