Last Updated on March 11, 2024 by Karen
Recreate the mouthwatering flavors of Juicy Crab Seafood Boil with snow crab legs seasoned with a delectable Cajun butter sauce right at home with these easy-to-follow steps — get ready to spice up your kitchen and your taste buds!
I’m a big fan of seafood boil, especially ones with crab legs juicy and bursting with flavor, tender shrimp, with ears of corn, hearty potatoes, slices of smoky, flavorful sausage all infused with the flavors of the seasoned broth. We used to have a seafood boil joint just 5 minutes from where we live. After it closed two years ago, we weren’t about to let our taste buds suffer.
So, we gathered a bunch of fresh seafood, a big pot, and a load of spices, determined to recreate the feast. Shrimp, crab legs, crawfish, fresh corn, and potatoes all got tossed in, and soon enough, we were digging into this fantastic seafood boil. Turns out, seafood boil is super easy to make at home! This easy seafood boil recipe is definitely a keeper. You can use the same method to make not just crab boil, but crawfish boil, shrimp boil, low country boil — it’s a versatile, tasty recipe!
The best part is definitely the special sauce — you’ll want to make extra of this juicy crab sauce for dipping the tender potatoes, corn, garlic bread, and whatever side you serve it with. This will rival the sauce they serve at any seafood restaurant.
If you don’t want to make a full pot of seafood boil, you can try my Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Boil Foil Packets recipe!
What is Juicy Crab Seafood Boil?
Juicy Crab Seafood Boil is a popular dish that combines a variety of fresh seafood with flavorful seasonings. It is typically made by boiling a mixture of seafood, such as juicy crab legs, shrimp, crawfish, mussels, and/or clams, boiled together with a variety of flavorful seasonings and spices. The seafood is often cooked in a large pot or bag, along with ingredients like corn on the cob, potatoes, and sausage, all soaking up the delicious flavors of the seasoned broth.
Crab boil is a delicious and popular way to prepare seafood, especially in regions known for their seafood culinary traditions, such as the Southern United States and parts of Louisiana. The result is a hearty and indulgent meal that’s known for its bold flavors and messy, hands-on eating experience.
How to make juicy crab seafood boil at home?
To make a juicy crab seafood boil at home, you will need the following ingredients:
Lemon: Provides a bright citrusy note that complements the seafood and adds a refreshing touch to the dish.
Onion: Yellow or white onion works. Contributes a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the broth.
Garlic: Infuses the broth with aromatic flavor and adds complexity to the dish. You also need this for the Cajun garlic butter sauce. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can substitute with dried garlic granules or garlic powder in a pinch.
Bay leaves: Imparts a subtle herbal flavor to the broth, enhancing its depth and richness.
Cajun seasoning: Provides a signature blend of spices, including paprika, celery salt, and red pepper, adding a bold and distinctive flavor to the seafood boil. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can substitute with Old Bay seasoning. Remember that Cajun seasoning often contains salt, so adjust accordingly.
Fresh seafood: The highlight of this recipe is the snow crab legs, but you can use any seafood of your choice, such as shrimp, king crab legs, lobster tails, and crawfish.
Sausage: Adds richness and depth of flavor to the dish, with smoky and savory notes that complement the seafood. Andouille sausage, kielbasa, or any kind of smoked sausage works great.
Corn: Fresh corn is best but if it not in season, you can just use frozen corn on the cob
Potatoes: I like to use potatoes with the skin on, so baby potatoes and fingerling potatoes are my top choices. You can also use red potatoes or Yukon gold. Depending on the size of the potatoes you use, you might have to halve or quarter them to about 1 inch pieces for even cooking.
Butter: I prefer to use unsalted butter so I can adjust the amount of salt after adding the Cajun seasoning (sometimes it can be too salty, depending on the brand).
Step-by-step guide on how to make a juicy crab seafood boil at home:
- Fill a large stockpot with plenty of water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add the aromatics (onions, garlic, lemon, bay leaves, Old Bay seasoning) and then let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the corn, potatoes and sausage to the pot and let them cook for about 10 minutes until the potatoes start to soften slightly.
- Add the seafood to the pot. Stir gently to ensure all the seafood and ingredients are submerged in the liquid. Boil with the lid covered until the seafood is cooked through. Cooking time will vary, depending on what seafood you use. Crab legs are usually already cooked, so you just need to make sure they are heat through.
- Once the seafood is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and carefully drain the liquid. Transfer the seafood boil to a large serving platter or spread it out on the dining table covered with newspaper for a fun, casual presentation. You can also place in a plastic bag and shake up with the Cajun garlic butter sauce.
- Serve the seafood boil hot, with additional sauce and lemon wedges on the side for dipping.
What is Cajun garlic butter sauce?
Cajun garlic butter sauce is a rich and flavorful sauce that is often used as a dipping sauce for seafood. It is made by combining melted butter with Cajun seasoning, garlic, brown sugar, lemon juice, and salt and pepper.
The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick to the butter sauce. The sauce can be served alongside seafood, such as shrimp, crab legs, and lobster tails, for dipping or drizzled over the seafood boil for added flavor. Cajun garlic butter sauce is a delicious addition to the juicy crab seafood boil, adding an extra layer of flavor to the already tasty dish.
Is the Juicy Crab Seafood Boil spicy?
The spiciness level of seafood boils at The Juicy Crab can vary depending on the specific seasoning blend or sauce you choose. For my recipe, I would say it is medium heat level. You can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a bit more heat.
What kind of crab should I use in the seafood boil?
When it comes to choosing the type of crab for your seafood boil, there are several options to consider. Some popular choices include:
Snow crab clusters: These are known for their sweet and delicate meat. They are easy to crack and provide a generous amount of meat.
King crab legs: These crab legs are larger in size and have a rich and succulent flavor. They are perfect for special occasions or when you want to indulge.
Dungeness crab claws: Known for their tender and flavorful meat, they are commonly used in seafood boils and provide a unique taste.
Ultimately, the choice of crab comes down to personal preference. You can also mix different types of crab to create a varied and delicious seafood boil.
What other seafood should I include in this snow crab leg boil recipe?
In addition to the snow crab legs, there are many other types of seafood that you can include in your juicy crab seafood boil. Some of my favorite seafood to add in include:
Shrimp: Crab legs and shrimp is a classic combination for seafood boils. It cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the seasonings.
Lobster tails: Lobster tails add an element of luxury to the seafood boil. They have a sweet and succulent flavor that pairs well with the other seafood. Make sure the lobster tails are thawed before cooking so that it cooks up evenly.
Crawfish: Crawfish are a staple in Cajun cuisine. They have a unique flavor and are often added to seafood boils for a taste of the South.
Mussels and clams: These are a great addition to the seafood boil. They have a briny and slightly sweet taste that complements the other seafood.
Feel free to mix and match different types of seafood to create a seafood boil that suits your taste buds.
What sides should I serve with the juicy crab seafood boil?
When serving a juicy crab seafood boil, it’s always nice to have some sides to accompany the main dish. Here are a few ideas for side dishes that pair well with the seafood boil:
- Cole Slaw: A crunchy and refreshing side dish that offers a contrast to the richness of the crab and sausage.
- Fresh Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the heaviness of the boil.
- Hush Puppies: Deep-fried cornmeal batter that pairs well with seafood and adds a crispy texture to the meal.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve a medley of steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and green beans for a healthier option.
- French Fries or Potato Wedges: Another classic accompaniment that adds a starchy element to the meal.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces like melted butter, cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or aioli for extra flavor.
- Pickles and Pickled Vegetables: These can add a tangy and crunchy contrast to the richness of the crab boil.
- Garlic Bread: Serve garlic bread or garlic knots alongside the crab boil. The buttery, garlicky flavor pairs wonderfully with the savory crab, potatoes, and sausage. It’s also great for soaking up any extra juices or sauces from the boil.
- Corn on the Cob: If you’re not already including corn in the boil, serving extra corn on the cob can be a hit, especially for corn lovers.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of the flavorful crab boil.
How to store leftover juicy crab seafood boil?
If you have any leftovers from your juicy crab seafood boil, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Here are a few tips for storing and reheating leftover seafood boil. Transfer the leftover seafood and any other components to airtight containers or resealable plastic bags, and place in the refrigerator. Leftover Juicy Crab seafood boil can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
When ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them gently to avoid overcooking or drying out the seafood. You can do this by steaming or microwaving them briefly, or even sautéing them lightly in a pan with a bit of butter or oil.
What other variations to this recipe?
While the juicy crab seafood boil with Cajun butter sauce is already a fantastic recipe, there are several variations you can try to switch things up. Here are a few ideas:
- Beer: Instead of using plain water as the base for the seafood boil, you can add 2-3 bottles of beer to the cooking liquid for extra flavor. Lager and ale are good choice.
- Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth for extra flavor.
- Hot pepper: If you like your seafood boil spicy, you can add some cayenne pepper or fresh hot peppers, such as jalapenos or habaneros, to the boiling water to infuse some heat into the dish.
- Fresh garlic: For an extra garlicky flavor, you can add fresh garlic cloves to the boiling water. This will impart a strong and aromatic garlic taste to the seafood.
- Lemon pepper: Add some lemon pepper to the Cajun garlic butter sauce for a zesty note.
Ingredients
For the Cajun garlic butter sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the seafood crab boil:
- 4-6 quarts water
- 1 lemon cut into wedges
- 1 medium onion quartered
- 4 cloves garlic smashed
- 2 bay leaves
- 2-3 tbsps Cajun seasoning or to taste
- 2 lbs crab legs
- 2 lbs shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 lb mussels, clams or a mix cleaned
- corn on the cob halved
- potatoes halved or quartered
- sausage links (such as Andouille or smoked sausage) sliced
Instructions
For the Cajun garlic butter sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the saucepan. Cook the garlic, stirring frequently, for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much.
- Add the Cajun seasoning and brown sugar to the saucepan and let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste
- Remove sauce from the heat and transfer it to a serving bowl to serve alongside your seafood or pour it directly over the seafood.
For the seafood crab boil:
- Boil water in a large pot. Add lemons, onions, garlic, bay leaves, and Old Bay seasoning. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Add corn, potatoes, and sausage, cook for 10 minutes.
- Add seafood and cook for 5-8 minutes until done.
- Drain, transfer to a large baking sheet, a large bowl, or bag, and toss with Cajun garlic butter sauce.
- Serve hot with extra sauce, fresh lemon wedges, a little bit of hot sauce. Enjoy!
I hope you like this easy recipe for seafood boil. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family!
