Oh yes 😎 Let’s make a Cajun Seafood Boil—spicy, savory, and full of shrimp, crab, sausage, and corn. This is a fun, hands-on dish perfect for gatherings!
Cajun Seafood Boil
Ingredients (4–6 servings)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1–2 lbs crab legs or crawfish
- 1 lb smoked sausage, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4–6 small red potatoes
- 2–3 ears of corn, cut into thirds
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4–6 cups water
- 2–3 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1–2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 lemon, halved
- Optional: hot sauce, butter, fresh parsley for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the boil
- In a large pot, combine water, garlic, onion, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and lemon halves.
- Bring to a boil.
2. Cook the potatoes and sausage
- Add potatoes to the boiling water; cook 10–12 minutes, until just tender.
- Add sausage and corn; cook another 5–7 minutes.
3. Add seafood
- Add crab legs or crawfish; cook 5–7 minutes.
- Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes, until pink and opaque.
4. Serve
- Drain the pot and transfer everything to a large serving platter or newspaper-lined table for a classic presentation.
- Optional: Melted butter, lemon wedges, hot sauce, or chopped parsley for garnish.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
Tips
- Spicy variation: Add extra Cajun seasoning or a few dashes of cayenne.
- Flavor boost: Toss seafood in melted butter mixed with garlic and Cajun seasoning before serving.
- One-pot shortcut: Use pre-cooked seafood (like cooked shrimp or crab) and just heat through at the end.
I can also give a sheet-pan Cajun seafood boil version where everything roasts together in the oven—less mess, big flavor, and all the spice caramelizes beautifully.
Do you want me to do that?