Name: Cajun Seafood Boil with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 (12 oz) Beer (your favorite brand); 8 quarts Water (pot should be about 2/3 full, add more if needed); 5 Bay leaves; 1 cup Old Bay Seasoning; 2 tablespoons Smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons Cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon Black pepper; 2 tablespoons Dried thyme; 2 Lemons (sliced); 10 Garlic cloves (peeled and smashed); 2 Large onions (peeled and sliced); 2 tablespoons Salt; 3 lbs Red potatoes (halved); 6 ears Corn (peeled and cut into thirds); 1 lb Andouille sausage; 2 lbs Snow crab clusters/legs; 1 lb Lobster tails; 1 lb Mussels (optional); 1 lb Clams (optional); 2 lbs Jumbo shrimp; 2 cups Butter (4 sticks); 8 Garlic cloves (diced finely); 1/4 cup Cajun seasoning; 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning; 1 tablespoon Red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon Onion powder; 1/2 tablespoon Brown sugar; Salt to taste (approximately 1 teaspoon); 2 cups Reserved broth (from seafood boil); Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Ingredients

2 (12 oz) Beer (use your favorite beer)

8 qts Water (pot should be about 2/3 full, add more if needed)

5 Bay leaves

1 cup Old Bay Seasoning

2 tbsp Smoked paprika

2 tbsp Cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 tbsp Black pepper

2 tbsp Dried thyme

2 Lemons (sliced)

10 Garlic cloves (peeled and smashed)

2 Large onions (peeled and sliced)

2 tbsp Salt

3 lbs Red potatoes (halved)

6 ears Corn (peeled and cut into thirds)

1 lb Andouille sausage

2 lbs Snow crab clusters/legs

1 lb Lobster tails

1 lb Mussels (optional)

1 lb Clams (optional)

2 lbs Jumbo shrimp

2 cups Butter (4 sticks)

8 Garlic cloves (diced finely)

1/4 cup Cajun seasoning

2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning

1 tbsp Red pepper flakes (optional)

1 tbsp Onion powder

1/2 tbsp Brown sugar

Salt to taste (about 1 tsp)

2 cups Reserved broth (from the seafood boil)

Fresh parsley (for garnish)

1/2 cup Hot sauce (for serving, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large stock pot, add the beer and water. Bring to a boil, then add bay leaves, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, dried thyme, salt, lemon slices, smashed garlic cloves, and sliced onions. Stir and boil for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 2: Add halved red potatoes and corn pieces. Cook until the potatoes are tender but not mushy, about 15 minutes. Then add the andouille sausage and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the snow crab legs and boil for 3 minutes. Next, add lobster tails, mussels, clams, and jumbo shrimp. Cover with a lid and cook for 5–7 minutes until mussels and clams open and shrimp turn pink. Stir gently, reserve 2 cups of the broth, then drain the pot.

Step 4: Prepare a large surface such as a table covered with newspaper or a serving tray. Spread the seafood boil across it for a casual serving style.

Step 5: For the garlic butter sauce, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add finely diced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), onion powder, brown sugar, and salt.

Step 6: Pour in 1 cup of the reserved broth and simmer on low for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. For a thinner sauce, use 2 cups of broth. Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley.

Step 7: Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the seafood boil. Serve immediately with hot sauce on the side if desired. Use any leftover sauce as a dip for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.

Swap andouille sausage for smoked kielbasa or chorizo for a different smoky twist.

Add other shellfish like clams and mussels based on availability and personal taste.

Serve with crusty bread or steamed rice to soak up the flavorful juices.

FAQs

Can I prepare the seafood boil in advance?

It’s best to cook and serve the seafood boil fresh for optimal flavor and texture. However, you can prepare the broth and vegetables ahead, then add seafood just before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?

Old Bay is a blend of spices commonly used in seafood boils. You can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, cayenne, and mustard powder to achieve a similar flavor profile.