Ultimate Seafood Boil

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This Ultimate Seafood Boil is a flavor-packed feast that brings coastal comfort straight to your table. Overflowing with juicy shrimp, succulent crab legs, sweet corn, and tender potatoes, it’s the kind of dish that turns any dinner into a celebration. Whether you’re gathering with family for the holidays or throwing a casual backyard party, this Southern-inspired boil is guaranteed to impress.

What makes this dish irresistible is its buttery garlic seasoning, kicked up with Cajun spices and fresh herbs. Each bite is loaded with savory richness, perfectly balanced by the natural sweetness of corn and seafood. It’s messy, it’s communal, and it’s completely satisfying—the very definition of finger-licking good.

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What Kind of Seafood Should I Use?

The beauty of a seafood boil is its flexibility. You can tailor the seafood mix to suit your taste or what’s fresh at the market. For a classic boil, snow crab legs and jumbo shrimp are the stars. Feel free to add clams, mussels, lobster tails, or crawfish for even more variety. Just make sure to use shell-on shrimp for maximum flavor, and keep seafood with similar cooking times together to avoid overcooking.

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Ingredients for the Ultimate Seafood Boil

Crab Legs – The rich, flaky meat of snow or king crab legs is a true showstopper and holds up beautifully in seasoned butter.

Jumbo Shrimp (shell-on) – These cook quickly and soak up all the garlicky, spicy goodness while retaining a juicy bite.

Corn on the Cob – Adds sweetness and texture; break into halves or thirds for easy serving.

Baby Potatoes – Creamy and hearty, they help balance out the richness of the seafood.

Smoked Sausage – Brings a smoky, savory punch to the mix and ties the whole dish together.

Garlic Butter Sauce – Melted butter, garlic, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, and a touch of hot sauce make the ultimate drizzle.

Lemon – Freshly squeezed lemon adds brightness and helps cut through the richness.

Old Bay Seasoning – This classic blend brings that signature seafood boil flavor.

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How To Make the Ultimate Seafood Boil

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Fill a large stockpot with water and season generously with Old Bay. Add baby potatoes and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until fork-tender.

Step 2: Add Corn and Sausage

Toss in the corn and sliced smoked sausage. Let them boil together with the potatoes for another 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Seafood

Carefully add the crab legs and shrimp to the pot. Boil just until the shrimp turn pink and the crab legs are heated through—about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the seafood is boiling, melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, and hot sauce. Simmer until fragrant, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Drain and Toss

Drain everything from the pot and transfer to a large serving tray or bowl. Drizzle the hot garlic butter sauce generously over the seafood, potatoes, and corn. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a little extra Old Bay if desired.

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How to Serve and Store the Ultimate Seafood Boil

Serve your seafood boil immediately while it’s piping hot, ideally on a large platter or straight on a newspaper-covered table for a traditional experience. Provide plenty of napkins, seafood crackers, and lemon wedges. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with extra butter or steam to retain moisture.

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What to Serve With Ultimate Seafood Boil?

Classic Coleslaw

The creamy crunch of coleslaw balances the bold, spicy flavors.

Cheddar Biscuits

Warm, cheesy biscuits are perfect for soaking up that leftover butter sauce.

Watermelon Feta Salad

A fresh and sweet contrast that lightens up the meal.

Garlic Bread

For even more buttery, garlicky goodness alongside the main dish.

Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce

Double down on the spice and shrimp with this quick side dish https://savorqueen.com/cajun-shrimp-with-garlic-butter-sauce/.

Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

If you’re feeding a crowd, this comforting dish fits right in https://savorqueen.com/dads-creamy-cheesy-au-gratin-potatoes/.

Creamy Crab Pasta Salad

A cool and creamy side to contrast the hot seafood https://savorqueen.com/creamy-crab-pasta-salad/.

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Want More Dinner Ideas with Coastal Flavor?

If you love this seafood boil, you’ll enjoy diving into more ocean-inspired and Southern comfort recipes:

• Creamy Crab Pasta Salad is a chilled dish that’s perfect for picnics.
• Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce for a spicy, weeknight dinner fix.
• Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup if you’re craving something cozy and hearty.
• Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gravy that melts in your mouth.
• Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken when you want a Southern twist beyond seafood.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe a splash of bourbon or a drizzle of honey glaze? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

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