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Dive into my go-to Cajun Seafood Boil, loaded with fresh shellfish, sausage + veggies. All cooked to perfection and smothered in a spicy Cajun buttery sauce. It's messy, finger-licking good, and downright delicious!
Spice up your kitchen with My Favorite Cajun Seafood Boil. It's packed with bold flavors like Cajun seasoning, and smoky Andouille sausage, and loaded with succulent lobster, shrimp, crab + sweet corn, this dish is a true feast. And don't forget the incredible buttery sauce that drowns and smothers all that hearty goodness! This finger-licking-good recipe is easy to make and perfect for serving a crowd. Gluten-free.
You know, it wouldn't be right to have all these seafood recipes on the site and not include My Favorite Cajun Seafood Boil, especially as summer cookout season rolls around. There's just something about that delightful mix of seafood, sausage, potatoes, and corn, all soaked in sauce and enjoyed with messy fingers—it's unbeatable, especially during these warm summer months.
I just love whipping up my own garlic butter sauce, mixed with my homemade Cajun seasoning—it's a match made in heaven when poured over everything. And let me tell you, it's perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, it's interactive + fun to eat that both adults and kids can enjoy. Plus it's ready in under 1 hour!
A seafood boil is like a big party in a pot! You toss in a bunch of seafood—shrimp, crab, lobster, whatever you like—along with some spices + veggies. Then you let it all simmer together until it's cooked up just right. Then you can top it with a rich garlic butter + herb sauce. It's a super easy way to enjoy a delicious meal with friends and family, where everyone can dig in and have a good time.
Why You Will LOVE My Favorite Cajun Seafood Boil
Cajun seasoning + spices infuse every bite with a punch of flavor.
The luscious garlic butter sauce will have you swooning!
A fun + messy, finger-licking feast of seafood goodness.
Easy to make + brimming with all the meaty, hearty bites!
Enjoy as a main dish or part of a spread!
IngredientsFor Cajun Seafood Boil
Here's everything you'll need to create a seafood feast packed with my favorites, along with Andouille sausage, veggies, and bold spices that you're sure to love.
SEAFOOD BOIL:
Water.
Vegetable stock. You can also substitute w/ your fave beer for more flavor!
Lemons. Provides citrusy brightness and a hint of tanginess to balance the richness of the seafood.
Bay leaves. Adds subtle herbal notes to the broth.
Andouille sausage. Sliced into rounds. Contributes smoky, spicy flavors and adds heartiness to the dish.
Baby potatoes. Gold or red.
Wild-caught lobster tails. It's such a nice succulent meat with a delicate flavor and firm texture.
Wild-caught large or jumbo shrimp. Adds sweetness and a tender texture to the dish.
Snow crab legs. Provides sweet, briny flavor and succulent meat, a classic addition to any seafood boil.
Corn on the cob. Mini ears are a nice manageable size.
Hot sauce. To taste.
GARLIC BUTTER SAUCE:
Butter, Unsalted, melted + WARM. Use dairy-free/vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Garlic cloves. Minced.
Seasonings. Old Bay seasoning, dried parsley, cajun seasoning + smoked paprika.
Broth from seafood pot. For added flavor.
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS SEAFOOD BOIL!
Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with My Favorite Cajun Seafood Boils. Everything from my fave pots, skillet, mixing bowls, cooking tongs, cooking utensils, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
How To MakeMy Favorite Cajun Seafood Boil
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how to make this seafood boil feast!
PREP THE BOIL:
In a large stockpot or dutch oven (at least 9 oz. in size) over medium-high heat, add the water and veggie stock (or beer if using), stirring together to combine. Bring to a boil.
Add the Old Bay seasoning, cajun seasoning, halved onions, lemon slices, and bay leaves, stirring everything together until combined. Boil for another 13-25 minutes.
COOK THE POTATOES + SAUSAGE FIRST:
Add the potatoes and sausage rounds and stir everything to combine. Let both cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender when testing with a fork.
COOK THE SEAFOOD + CORN:
At this point, add in the shrimp, lobster tails, and crab legs, carefully stirring to combine everything. Continue to boil for another 6-8 minutes or until the shrimp and lobster tails have changed in color (now pink + bright red).
TO MAKE THE GARLIC BUTTER:
In a bowl, add the melted butter along with the minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, cajun seasoning, parsley, smoked paprika, and 2 Tbsps from the seafood broth in the pot-----stirring everything together to combine.
ASSEMBLY:
Line a large baking sheet with parchment, foil paper, or newspaper, and using a skimmer-----strain the cooked seafood + veggies onto prepared sheet, spreading them out evenly. Once done, generously spoon the garlic butter atop cooked seafood + veggies and garnish with hot sauce, if desired.
Tips + TricksFor The Ultimate Cajun Seafood Boil
Don't be shy with the Cajun seasoning! Add plenty to the pot for a bold + flavorful boil. Making your own cajun seasoning takes things to another level!
Opt for a very large pot, like a 10-quart Dutch oven or a super big stock pot, to accommodate all the ingredients comfortably.
Beer adds a lot of extra flavor! If you prefer not to use beer, chicken broth/stock or nonalcoholic beer can be excellent substitutes.
Timing is key, add ingredients to the pot in stages based on their cooking times. Start with the longest cooking items like potatoes + sausage, then add seafood like shrimp, crab, and lobster later to prevent overcooking.
Taste as you go and adjust seasoning levels throughout the cooking process to ensure the flavors are just right.
How To Serve Your Cajun Seafood Boil
Seafood boils are typically served in a fun + messy way—dumped onto a newspaper-lined table! You pour the buttery sauce over everything, and everyone dives in for their favorite bites. It's chaotic but in the best way possible and makes clean-up a breeze. However, you can also serve it on a big baking sheet or you can serve it in individual foil wraps and/or plates for a neater setup.
Southern-Inspired Eats To Enjoy With Seafood Boil
If you want to add to this delicious feast here are a few other favorites I know you will love:
Store any leftovers in a tightly covered container or glass dish and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
Can I adjust the spices?
If desired, you can reduce the amounts slightly. Please know that this recipe is bold in flavor, so feel free to adjust based on your tastebuds.
Can I use frozen seafood?
Of course! You can use frozen seafood, just make sure it's fully thawed before cooking. While fresh wild-caught shrimp is ideal for flavor, frozen ones will do the job as well.
Spice up your kitchen with My Favorite Cajun Seafood Boil. It's packed with bold flavors like Cajun seasoning, and smoky Andouille sausage, and loaded with succulent lobster, shrimp, crab + sweet corn, this dish is a true feast. And don't forget the incredible garlic butter sauce that drowns and smothers all that hearty goodness! This finger-licking-good recipe is easy to make and perfect for serving a crowd. Gluten-free
In a large stockpot or dutch oven (at least 9 oz. in size) over medium-high heat, add the water and veggie stock (or beer if using), stirring together to combine. Bring to a boil.
Add the Old Bay seasoning, cajun seasoning, halved onions, lemon slices, and bay leaves, stirring everything together until combined. Boil for another 13-25 minutes.
COOK THE POTATOES + SAUSAGE FIRST:
Add the potatoes and sausage rounds and stir everything to combine. Let both cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender when testing with a fork.
COOK THE SEAFOOD + CORN:
At this point, add in the shrimp, lobster tails, and crab legs, carefully stirring to combine everything. Continue to boil for another 6-8 minutes or until the shrimp and lobster tails have changed in color (now pink + bright red).
TO MAKE THE GARLIC BUTTER:
In a bowl, add the melted butter along with the minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, cajun seasoning, parsley, smoked paprika, and 2 Tbsps from the seafood broth in the pot-----stirring everything together to combine.
ASSEMBLY:
Line a large baking sheet with parchment, foil paper, or newspaper, and using a skimmer-----strain the cooked seafood + veggies onto prepared sheet, spreading them out evenly. Once done, generously spoon the garlic butter atop cooked seafood + veggies and garnish with hot sauce, if desired.
Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
STORAGE: Store any leftovers in a tightly covered container or glass dish and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
SERVING: You can always enjoy this seafood boil right from the sheet pan for a fun dinner moment or you can serve in individual foil wraps and/or plates.
SPICES/HERBS: If desired, you can reduce the amounts slightly. Please know that this recipe is bold in flavor, so feel free to adjust based on your tastebuds.
I’ve been following orchids and sweet tea for sometime and I’ve not been compelled to comment on a recipe exuberantly as this one! the photograph looks SO incredible and I’m so happy that I can easily replicate this at home without having a huge outdoor back patio and 20-100 ppl and be able to still enjoy these flavors - thank you so much!
Hi Yana! Wow---I'm truly so grateful for your love + support! Thanks so much for choosing to follow me for a while and I created this recipe just for that reason: to be able to enjoy it at home too! I really hope that you love this one! 🙂
LOVE THIS RECIPE?
LET US KNOW!
I never thought that I could make such a delicious staple at home. Such a game changer!
Hi Paula! I'm so glad that you enjoyed this recipe! It's really one of my faves! 🙂
I’ve been following orchids and sweet tea for sometime and I’ve not been compelled to comment on a recipe exuberantly as this one! the photograph looks SO incredible and I’m so happy that I can easily replicate this at home without having a huge outdoor back patio and 20-100 ppl and be able to still enjoy these flavors - thank you so much!
Hi Yana! Wow---I'm truly so grateful for your love + support! Thanks so much for choosing to follow me for a while and I created this recipe just for that reason: to be able to enjoy it at home too! I really hope that you love this one! 🙂