Cajun Seafood Boil with Garlic Butter Sauce

Why make this recipe

Making a Cajun Seafood Boil with Garlic Butter Sauce is a great way to enjoy a flavor-packed feast with family and friends. It’s a fun and interactive meal that brings everyone together. You can customize it with your favorite seafood and seasonings, making each boil unique. Plus, the combination of spices and garlic butter sauce elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just having a casual dinner, this recipe is sure to impress!

How to make Cajun Seafood Boil with Garlic Butter Sauce

Ingredients

• 3 quarts water
• 1 (12-ounce) can of beer (optional but highly recommended)
• 3 tablespoons Creole Cajun Seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• Hot sauce, to taste
• 1 medium yellow onion, roughly sliced into half-moons
• 1 large lemon, cut into wedges (plus more for serving)
• 12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 lb baby potatoes (red or gold, or a mix of both)
• 1 lb pre-cooked snow crab leg clusters (fresh or frozen)
• 1 – 1 ½ lbs jumbo shrimp, deveined, shell-on or peeled
• 4-6 ears sweet corn on the cob (mini ones work well)
• 4-6 hard boiled eggs (optional)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 10 cloves of garlic, finely minced or pressed
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon Creole Cajun Seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Hot sauce, to taste

Directions

1. In an extra-large stockpot or Dutch oven (about 10 quarts or larger) over medium-high heat, combine the water and beer (if using). Bring to a boil.
2. Add Creole Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, and hot sauce to taste. Add sliced onion and lemon wedges, stirring well. Boil for 15 minutes.
3. Add the andouille sausage rounds and baby potatoes. Stir well and cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Gently add snow crab clusters, shrimp, and corn. Ensure everything is submerged. Stir and boil for another 5-7 minutes until the shrimp turns pink.
5. For the garlic butter sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and hot sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
6. Line an extra-large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper (or newspaper if you prefer). Remove the seafood boil contents with a spider strainer and place them on the baking sheet, discarding onion and lemon.
7. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the seafood boil ingredients. Use your hands (with gloves, if desired) to toss the sauce with the seafood.
8. Serve directly from the baking sheet for a fun and messy experience or divide onto individual plates if you prefer. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.

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How to serve Cajun Seafood Boil with Garlic Butter Sauce

You can serve the Cajun Seafood Boil right on the baking sheet for a casual and fun experience. Let everyone dig in with their hands and enjoy the messiness of the meal. If you prefer a more formal presentation, divide the seafood and sides onto individual plates. Be sure to have extra lemon wedges and crusty bread on the side to soak up any delicious garlic butter sauce!

How to store Cajun Seafood Boil with Garlic Butter Sauce

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the seafood boil in a pot over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to maintain moisture.

Tips to make Cajun Seafood Boil with Garlic Butter Sauce

• Make your own Creole Cajun seasoning for a personal touch and adjust the spice level to your preference.
• Use fresh seafood when possible for the best flavor, but pre-cooked options also work well.
• Don’t skip on the garlic butter sauce—it’s the key to elevating the dish!

Variation

Feel free to switch up your seafood choices! You can include clams, mussels, or lobster for a different take on the classic boil. Adjust the cook time of the seafood accordingly to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.

FAQs

Can I make this dish in advance?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and boil them just before serving.

Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, you can use frozen seafood. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the boil for even cooking.

What side dishes go well with a Cajun Seafood Boil?
Cornbread, coleslaw, or a simple salad can complement the meal nicely. You can also enjoy it with crusty bread to soak up the leftover garlic butter sauce.