Name: Ultimate Seafood Boil
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 pound large shell-on shrimp; 2 pounds crab legs (snow or king crab); 4 ears corn on the cob, cut into thirds; 1.5 pounds baby potatoes; 12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced; 1 lemon, sliced; 3 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning; 1 cup unsalted butter; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or chives (for garnish)

A proper seafood boil is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration. Piled high with juicy shrimp, buttery corn, tender potatoes, and crab legs that practically melt in your mouth, this Southern-inspired feast is meant for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a backyard get-together or craving something special on a Sunday evening, the Ultimate Seafood Boil brings people together over flavor-packed bites and finger-licking goodness.

The beauty of this dish is how customizable it is. You can swap in lobster tails or scallops, toss in spicy sausage, or play with your seasoning levels. The garlic butter sauce that drenches every bite is what makes this dish unforgettable. Served with lemon wedges and plenty of napkins, it’s messy in the best possible way.

What Kind of Seafood Should I Use?

The Ultimate Seafood Boil thrives on variety. Shrimp and crab legs are essential for that iconic texture contrast and briny sweetness. You can elevate it even further with lobster tails, mussels, or scallops. The key is to use seafood that cooks quickly and soaks up the garlicky, seasoned butter sauce.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Seafood Boil

Shrimp: Go for large, shell-on shrimp to keep them juicy while they cook.

Crab Legs: Snow crab or king crab legs bring sweet, delicate meat and add that classic boil look.

Corn on the Cob: Cut into chunks, corn soaks up the spicy, buttery broth beautifully.

Baby Potatoes: Tender and creamy, they help balance the bold flavors.

Andouille Sausage: Adds a smoky, spicy bite that ties everything together.

Lemon: Sliced for both cooking and serving, lemon brightens the whole boil.

Old Bay Seasoning: The backbone of any seafood boil, bringing bold, zesty heat.

Butter: Used generously for that luscious garlic sauce finish.

Garlic: Lots of it, minced finely for the butter sauce.

Fresh Parsley or Chives: For a pop of color and fresh herby finish.

How To Make the Ultimate Seafood Boil

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes and Corn

Fill a large stockpot with water, squeeze in the lemon slices, and bring to a boil. Add baby potatoes first and cook for about 10 minutes until slightly tender. Then, toss in the corn segments and boil for another 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Sausage and Crab Legs

Add sliced andouille sausage and crab legs to the pot. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes so the flavors start to meld.

Step 3: Add the Shrimp

Add the shrimp last since they cook quickly. Boil for 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Sprinkle in Old Bay seasoning and let everything simmer for a couple of minutes.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Drain the boil and transfer everything to a large tray or bowl. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce generously over the seafood and vegetables. Finish with chopped parsley or chives and extra lemon wedges for squeezing.

How to Serve and Store the Ultimate Seafood Boil

Serve your seafood boil hot and fresh, preferably on a large platter or even spread over newspaper for that authentic low-country feel. Have lemon wedges, extra melted butter, and crusty bread or hushpuppies nearby to soak up every last bit of flavor.

To store leftovers, allow everything to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water and a pat of butter to keep the seafood tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this seafood boil?

You control the heat! Add more Old Bay, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce if you love it fiery, or keep it mild for a more family-friendly version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep ingredients and make the garlic butter sauce ahead, but for best texture and flavor, cook everything just before serving.

What other seasonings can I use besides Old Bay?

Cajun seasoning, Creole blends, or even lemon pepper can add a fun twist. Adjust to your personal taste.

Can I cook everything in one pot?

Yes! That’s part of the charm. The key is staggering the ingredients based on cooking time so nothing overcooks.

What should I serve with a seafood boil?

Crusty bread, lemon wedges, simple green salad, and maybe even a chilled white wine or sweet tea make perfect companions.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing seafood can affect its texture, especially shrimp and potatoes. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short time.

Want More Seafood Ideas?

If you loved this Ultimate Seafood Boil, you’ll definitely want to check out these flavor-packed dishes next:

Cajun Shrimp Scampi for buttery heat in under 20 minutes.
Pan-Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce when you’re craving rich and flaky simplicity.
Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod for a lighter, zesty twist.
Slow Cooker Southern Shrimp Boil if you want hands-free seafood magic.
Louisiana Remoulade Sauce to drizzle over your boil or serve on the side for dipping.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest seafood board so you can revisit it for your next cookout or weekend feast.

And I’d love to hear how your boil turned out! Did you go all-out with lobster tails? Add extra spice or tone it down for the kids? Let’s swap tips in the comments.

Craving more recipes like this? Follow me over on Pinterest at Life with Jam where I share new ideas daily.

Ultimate Seafood Boil

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Serves 6

Print Recipe

Description

This Ultimate Seafood Boil is a celebration on a platter—brimming with shrimp, crab legs, corn, potatoes, and smoky sausage all tossed in a buttery garlic sauce. Perfect for summer gatherings, backyard feasts, or whenever you want to impress with minimal fuss and big flavor.