Cajun Seafood Boil: 6 steps to make it like a Gulf Coast pro
Wondering what makes a Cajun Seafood Boil unforgettable? It’s all in the seasoning and timing. Learn the secrets inside.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large shrimp
- 2 pounds crawfish
- 1 pound snow crab legs
- 1 pound andouille sausage
- 2 pounds small red potatoes
- 4 ears fresh corn
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 head garlic
- 2 lemons
- ¼ cup Old Bay seasoning
- 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Cooking Base
- Fill your large stockpot with water (about 4-5 gallons) and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the lemon halves, bay leaves, onion, garlic, and your seafood boil spice combination. This aromatic foundation will infuse every ingredient with authentic Louisiana flavors that make this dish unforgettable.
Step 2: Add Potatoes and Sausage First
- Drop the halved potatoes and sliced andouille sausage into the bubbling, seasoned water. These ingredients need the longest cooking time and will release their flavors into the cooking liquid. Cook for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are just tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 3: Introduce the Corn
- Cook for a further five minutes after adding the corn segments to your seafood boil. The corn kernels should be crisp-tender and brilliant yellow. This timing ensures the corn doesn’t become mushy while still absorbing the incredible cajun seasonings.
Step 4: Add Crab Legs
- Gently lower the crab legs into the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes. Crab legs are typically pre-cooked, so you’re simply heating them through and allowing them to absorb the spicy, aromatic flavors of your perfectly seasoned cajun seafood.
Step 5: Final Seafood Addition
- Add the crawfish first (if using live ones), followed by the shrimp after 2 minutes. Cook the shrimp for only 2-3 minutes until they turn bright pink and curl slightly. Overcooking seafood will result in tough, rubbery textures that can ruin your seafood boil experience.
Step 6: Drain and Serve Immediately
- Using your slotted spoon and colander, carefully drain all ingredients and transfer them to newspaper-covered tables. Serve your seafood boil immediately while everything is steaming hot, accompanied by melted butter, extra lemon wedges, and additional cajun seasoning for those who want extra heat.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (based on 8 servings):- Calories: 485 calories
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 1,240mg
- Fiber: 4g