Crab Boil Recipe

A delicious and hearty crab boil perfect for any gathering.

The crab boil is a quintessential Southern dish that embodies the spirit of communal dining and celebration. This festive meal features a variety of seafood, especially crab, along with sausage, potatoes, and corn, all boiled together in a flavorful broth. Historically, crab boils were a way for coastal communities to come together and enjoy the bounty of the sea, and they continue to be a beloved tradition today.

In this recipe, we'll walk you through each step to create an unforgettable crab boil experience, whether you're hosting a summer party or simply craving a satisfying seafood feast. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into a deliciously messy and joyous meal!

Ingredients

• 12 cups water
• 1 cup Old Bay seasoning
• 2 lemons, halved
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 pounds small red potatoes
• 6 ears corn, cut into thirds
• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 4 pounds live crab
• 1 pound large shrimp, deveined and shell-on
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

Calories: ~750 calories

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Before you start, gather all your ingredients and equipment. Make sure the crabs are clean and alive, the shrimp deveined, and all vegetables prepped. Halve the lemons, quarter the onion, and smash the garlic cloves.
2. Boil Water: In a very large pot, add 12 cups of water, Old Bay seasoning, lemons, bay leaves, onion, and garlic. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Cook Potatoes: Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the small red potatoes. Boil for about 10-15 minutes until they are just starting to get tender but still firm.
4. Add Corn: Add the ears of corn to the pot and continue to cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the corn to soak up the flavors.
5. Add Sausage: Next, add the sliced andouille sausage to the pot. Let it boil for 5 minutes to blend with the other ingredients.
6. Prepare Crab: Carefully add the live crabs to the boiling pot. Cover with a lid and boil for 12-15 minutes, making sure all the crabs turn a bright orange-red color.
7. Add Shrimp: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the shrimp to the pot. They will cook quickly and are done once they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
8. Melt Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
9. Drain and Serve: Using a large slotted spoon, carefully transfer all the cooked ingredients to a large platter or directly onto a newspaper-covered table for an authentic feel. Drizzle with the melted butter.
10. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh touch. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the seafood.

Enjoy your hearty crab boil with family and friends, and don't forget to have plenty of napkins on hand! For an extra touch, try serving the boil with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. Remember, the key to a great crab boil is in the seasoning and the joy of communal eating. Dive in, get messy, and savor every bite!