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Delicious Seafood Boil.

Seafood Boil Recipe

A seafood boil recipe is all about bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a fun, hands-on eating experience. Let’s dive into the must-have ingredients that make this dish unforgettable!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs shrimp (shell-on, deveined)
  • 1 lb crab legs
  • 1 lb mussels or clams
  • 4 ears corn (cut into halves)
  • 1.5 lbs baby red potatoes
  • 1 large onion (quartered)
  • 1 lemon (sliced in halves)
  • 5 garlic cloves (smashed)
  • 3 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 stick butter (melted)
  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
    Fill a large stockpot with water, leaving enough room for the seafood. Bring it to a rolling boil. While waiting, cut the corn, quarter the onion, and slice the lemon in half. Have everything ready to go—this recipe moves fast!
  • Step 2: Season the Boiling Water
    Once the water is boiling, add Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, garlic cloves, onion, and lemon slices. Stir everything well so the flavors blend into the broth. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the water with seasoning.
  • Step 3: Cook the Vegetables First
    Add the baby potatoes to the pot first since they take the longest to cook. Let them boil for 15 minutes. Next, throw in the corn and cook for another 10 minutes. This ensures both get perfectly tender and flavorful.
  • Step 4: Add the Seafood in Layers
    Now, it’s time for the star ingredients! Add the crab legs and let them cook for 7-8 minutes. Then, add the mussels or clams and cook for another 5 minutes. Finally, toss in the shrimp and cook for 3-5 minutes, just until they turn pink.
  • Step 5: Drain and Serve with Buttery Goodness
    Carefully drain the pot and spread everything onto a large serving platter or a table lined with parchment paper. Melt the butter and drizzle it over the seafood. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a final touch. Now, dig in!

Notes

Want to make your seafood boil recipe even better? Here are some expert tips and tricks!
  • Tip 1: Use seafood stock instead of water – This gives the broth extra depth and makes the flavor even richer.
  • Tip 2: Don’t overcook the seafood – Shrimp should turn pink, crab legs should be bright red, and mussels should open up. Keep a close eye on cooking times!
  • Tip 3: Adjust spice levels to your taste – If you love heat, add more cayenne or serve with a spicy dipping sauce. If you prefer milder flavors, use less seasoning.
  • Tip 4: Store leftovers properly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat using steaming or oven baking for the best texture.
Keyword The BEST Seafood Boil