Mardi Gras is all about celebration, music, and, most importantly, incredible food! One of the most festive and flavorful dishes you can serve is a classic seafood boil. Loaded with shrimp, crab, crawfish, sausage, corn, and potatoes, this dish is a hands-on feast that brings everyone together. So grab your beads and let’s get boiling!
Seafood Boil
Prep Time: 30 min
Cook Time: 40 min
Ingredients
(Serves 6-8 people)
- 3 lbs crawfish (or substitute with more shrimp and crab)
- 2 lbs large shrimp, shell-on
- 2 lbs crab legs
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 4 ears corn, cut into halves
- 2 lbs baby potatoes
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 1 head garlic, halved
- 3 lemons, halved
- 4 tbsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 3 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 4 bay leaves
- ½ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup hot sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- French bread for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Boil: Fill a large stockpot (at least 10 quarts) about halfway with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add Old Bay seasoning, paprika, cayenne, salt, black pepper, bay leaves, onions, garlic, and lemons. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to develop flavor.
- Cook the Veggies & Sausage: Add the baby potatoes and sausage to the pot. Let them cook for about 15 minutes until the potatoes start to soften. Then, toss in the corn and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the Seafood: First, add the crab legs and let them cook for 5 minutes. Then, add the shrimp and crawfish, cooking for another 3-4 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook!
- Drain & Toss: Turn off the heat and carefully drain the seafood and vegetables. Spread them out over a large serving table lined with newspaper for a fun, communal dining experience.
- Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with hot sauce. Drizzle over the seafood boil or serve as a dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Dig In! Serve with French bread, extra hot sauce, and plenty of napkins. Let the good times roll!
Laissez les bons temps rouler! This Mardi Gras seafood boil is the perfect way to bring friends and family together for a hands-on, flavor-packed feast. So put on some jazz, grab a cold drink, and celebrate the Big Easy way!
