Description
A seafood boil is a flavorful, communal dish that blends fresh seafood, aromatic spices, and hearty ingredients. Sausage adds a smoky, savory depth, complementing the natural sweetness of shrimp, crab, and other shellfish. This recipe will guide you in selecting and preparing the best sausage for your seafood boil.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb andouille sausage (or kielbasa, chorizo, or preferred variety), sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 lbs shrimp, deveined
- 2 lbs crab legs
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 4 ears corn, cut into thirds
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 8 cups water or seafood stock
- ¼ cup Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 lemons, halved
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 lb crawfish, lobster tails, or mussels
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Cut the corn, potatoes, and onions into uniform sizes.
Boil the Seasoned Broth:
- In a large stockpot, bring water or seafood stock to a boil.
- Add Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, garlic powder, and the halved lemons.
Cook the Vegetables and Sausage:
- Add the potatoes and onion, and cook for 10–12 minutes until partially tender.
- Stir in the sausage and corn, cooking for another 5 minutes.
Add the Seafood:
- Carefully add the crab legs, shrimp, and any other seafood. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Drain and Serve:
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer everything to a large serving platter.
- Drizzle with melted butter and garnish with fresh parsley.
Enjoy:
- Serve with extra seasoning, lemon wedges, and dipping sauces like cocktail sauce or garlic butter.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sear the sausage in a skillet before adding it to the boil.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing Cajun seasoning.
- For a smoky touch, try grilling the corn before adding it to the pot.
- Vegan sausage alternatives like Beyond Meat or Field Roast can be used for a plant-based version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Keywords: seafood boil, Cajun boil, sausage for seafood boil, andouille, kielbasa, chorizo