This is the kind of meal people gather around the table for. Big prawns, crab legs, corn, potatoes, and sausage, all drenched in a glossy, spicy garlic butter sauce that soaks into everything. I made this for friends recently and it turned into one of those loud, hands-on dinners where nobody even noticed the plates. Just paper towels, lemon wedges, and silence except for happy chewing.
If you’ve seen seafood boils all over TikTok, this is that recipe. Bold, messy, deeply satisfying, and surprisingly easy to pull off at home.
Why This Tastes So Good
- The seafood is boiled gently first so it stays juicy, not rubbery
- The sauce is added after cooking, so the butter doesn’t split
- Cajun seasoning plus Old Bay gives depth, not just heat
- Lemon, garlic, and paprika cut through the richness perfectly
Equipment
- Very large stockpot
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Slotted spoon
- Tongs
- Baking tray or large serving platter
- Parchment paper or foil (for serving)
Serves & Timings
Serves: 4–6
Prep time (active): 20 minutes
Cook time (active): 30 minutes
Additional passive time: 0 minutes
Total time (approx): 50 minutes
Ingredients
Seafood Boil
- 1½ lb large shrimp, shell on
- 1½ lb crab legs (snow crab or king crab)
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into chunks
- 1½ lb baby potatoes
- 3 ears corn, cut into thirds
- 1 lemon, halved
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salt
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1½ cups unsalted butter
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Method
- Boil the Base
Fill a large stockpot with water and add Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, salt, and the lemon halves. Bring to a rolling boil. - Cook the Potatoes and Corn
Add the potatoes and boil for 10–12 minutes until just tender. Add the corn and sausage and cook for another 5 minutes. - Add the Seafood
Add crab legs and shrimp. Cook for 3–4 minutes only, until shrimp are pink and just cooked through. Drain everything well. - Make the Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, chili flakes, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer gently for 2 minutes. - Combine
Add all the drained seafood, corn, potatoes, and sausage to the sauce. Toss gently until everything is fully coated. - Serve
Pour onto a lined tray or platter. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.
Tips & Variations
- Extra saucy: Double the sauce and pour half over the platter at the table
- No crab: Swap for mussels or clams
- Less heat: Skip chili flakes and reduce Cajun seasoning slightly
- TikTok-style finish: Spoon extra sauce over everything right before serving
Compact Nutrition (Estimate Per Serving)
Calories: ~720
Protein: 38g
Fat: 45g
Carbohydrates: 35g
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Seafood boils are best eaten fresh, but you can prep the sauce and chop everything earlier in the day.
Do I need shells on the shrimp?
Shell-on shrimp give the best flavor and look more authentic for a seafood boil, but peeled shrimp will still work.
What should I serve with it?
Crusty bread, cold beer, iced tea, or nothing at all. This is the main event.
Juicy Cajun Seafood Boil With Rich Garlic Butter Sauce
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Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Fill a large stockpot with water and add Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, salt, and the lemon halves. Bring to a rolling boil.
- Add the potatoes and boil for 10–12 minutes until just tender. Add the corn and sausage and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add crab legs and shrimp. Cook for 3–4 minutes only, until shrimp are pink and just cooked through. Drain everything well.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, chili flakes, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer gently for 2 minutes.
- Add all the drained seafood, corn, potatoes, and sausage to the sauce. Toss gently until everything is fully coated.
- Pour onto a lined tray or platter. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.
Nutrition
Notes
Tips & Variations
- Extra saucy: Double the sauce and pour half over the platter at the table
- No crab: Swap for mussels or clams
- Less heat: Skip chili flakes and reduce Cajun seasoning slightly
- TikTok-style finish: Spoon extra sauce over everything right before serving
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?Seafood boils are best eaten fresh, but you can prep the sauce and chop everything earlier in the day. Do I need shells on the shrimp?
Shell-on shrimp give the best flavor and look more authentic for a seafood boil, but peeled shrimp will still work. What should I serve with it?
Crusty bread, cold beer, iced tea, or nothing at all. This is the main event.
