cajun seafood boil with garlic butter sauce! That’s right, I’m diving headfirst into a flavorful pot of this Southern delight today! This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a celebration, and a way to gather around the table with loved ones. Think succulent shrimp, juicy crab, spicy Andouille sausage, all swimming in a rich, decadent garlic butter sauce bursting with Cajun spices. Need I say more? We’re creating a feast! Join me as we create this amazing cajun seafood boil with garlic butter sauce.
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Hello friends, I’m Ava Morgan, a home chef in the U.S. who believes that every great meal tells a story. Welcome to RecipesOfDay, my corner of the internet where I share the recipes that inspire me and bring joy to every table. Let’s get started!
Why You Will Love This cajun seafood boil with garlic butter sauce Recipe
Oh, where do I even begin? This cajun seafood boil with garlic butter sauce recipe is more than just delicious; it’s an adventure! It’s the perfect dish for a weekend get together, a special occasion, or even just a Tuesday night when you’re feeling a little extra. Trust me; the aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water.
What makes this recipe so special? It’s the combination of fresh seafood, zesty Cajun spices, and that glorious garlic butter sauce. It’s easy to make, super customizable, and guaranteed to impress. Plus, who doesn’t love getting their hands dirty and diving into a mountain of seafood? It’s a great way to bring people together! Serve up a bowl or make a cast iron boil and it guarantees that everyone will love it!
Follow us on Pinterest for more flavorful recipes and cooking inspiration! You’ll find boards dedicated to easy dinners, indulgent desserts, and everything in between.
Ingredients Needed for This cajun seafood boil with garlic butter sauce Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create your own flavor explosion:
- For the Seafood Boil:
* 2 pounds large shrimp, shell on
* 1 pound snow crab legs
* 1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced
* 1 pound crawfish optional, but delicious
* 6 small red potatoes, halved or quartered if large
* 4 ears of corn, shucked and halved
* 1 large onion, quartered
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 lemon, quartered
* 1 orange, quartered
* 1/4 cup Cajun seasoning (store bought or homemade)
* 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
* 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* Salt to taste
* 12 cups water
- For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
* 1 cup unsalted butter
* 6 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
* 1/4 cup lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt to taste
How to Make This cajun seafood boil with garlic butter sauce Recipe
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to bring it all together:
- 1. Prepare the Boil: Fill a large pot or stockpot with 12 cups of water. Add the onion, garlic, lemon, orange, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil. Consider trying our Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet while waiting, a dish that captures similar bold cajun flavors.
- 2. Add Potatoes and Sausage: Once boiling, add the potatoes and sausage. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are almost tender.
- 3. Add Corn: Add the corn to the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- 4. Add Seafood: Add the crab legs and crawfish (if using). Cook for 5 minutes, then add the shrimp. Cook until the shrimp turns pink and is cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the seafood!
- 5. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: While the seafood is cooking, prepare the garlic butter sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the parsley, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt. Stir to combine.
- 6. Drain and Serve: Drain the seafood boil, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the seafood boil, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved cooking liquid to thin it out.
- 7. Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy! Get ready to get your hands dirty.
How to Serve This cajun seafood boil with garlic butter sauce Recipe
Serving your cajun seafood boil with garlic butter sauce is all about presentation and creating an atmosphere! Spread the boil out on a large table covered with newspaper for easy cleanup. Serve with plenty of napkins, lemon wedges, and maybe even some hot sauce for an extra kick.
Pair this feast with some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. A refreshing side salad or coleslaw can also balance out the richness of the boil. Don’t forget the drinks! A cold beer, iced tea, or lemonade are perfect complements.
How to Store This cajun seafood boil with garlic butter sauce Recipe
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store them properly:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover seafood boil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Freezing: While freezing cooked seafood is possible, it can affect the texture. If you must freeze it, store the seafood boil in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the seafood boil in a pot on the stovetop with a little water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook the seafood.
Our High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites offer a different take on garlic butter goodness if you’re looking for variety!
Tips to Make This cajun seafood boil with garlic butter sauce Recipe
Here are some tips to ensure your cajun seafood boil with garlic butter sauce is a success:
- Don’t Overcook the Seafood: Overcooked seafood is tough and rubbery. Pay close attention to the cooking times and remove the seafood from the heat as soon as it’s done.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. If you like it hot, add more!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh seafood and quality spices will make a big difference in the flavor of your boil.
- Customize with Your Favorites: Feel free to add other vegetables or seafood to your boil, such as bell peppers, okra, or mussels.
Helpful Notes for This cajun seafood boil with garlic butter sauce Recipe
A few extra notes to keep in mind:
- Cajun Seasoning: You can use store bought Cajun seasoning or make your own. There are tons of premade seasoning brands that you can pick up at your local grocery store!
- Pot Size: Make sure your pot is large enough to hold all the ingredients without overflowing. A 12 quart pot is ideal.
- Seafood Quality: Buy sustainable seafood when possible.
Variation of This cajun seafood boil with garlic butter sauce Recipe
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try:
- Spicy Seafood Boil: Increase the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper for an extra spicy kick.
- Shrimp and Crab Boil: Focus on just shrimp and crab legs for a simpler version.
- Low Country Boil: Add smoked sausage, potatoes, and corn for a classic Low Country boil.
- Lobster Seafood Boil: To create a special seafood boil consider adding Lobster with shrimp, King crab, and snow crab.
What kind of seafood is best for a Cajun seafood boil with garlic butter sauce?
Popular choices include shrimp, crab legs, crawfish, and mussels. Choose fresh seafood for the best flavor and texture in your cajun seafood boil.
How do I make the garlic butter sauce for the seafood boil?
Melt butter with minced garlic and Cajun spices. Simmer gently until fragrant, then adjust seasonings to taste. This is the foundation for the amazing cajun seafood flavor.
What vegetables are typically added to a Cajun seafood boil?
Corn on the cob, potatoes, and onions are common additions. They soak up the flavors of the boil and provide a hearty complement to the seafood in your cajun seafood boil with garlic butter sauce.
How long should I cook the seafood in the boil?
Cooking times vary depending on the type of seafood. Shrimp and crawfish cook quickly (3-5 minutes), while crab legs may take slightly longer (5-7 minutes). Avoid overcooking the seafood in your cajun seafood boil to prevent it from becoming rubbery.
What are some tips for making the best Cajun seafood boil with garlic butter sauce?
Use a generous amount of Cajun seasoning. Don’t overcook the seafood. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. You can also add a squeeze of lemon to brighten the dish.
Conclusion
There you have it! A delicious and easy cajun seafood boil with garlic butter sauce recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Gather your friends and family, get ready to dig in, and enjoy this flavorful feast. Now it’s time to grab the utensils, and enjoy the unforgettable memories this will create and bring!
Now, I would love to hear from you. What are some of your favorite memories/traditions? Let me know what you think of my cajun seafood boil with garlic butter sauce recipe. Enjoy!
Cajun Seafood Boil with Garlic Butter Sauce: The ULTIMATE Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful Cajun seafood boil featuring shrimp, crab legs, sausage, potatoes, and corn, all smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large shrimp, shell on
- 1 pound snow crab legs
- 1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 pound crawfish (optional)
- 6 small red potatoes, halved or quartered
- 4 ears of corn, shucked and halved
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 orange, quartered
- 1/4 cup Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 12 cups water
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- 1. Fill a large pot with 12 cups of water. Add onion, garlic, lemon, orange, Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- 2. Add potatoes and sausage. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until potatoes are almost tender.
- 3. Add corn. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- 4. Add crab legs and crawfish (if using). Cook for 5 minutes, then add shrimp. Cook until shrimp turns pink, about 3-5 minutes.
- 5. While seafood is cooking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in parsley, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt.
- 6. Drain the seafood boil, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Pour garlic butter sauce over the seafood boil, tossing to coat. Thin with reserved liquid if needed.
- 7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
