Bajan Seafood Boil
A vibrant and flavorful seafood boil, packed with a variety of fresh seafood, corn, potatoes, and sausage, all simmered in a rich, spiced broth.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Jumbo shrimp(deveined, tail on)
- 1.5 lbs Alaskan king crab legs(thawed if frozen)
- 1 lb Smoked sausage (like kielbasa)(cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 4 ears Sweet corn(cut into halves)
- 2 lbs Red potatoes(halved or quartered if large)
- 1 large Onion(quartered)
- 1 Lemon(halved)
- 1 head Garlic(halved horizontally)
- 8 quarts Water
- 1 cup Seafood seasoning (like Old Bay)(plus more for serving)
- 2 tbsp Kosher salt(or to taste)
- 3 Bay leaves
- 4 sprigs Fresh thyme sprigs
- 0.5 cup Butter(melted, for serving)
- 1 lb Optional: Clams or mussels(scrubbed)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Fill a very large stockpot with about 8 quarts of water. Squeeze the lemon halves into the water, then toss the halves in as well. Add the quartered onion, halved garlic head, seafood seasoning, kosher salt, bay leaves, and thyme sprigs. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
💡 Tip: Using a large pot ensures all ingredients cook evenly. - 2
Reduce heat to medium and simmer the seasoned water for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 3
Add the red potatoes to the pot. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
💡 Tip: Potatoes take the longest to cook, so add them first. - 4
Add the smoked sausage and corn to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, ensuring everything remains submerged in the liquid.
- 5
If using clams or mussels, add them now and cook until they open, about 5-8 minutes.
💡 Tip: Discard any clams or mussels that do not open. - 6
Add the shrimp to the pot. Cook for just 2-3 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque. Shut off the heat.
💡 Tip: Shrimp cook very quickly; overcooking will make them tough. - 7
Add the king crab legs to the pot. Cover and let them steep in the hot liquid for the last 5 minutes of the shrimp cooking time.
💡 Tip: Crab legs are often pre-cooked, so they only need to heat through. - 8
Carefully drain all the liquid from the pot. Spread the seafood, sausage, corn, potatoes, and onions onto a large platter or newspaper-covered table.
💡 Tip: Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. - 9
Serve with melted butter for dipping, and an extra sprinkle of seafood seasoning if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Adjust the amount of seafood seasoning and salt to your preference.
- ✓You can add other seafood like mussels, crawfish, or lobster.
- ✓For a spicier boil, add sliced serrano or jalapeño peppers along with the onions.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Create a garlic butter sauce by melting butter with minced garlic and pouring it over the finished boil.
- Add a splash of beer or white wine to the boiling liquid for extra flavor.