Best Seafood Boil Recipe
Experience the ultimate seafood feast with this Best Seafood Boil recipe. Packed with a variety of fresh seafood, sausages, corn, and potatoes, all seasoned to perfection, this dish is perfect for gatherings and special occasions. The flavorful broth ties all the ingredients together, creating a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love.
Equipment
- Large stockpot (at least 16-20 quarts)
- Strainer or slotted spoon
- Large serving platter or newspapers for serving
- Tongs
- Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 4 quarts water
- 1 12 oz can beer (optional)
- 1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning
- 3 lemons halved
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 pound baby red potatoes halved
- 4 ears corn cut into thirds
- 1 pound smoked sausage cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 pounds large shrimp deveined but with shells on
- 1 pound snow crab legs
- 1 pound clams scrubbed
- 1 pound mussels scrubbed and debearded
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 stick butter melted
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Boiling Liquid:
- In a large stockpot, combine water, beer (if using), Old Bay seasoning, lemon halves, salt, sugar, black peppercorns, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Cook the Potatoes and Corn:
- Add the baby red potatoes to the boiling liquid and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until just tender.
- Add the corn and sausage pieces to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the Seafood:
- Add the shrimp, crab legs, clams, mussels, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and the clams and mussels have opened. Discard any unopened clams or mussels.
- Serve:
- Using a strainer or slotted spoon, carefully transfer the seafood, potatoes, corn, and sausage to a large serving platter or spread out on newspapers for a rustic presentation.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the seafood boil and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side.