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Crab Boil With Shrimp Potatoes And Corn

If you're looking for a crowd-pleasing and easy-to-prepare meal that's perfect for a lazy summer day, look no further than a classic crab boil with shrimp, potatoes, and corn. This delicious and satisfying dish is a staple of the Southern United States, but it's also popular across the country.

What is a Crab Boil?

Crab Boil Seafood Pot Ingredients

At its core, a crab boil is a simple one-pot dish made with a combination of seafood, vegetables, and spices. The traditional ingredients include crabs, shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage, although you can easily modify the recipe to suit your tastes.

The dish gets its name from the cooking process, which involves boiling all the ingredients together in a large pot. This not only infuses the flavors of the spices and vegetables into the seafood, but it also makes for a fun and communal dining experience. Simply lay down some newspaper or butcher paper on your outdoor picnic table, dump out the contents of the pot, and let everyone dig in!

Ingredients

Crab Boil Seafood Pot Ingredients

The ingredients for a classic crab boil are relatively simple and easy to find. Here's what you'll need:

  • 2 pounds of crab
  • 2 pounds of shrimp
  • 1 pound of small red potatoes
  • 6 ears of corn, cut into thirds
  • 1 pound of smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 2 lemons, cut into halves
  • 1/2 cup of Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon of black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds
  • 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds
  • 1 tablespoon of celery seeds
  • 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 head of garlic, cut in half crosswise
  • 8 cups of water

Instructions

Crab Boil Seafood Pot Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients, here's how to make a delicious crab boil:

  1. Fill a large pot with 8 cups of water and add the Old Bay seasoning, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, celery seeds, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and garlic.
  2. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the spices into the water.
  3. Add the potatoes and sausage to the pot and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are just tender.
  4. Add the corn and continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the corn is cooked through.
  5. Add the crab and shrimp to the pot and simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through.
  6. Using a slotted spoon, remove all the ingredients from the pot and transfer to a large serving platter or a newspaper-lined picnic table. Squeeze the lemon halves over the top of the seafood.

Tips for Making the Best Crab Boil

Crab Boil Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the best crab boil possible:

  • Use fresh seafood whenever possible. Frozen seafood will work in a pinch, but fresh is always better.
  • Don't overcook the seafood. Overcooked shrimp and crab can become tough and chewy.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with the ingredients. If you don't like sausage, leave it out. If you love spicy food, add more red pepper flakes.
  • Make sure to have plenty of paper towels and napkins on hand. This is a messy meal!

The Bottom Line

A crab boil with shrimp, potatoes, and corn is a classic Southern dish that's perfect for a lazy summer day. It's easy to make, delicious, and perfect for feeding a crowd. So fire up the stove, grab a cold beer, and get ready for a delicious feast!

Related video of Delicious and Easy Crab Boil with Shrimp, Potatoes, and Corn