Oven Baked Seafood Boil With Crab Legs
Summertime is here, and there is no better way to enjoy the warm weather than with a delicious seafood boil. This classic Southern dish is perfect for any gathering, whether it's a family picnic or a backyard barbecue. And if you're looking for a unique twist on the traditional seafood boil, try making an oven baked seafood boil with crab legs. It's a simple and flavorful dish that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Ingredients
The first step to making an oven baked seafood boil with crab legs is to gather your ingredients. You will need:
- 1 pound crab legs, thawed if frozen
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound sausage, sliced
- 8-10 small red potatoes, halved
- 4 ears corn, shucked and cut into thirds
- 1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 lemons, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients, let's get started with the instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, mix together the potatoes, corn, and sausage with the Old Bay seasoning and melted butter.
- Spread the mixture out onto a large baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are slightly softened.
- Add the crab legs and shrimp to the baking sheet, making sure they are evenly distributed.
- Top with the sliced lemons and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Why Baking Is Better Than Boiling
Some people might wonder why you would choose to bake your seafood boil in the oven instead of boiling it on the stovetop. There are actually a few reasons why baking is a better method:
- Less mess: When you boil your seafood, you have to deal with a large pot of boiling water that can easily spill and make a mess. Baking in the oven eliminates the need for a large pot and keeps everything contained on one baking sheet.
- More flavor: Baking allows the flavors of the spices and seasonings to really infuse into the seafood and other ingredients, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Easier cleanup: Once you're finished with your seafood boil, all you have to do is throw away the parchment paper or foil that lined your baking sheet. No need to scrub a pot or deal with a sink full of dirty dishes.
Conclusion
An oven baked seafood boil with crab legs is a delicious and easy meal that's perfect for summertime gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic baking skills, you can create a memorable dish that your friends and family will love. And who knows, it might even become a new family tradition!
