Zatarain's Crawfish Shrimp & Crab Boil Recipe
When it comes to Cajun cuisine, Zatarain's is a household name. Their products are a mainstay in many Southern kitchens and for good reason. Their Crawfish Shrimp & Crab Boil recipe is a Southern classic that has been enjoyed for generations. This seasoning blend is perfect for any seafood lover and can be used to create a delicious feast. In this article, we'll take a look at this iconic recipe, its history, and how you can make it at home.
The History of Crawfish Shrimp & Crab Boil
The Crawfish Shrimp & Crab Boil recipe has its roots in Cajun culture. Cajun cuisine is a blend of French, African, and Indigenous American culinary traditions. The Cajuns were French-speaking Acadians who were exiled from Canada by the British in the mid-1700s. They settled in Louisiana and brought with them their unique cuisine. Crawfish, shrimp, and crab were readily available in the bayous and swamps of Louisiana, and the people of Cajun country incorporated these ingredients into their cooking.
The Crawfish Shrimp & Crab Boil recipe is a reflection of this cuisine. It features a blend of spices that perfectly complement the natural flavors of seafood. The dish is typically served at large gatherings, such as crawfish boils, where friends and family come together to enjoy a feast. Today, the Crawfish Shrimp & Crab Boil recipe has become a staple in Southern cuisine and is enjoyed by people all over the world.
The Ingredients
Zatarain's Crawfish Shrimp & Crab Boil seasoning blend is a mixture of herbs, spices, and vegetables that come together to create a flavorful and spicy seasoning. The ingredients in Zatarain's Crawfish Shrimp & Crab Boil seasoning blend include:
- Mustard Seed
- Red Pepper
- Bay Leaves
- Cloves
- Allspice
- Ginger
- Black Pepper
- Paprika
- Onion
- Garlic
The Recipe
Now that you know a little bit about the history and ingredients of Crawfish Shrimp & Crab Boil, it's time to learn how to make it. Here's a recipe that will serve 10 people:
Ingredients
- 5 pounds of crawfish, shrimp or crab
- 1 jar of Zatarain's Crawfish Shrimp & Crab Boil seasoning blend
- 4 lemons, halved
- 4 onions, quartered
- 2 heads of garlic, halved crosswise
- 1 pound of smoked sausage, sliced (optional)
- 10 ears of corn, halved (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with enough water to submerge the seafood and bring it to a boil.
- Add the Zatarain's Crawfish Shrimp & Crab Boil seasoning blend to the pot and stir to combine with the water.
- Add the lemons, onions, and garlic to the pot and let it boil for 10 minutes.
- Add the seafood to the pot and boil for 2-3 minutes, or until fully cooked. Do not overcook.
- If using sausage and corn, add them to the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Once fully cooked, remove the seafood, sausage, and corn from the pot and place them in a large serving dish.
- Enjoy!
Crawfish Shrimp & Crab Boil is best enjoyed with friends and family. Spread some newspaper on a table outside, dump the seafood on the table, crack open a cold drink, and dig in. This dish is messy, but that's part of the fun.
The Verdict
Zatarain's Crawfish Shrimp & Crab Boil recipe is a Southern classic that continues to be beloved by people all over the world. The blend of ingredients creates a bold and spicy seasoning that perfectly complements seafood. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just enjoying a quiet night in, this recipe is sure to please. So gather your friends and family, put on some Cajun music, and enjoy a taste of the South.
