What is seafood boil sauce made of?

A seafood boil sauce often contains butter, garlic, spices, herbs, and citrus juice. Particularly, Old Bay seasoning or Cajun blends add depth. Conversely, some recipes include Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for extra heat.

What does a seafood boil contain?

A typical seafood boil contains shrimp, crab legs, clams, and mussels. Additionally, corn, potatoes, sausage, and aromatic vegetables are common. Eventually, spices, herbs, and lemon wedges round out the flavors.

What is the Holy Trinity in seafood boil?

The Holy Trinity refers to onions, celery, and bell peppers. Chiefly, these three vegetables form the flavor base of many Southern dishes. Consequently, they provide a savory, aromatic foundation for your sea food boil recipe .

What goes best with a seafood boil?

Many sides pair well with a seafood boil. For example, coleslaw, cornbread, or a crisp green salad complement flavors. Furthermore, crusty bread, melted butter, and various dipping sauces enhance the dining experience. Finally, serve refreshing beverages like white wine, beer, or iced tea.

Sea Food Boil Recipe – A Flavorful Feast

Description

This Sea Food Boil Recipe is a flavorful feast perfect for gatherings, backyard parties, or weekend indulgence. Packed with tender shrimp, juicy crab legs, hearty potatoes, sweet corn, and smoky sausage, all simmered in a boldly seasoned broth—it’s a hands-on, family-style meal that celebrates coastal traditions and unforgettable flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb large shrimp, shell-on

1 lb crab legs

1 lb clams or mussels (cleaned and debearded)

12 oz andouille or smoked sausage, sliced

4 ears of corn, halved

1 lb baby potatoes

1 onion, quartered

3 cloves garlic, smashed

2 celery stalks, chopped

2 bay leaves

1 lemon, halved

1/4 cup Old Bay Seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

6 cups water (or 5 cups water + 1 cup beer or white wine)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for serving)

Fresh parsley and lemon wedges (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large stockpot, add water (and beer or wine if using), onion, celery, garlic, lemon halves, bay leaves, Old Bay, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Add baby potatoes and boil for 10–12 minutes, until nearly tender.
Add sausage and corn; cook for another 5 minutes.
Add crab legs and clams/mussels; cook for 5–7 minutes until shellfish begins to open.
Finally, add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Remove pot from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to let flavors meld.
Drain and transfer all contents to a large platter or parchment-lined table.
Drizzle with melted butter, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and garnish with lemon wedges.
Serve immediately with dipping sauces and plenty of napkins!

Notes

To keep things fun and interactive, serve on newspaper or butcher paper.

Swap crab legs with lobster tails or add scallops for a luxe variation.

For extra kick, stir a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes into the broth.

Don’t skip the rest time—it allows flavors to fully soak into the ingredients.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: Southern/Coastal American

Nutrition

Serving Size: Approx. 1.5–2 cups per person
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 1100mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 190mg

Keywords: sea food boil recipe, shrimp and crab boil, Cajun seafood boil, easy seafood dinner, summer seafood feast, one-pot seafood boil