Fresh seafood never fails to delight, and when I’m really looking for a show stopping recipe I make bacon wrapped scallops, garlic butter shrimp or this fantastic seafood boil.
When I’m looking to enjoy some fresh shellfish, I often end up making a mixed seafood boil. It’s a great option because everything gets tossed into one pot, it’s fun to eat, and of course, it’s loaded with tons of flavor! It’s also a great way to make more expensive ingredients like lobster and crab stretch further, since they’re combined with less expensive items like corn and potatoes.
HOW DO YOU MAKE A SEAFOOD BOIL?
This recipe contains shrimp, lobster, crab, clams, potatoes, corn and sausage. All of the ingredients are boiled in a seasoned broth, then tossed in a little butter. Add a sprinkling of parsley and some lemon wedges, and dinner is served.
TIPS FOR SEAFOOD BOIL
I recommend buying the biggest shrimp you can find for this recipe. I use 16-20 count jumbo shrimp. I used Maine lobster tails and Dungeness crab legs, but you can use other varieties including spiny lobster tail, snow crab or king crab. Fresh corn on the cob tastes best in this recipe – you can use white, yellow or bi-color corn. I use small Yukon gold potatoes, but red potatoes are also a great choice. You can use kielbasa or Andouille sausage. Andouille sausage can be a bit spicy, so I’d recommend using that variety if you prefer a little heat. The types of seafood listed in the recipe are just a suggestion – you can use other types such as mussels, scallops or even chunks of firm fish such as swordfish. Make sure you discard any clams that haven’t opened up before you serve your boil. I recommend serving your boil immediately, as seafood is highly perishable and tastes best when freshly cooked. You can use shell-on or peeled shrimp. I personally prefer peeled shrimp because they’re easier to eat.
HOW LONG TO BOIL SEAFOOD
The seafood ingredients in this recipe cook at different rates, so you’ll want to put the longest cooking items in the boil first, then add the others later on.
Lobster: 8-12 minutes Clams: 5-10 minutes Crab: 6-8 minutes for pre-cooked crab, 20 minutes for raw crab Shrimp: 2-3 minutes
WHAT TO SERVE WITH SEAFOOD BOIL
A seafood boil can be served as-is, but some people prefer to add more side dishes to round out the meal. Some great options include a green salad, french or sourdough bread, coleslaw, or potato salad. I typically keep things simple with a loaf of garlic bread and sometimes a green veggie such as zucchini, asparagus or green beans.
You just can’t go wrong with a mixed boil, especially when you’re entertaining. The tender seafood pairs so well with the creamy potatoes, smoky sausage and sweet corn. Everyone will be coming back for more!
OTHER GREAT SEAFOOD RECIPES
Shrimp Salad Grilled Salmon Marinated Salmon Crab Stuffed Mushrooms Shrimp Ceviche
