Seafood Boil (Garlic Butter Style) Recipe
Looking for the best Seafood Boil (Garlic Butter Style) recipe? This crowd-pleasing seafood feast is loaded with succulent shrimp, crab legs, lobster tails, smoked sausage, corn on the cob, and tender baby potatoes, all tossed in a rich homemade garlic butter Cajun sauce. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, cookouts, or special celebrations.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Loaded with fresh seafood and bold flavors
Rich homemade garlic butter Cajun sauce
Perfect for entertaining a crowd
Easy one-pot meal
Restaurant-quality seafood at home
Customizable with your favorite seafood
⏱️ Prep Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6
🛒 Ingredients
Seafood & Vegetables
2 lbs (900 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 lbs (900 g) snow crab legs
2 lobster tails, split in half
1 lb (450 g) smoked sausage, sliced
1½ lbs (680 g) baby potatoes
4 ears corn, cut into thirds
1 lemon, sliced
Boiling Seasoning
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon salt
Garlic Butter Sauce
1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter
10 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Garnish
Fresh parsley
Lemon wedges
Extra melted garlic butter
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Fill a large stockpot with water.
Add:
Old Bay seasoning
Cajun seasoning
Paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Bay leaves
Salt
Bring to a boil.
Add the baby potatoes and cook for 12–15 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Corn & Sausage
Add the corn and sliced smoked sausage.
Cook for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Seafood
Add the lobster tails and cook for 5–6 minutes.
Add the crab legs and shrimp during the last 3–4 minutes of cooking.
The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque.
Drain the seafood and vegetables.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Whisk in:
Cajun seasoning
Old Bay seasoning
Smoked paprika
Lemon pepper seasoning
Worcestershire sauce
Lemon juice
Hot sauce (optional)
Simmer for 2 minutes.
Stir in the parsley.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Transfer the seafood, sausage, corn, and potatoes to a large serving tray or bowl.
Pour the garlic butter sauce over everything.
Gently toss until evenly coated.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with:
Fresh parsley
Lemon wedges
Serve immediately with:
Crusty bread
Garlic bread
Coleslaw
Melted butter for dipping
Extra lemon wedges
💡 Chef’s Tips
Add the seafood in stages to avoid overcooking.
Fresh garlic gives the butter sauce the best flavor.
For extra spice, increase the Cajun seasoning or add more hot sauce.
Line your serving table with parchment or butcher paper for a fun, traditional seafood boil presentation.
🧊 Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked seafood separately for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently with extra garlic butter to maintain moisture.
🥗 Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 820
Protein: 52g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 48g
Saturated Fat: 23g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 1,480mg
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes. Thaw the seafood completely in the refrigerator before cooking for the best texture.
Can I customize the seafood?
Absolutely. Add mussels, clams, scallops, crawfish, or extra lobster to create your ideal seafood boil.
Why should I cook the seafood last?
Seafood cooks quickly. Adding it near the end prevents it from becoming tough or rubbery.
What sauces pair well with a seafood boil?
Garlic butter, Cajun butter, lemon butter, spicy aioli, cocktail sauce, and remoulade are all delicious options.
