Name: Cajun Seafood Boil Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb crab legs; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced; 2 corn on the cobs, cut into halves or thirds; 1 lb baby potatoes; 1 lemon, halved; 4 cups water; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (for boiling); 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning (optional, for boiling); 1 tbsp salt; 1/2 cup butter; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (for sauce); 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1 tsp hot sauce (optional); Chopped parsley for garnish

Why You’ll Love Cajun Seafood Boil Recipe

• Loaded with a delicious mix of seafood and hearty vegetables like corn and potatoes
• Easy to prepare in one large pot — minimal cleanup
• Balanced heat and buttery Cajun sauce make each bite irresistibly savory
• Great for parties, special dinners, or family meals

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cajun Seafood Boil
6 lobster tails
6 ears of sweet corn
¼–½ cup Cajun seasoning
1 large onion, peeled & chopped into pieces
1 pound clams
1 pound jumbo shrimp
1 pound crawfish
1 pound andouille sausage, cut into pieces
1 pound baby potatoes
1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
5 garlic cloves, smashed
4 bay leaves
Salt, to taste (optional)

For the Cajun Butter Sauce
1 cup unsalted butter
10 cloves garlic
¼ cup Cajun seasoning
1 chopped onion (optional for thicker sauce)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional)
1–1½ cups reserved seafood broth (optional)
Cilantro or parsley to garnish

Directions

Fill a large stock pot about ¾ full with water and bring to a boil.
Add bay leaves, Cajun seasoning, smashed garlic, onions, and optional lemon wedges; boil for a few minutes.
Add baby potatoes to the pot and cook about 8 minutes.
Add lobster tails and cook about 5 minutes.
Add clams and corn; cook another 5 minutes.
Finally add shrimp and crawfish; cook until shrimp are pink (about 3–4 minutes).
Drain the boil and set seafood and vegetables aside.
For the butter sauce: melt butter in a saucepan, add garlic and chopped onion, cook 3 minutes.
Stir in Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, cayenne, and optional broth; simmer a few minutes.
Pour sauce over the seafood boil or serve on the side; garnish with cilantro or parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 6 servings.
Typical prep time is about 10–15 minutes, and cook time is 30–35 minutes, so total time is roughly 40–50 minutes.

Variations

Add boiled eggs for extra protein and texture
Swap or mix seafood — use crab legs, mussels, or additional lobster tails depending on what you have
Make it spicier by increasing cayenne pepper or adding hot sauce
Change the sausage — kielbasa or chorizo can replace andouille for a different flavor

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover seafood boil in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat with a bit of broth or water to keep it from drying out
Sauce: Store Cajun butter sauce separately; reheat in a small pan over low heat

FAQs

What kind of seafood can I use in a Cajun seafood boil?

You can use shrimp, crawfish, clams, lobster tails, crab legs, mussels, or any combination you like.

Do I need a special pot for a seafood boil?

A large stock pot or Dutch oven works best to fit all the ingredients comfortably.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Yes, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning to tone down the heat.

Do I need to precook the seafood?

No, the seafood cooks in the seasoned broth during the boil. Add each type based on its cook time.

What do I serve with a seafood boil?

Cornbread, green salad, or crusty bread make excellent side options.

How much seafood per person should I plan?

Plan on ¾ to 1 pound of seafood per adult, depending on appetite and variety.

Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can prep all the vegetables and seasonings ahead to save time when cooking.

Is Cajun seasoning the same as Old Bay?

No, Cajun seasoning has a spicier Creole profile, while Old Bay is milder and more herb-forward.

How do I control overcooking seafood?

Add seafood in stages according to their cook time — for example, add shrimp last since it cooks quickly.

Conclusion

A Cajun Seafood Boil is a festive, flavorful meal that’s easier to make than you might think. With bold spices, juicy seafood, and a rich butter sauce, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. Pair it with your favorite sides, adjust the heat to your tastes, and enjoy every hearty bite.

Cajun Seafood Boil Recipe