Seafood boil recipe 🦀🦐

Seafood boil recipe 🦀🦐 is a medium American (Southern/Low‑Country) recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Celina & Cenzo on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min

Cost: $95.12 total, $23.78 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 Lemon (juiced for broth (2) and butter sauce (2), wedges for serving)
  • 2 Onion (one whole onion sliced for broth, one diced for butter sauce)
  • 30 Garlic Cloves (roughly minced; 25 for broth, 5 for butter sauce)
  • 4 Corn on the Cob (cut into halves)
  • 1.5 lb Gold Potatoes (cut into 2‑inch chunks)
  • 1.5 lb Red Potatoes (cut into 2‑inch chunks)
  • 6 Large Eggs (hard‑boiled in the same pot)
  • 1 lb Andouille Sausage (sliced into 1‑inch pieces)
  • 2 lb King Crab Legs (pre‑cooked, thawed if frozen)
  • 1 lb Snow Crab Legs (pre‑cooked, thawed if frozen)
  • 4 Lobster Tails (about 1.5 lb total, split lengthwise)
  • 1 lb Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 4 sticks Unsalted Butter (1 cup, divided for sauce and finishing)
  • 1 cup Chicken Stock (adds depth to butter sauce)
  • 2 tbsp Old Bay Seasoning
  • 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Paprika (smoked if available)
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional for heat)
  • to taste Salt

Instructions

  1. Prep Vegetables & Aromatics

    Slice 2 lemons, halve the onion, mince all 30 garlic cloves, cut corn cobs into halves, and wash the potatoes. Set everything aside in separate bowls.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Start the Boiling Broth

    Fill the large stockpot with 12 cups of water, add the sliced lemons, whole onion, all minced garlic, Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, paprika, black pepper, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Add Potatoes & Eggs

    Carefully add the gold and red potato chunks and the whole eggs to the boiling broth. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Add Corn

    Add the corn halves to the pot and continue simmering for another 7 minutes, or until corn is bright yellow and potatoes are fork‑tender.

    Time: PT7M

  5. Remove Veggies & Eggs

    Using a slotted spoon, lift out the potatoes, corn, and eggs; set aside on a platter. Keep the seasoned broth in the pot for later steps.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Make Garlic‑Lemon Butter Sauce

    In the large skillet, melt 2 sticks (1 cup) of unsalted butter over medium‑high heat. Add the remaining minced garlic and the diced onion; sauté until fragrant and onion is translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in the juice of the remaining 2 lemons, chicken stock, a pinch of Old Bay and Cajun seasoning, and simmer for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT7M

  7. Pan‑Fry Sausage

    In the same skillet (or a separate one), add the sliced Andouille sausage and cook over medium heat until browned, about 4 minutes. Transfer to the serving platter.

    Time: PT4M

  8. Heat Crab Legs

    Add the king crab legs and snow crab legs to the seasoned broth in the stockpot. Since they are pre‑cooked, heat for 3–4 minutes, turning once, until warmed through.

    Time: PT4M

  9. Broil Lobster Tails

    Preheat the oven broiler. Place lobster tails on the broiler pan, brush with a little melted butter, and broil for 8–10 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and the shells turn bright red.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 450°F

  10. Quick‑Cook Shrimp

    Add the peeled shrimp to the boiling broth for the last 2 minutes, just until pink and firm. Remove with a slotted spoon.

    Time: PT2M

  11. Combine & Toss

    On the large serving tray, arrange the potatoes, corn, hard‑boiled eggs, sausage, crab legs, lobster tails, and shrimp. Pour the hot garlic‑lemon butter sauce over everything and gently toss to coat.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Enjoy

    Gather friends or family, dig in with your hands or serve with crusty bread, and enjoy the flavorful feast.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
30 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Pescatarian (contains sausage), Gluten‑Free if gluten‑free sausage is used

Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy, Egg

Last updated: April 16, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Seafood boil recipe 🦀🦐

Recipe by Celina & Cenzo

A hearty, crowd‑pleasing seafood boil featuring potatoes, corn, hard‑boiled eggs, sausage, king crab, snow crab, lobster tails, and shrimp, all tossed in a rich garlic‑lemon butter sauce. Perfect for a casual dinner or backyard feast.

MediumAmerican (Southern/Low‑Country)Serves 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
23m
Prep
49m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 22m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$95.12
Total cost
$23.78
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Boiling the broth with aromatics until fully flavored.
  • Cooking potatoes until fork‑tender but not mushy.
  • Making the butter sauce without allowing the butter to brown.
  • Heating pre‑cooked crab and lobster just enough to warm through.

Safety Warnings

  • Boiling water can cause severe burns; handle the pot with oven mitts.
  • Seafood must be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  • Use caution when broiling lobster to avoid flare‑ups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of a seafood boil in Southern/Low‑Country cuisine?

A

Seafood boils originated in the coastal South, especially the Low‑Country regions of Georgia and South Carolina, where fishermen would cook their catch with simple seasonings in a single pot. The communal style reflects a tradition of sharing fresh seafood with family and friends over casual gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of a seafood boil in the Low‑Country cuisine of the United States?

A

Traditional Low‑Country boils often feature crab, shrimp, corn, potatoes, and smoked sausage, seasoned with Old Bay and Cajun blends. Some regions add oysters, mussels, or use a mustard‑based sauce, while others prefer a buttery, lemon‑forward glaze like the one in this recipe.

cultural
Q

How is a classic Low‑Country seafood boil traditionally served in the Southern United States?

A

It is typically served on a large table covered with newspaper or butcher paper, with all ingredients piled together. Diners pull apart the seafood with their hands, using the potatoes and corn as a base, and dip everything in melted butter or a spicy mustard sauce.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is a seafood boil traditionally associated with in Southern culture?

A

Seafood boils are popular for summer backyard parties, beach picnics, family reunions, and holiday gatherings such as Fourth of July celebrations. They are also a staple at community festivals in coastal towns.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a Low‑Country seafood boil versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include fresh crab legs (king or snow), large shrimp, Andouille or smoked sausage, corn on the cob, red and gold potatoes, and a generous amount of Old Bay seasoning. Substitutes can include other shellfish like mussels, or using smoked paprika instead of Old Bay for a different flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What other Low‑Country dishes pair well with this seafood boil?

A

Classic pairings include coleslaw, hush puppies, cornbread, and a simple cucumber‑tomato salad. A chilled glass of sweet tea or a light lager also complements the rich butter sauce.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this seafood boil at home?

A

Common errors include overcooking the crab and lobster (they are already cooked), letting the butter sauce burn, and not seasoning the broth enough. Also, adding all ingredients at once can result in uneven cooking; follow the staged timing.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a butter‑lemon sauce instead of a traditional mustard‑based sauce?

A

The butter‑lemon sauce adds a bright, rich coating that highlights the sweetness of the crab and lobster, while still delivering the classic Old Bay flavor. It’s a personal twist by Celina & Cenzo that balances richness with acidity.

technical
Q

Can I make this seafood boil ahead of time and how should I store leftovers?

A

Yes. Boil the potatoes, corn, and eggs ahead, and keep the butter sauce refrigerated. Store the cooked seafood separately in airtight containers. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth and toss together before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Celina & Cenzo specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Celina & Cenzo focuses on home‑cooked, family‑style meals with a playful, relatable approach. They often showcase comfort food, backyard gatherings, and step‑by‑step tutorials for classic dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Celina & Cenzo's approach to Southern cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Celina & Cenzo blend humor with clear, no‑frills instructions, emphasizing real‑world kitchen setups and budget‑friendly ingredients. Unlike highly polished productions, they often film in their own kitchen, making the recipes feel accessible and achievable for everyday cooks.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Slow Cooker Chicken, Sausage, and Seafood Gumbo
40

Slow Cooker Chicken, Sausage, and Seafood Gumbo

A classic soul food gumbo made easy in the slow cooker, featuring a deep, chocolatey roux, tender chicken thighs, smoky andouille sausage, shrimp, crab claws, okra, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Perfect for beginners and packed with flavor, this recipe demystifies gumbo and delivers true Southern comfort.

5 hrs 15 minServes 8$46
Southern (Creole/Soul Food)
Seafood Paella (Parks and Rec)
51

Seafood Paella (Parks and Rec)

A vibrant Spanish seafood paella inspired by the TV show Parks and Recreation, featuring clams, prawns, cuttlefish, saffron-infused rice, and plenty of fresh herbs. Made in a traditional paella pan over an outdoor burner for authentic smoky flavor and a crispy socarrat bottom.

4 hrs 21 minServes 4$39
Spanish
Why You Should Boil Your Tofu
108

Why You Should Boil Your Tofu

A quick, science‑backed method to improve tofu texture and flavor without pressing or freezing. By boiling firm tofu in lightly salted water, osmosis draws water out and lets salt into the protein network, creating a firmer bite that absorbs marinades in minutes.

18 minServes 4$2
Chinese
how to make the EASIEST/YUMMIEST seafood boil🦀🦐🌽🥵✨
3

how to make the EASIEST/YUMMIEST seafood boil🦀🦐🌽🥵✨

A decadent, all‑in‑one seafood boil inspired by the TikTok craze. Tender potatoes, sweet corn, crawfish, shrimp, and crab legs are cooked together in a seasoned broth, then tossed in a buttery garlic sauce and finished with fresh lemon and parsley. Perfect for a festive family dinner or a crowd‑pleasing party spread.

1 hr 15 minServes 6$83
American Southern
Easy Seafood Boil Recipe
3

Easy Seafood Boil Recipe

A classic Southern‑style seafood boil featuring sweet corn, succulent shrimp, and a rich butter‑garlic‑lemon sauce. Simple, quick, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

55 minServes 4$19
American
TikTok Onion Boil Recipe 🧅 (VIRAL Seafood Boil HACK)
8

TikTok Onion Boil Recipe 🧅 (VIRAL Seafood Boil HACK)

A viral TikTok‑inspired snack where a large yellow onion is hollowed, stuffed with butter and a tangy Cajun‑style seasoning blend, then baked until tender and caramelized. Perfect as a summer finger food or a bold side dish.

1 hr 20 minServes 2$2
American (Southern)
HOW TO MAKE AN EASY SHRIMP SEAFOOD BOIL
4

HOW TO MAKE AN EASY SHRIMP SEAFOOD BOIL

A budget‑friendly, one‑pot seafood boil featuring shrimp, smoked sausage, sweet corn, potatoes, lemon, and hard‑boiled eggs, all simmered in a buttery orange‑juice broth.

59 minServes 4$17
Southern American
Seafood Cabbage Boil Fully Loaded 🔥 👇🏾
3

Seafood Cabbage Boil Fully Loaded 🔥 👇🏾

A hearty baked cabbage "boil" packed with turkey sausage, baby potatoes, corn, and sweet crab meat, seasoned with a blend of herbs, spices, and a tangy lemon‑butter sauce. Wrapped in cabbage leaves and baked until tender, this comforting one‑dish meal is finished with boiled eggs and extra sauce for a satisfying dinner.

3 hrs 25 minServes 4$35
American