Cajun Seafood Boil Recipe

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Last Updated on November 23, 2023 by Toya

This is the best cajun seafood boil recipe you can make in less than an hour! It’s loaded with the tastiest shrimp, andouille sauce, eggs, crab, crawfish, lobster, corn, and potatoes cooked in a flavorful cajun broth and served with a fingerpicking cajun butter sauce!

This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner, for serving a crowd or for days when I want something more interesting on the menu. This cajun seafood boil is one of my go-to seafood boil recipes because it tastes amazing, but also because its so easy to just throw everything in one pot! Plus, clean up is so much easier that way.

Follow my step-by-step instructions to create this mouthwatering seafood boil infused with the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning!

Ingredients

To make this Cajun seafood boil, you’ll need several key ingredients. But don’t worry; they’re quite easy to find.

For the cajun seafood boil

• 6 lobster tails 
• 6 ears of sweet corn
• ¼ cup Cajun Seasoning
• 1 onion peal, chopped into 6 pieces
• 1 pound clams
• 1 pound jumbo shrimp
• 1 pound crawfish
• 1 pound andouille sausage, cut into 1 inch pieces1 pound baby potatoes
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
• 5 garlic cloves, smashed
• 4 bay leaves
• Salt, to taste (optiomal)

For the cajun butter sauce

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 10 cloves of garlic
• ¼ cup Cajun Seasoning 
• 1 chopped onions (add more if you want a thicker sauce)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 
• 2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• ¼ cup reserved seafood boil broth (optional)
• Cilantro or parsley to garnish

How to Make a Cajun Seafood Boil

Cajun seafood boil is a dish that is quite simple to prepare. Here is a step-by-step guide to making this mouth-watering dish:

1. Fill a large pot or Dutch Oven with 14 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
2. Add the bay leaves, cajun seasoning, garlic, and onions. Optionally, you can place the lemon wedges into the water, then let the water boil for about 5 more minutes.
3. Add the potatoes to the pot and cook for 8 minutes.
4. Then add the lobster tails to the pot and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Next, add the clams and corn, and cook for 5 minutes.
6. Lastly, add the shrimp and crawfish and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until they’re pink.
7. Drain the seafood boil from the pot and set it aside.

Make the cajun butter sauce

1. Prepare the ingredients by grating or blending the garlic and the onion. Also, chop up the fresh cilantro or parsley leaves.
2. Add the butter to a small pan, then place on a stove on medium heat and melt. About 1 – 2 minutes. 
3. Then add the garlic and onion to the melted butter and cook for 3 minutes. Stir frequently.
4. Next, add the cajun seasoning mix and the extra cayenne pepper, if using.
5. Mix well, and simmer on low for an additional 3–5 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat.
6. Pour the cajun dipping sauce over the cajun seafood boil to coat, toss and enjoy!

Tips for making cajun seafood boil

• You should ensure you select fresh seafood for the best flavor.
• It is best to use a large pot for easier cooking. If you can , use a stockpot or a Dutch Oven. And if you have one a dedicated seafood boil pot with a strainer basket for a great option for easier draining.
• You can squeeze some fresh citrus like lemons or limes into the boiling water for a bright and zesty flavor. You can also throw in the citrus halves or wedges for added aroma.
• Control the spiciness of your cajun style seafood boil by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper you add to the cajun butter sauce.
• It is important to cook the ingredients in layers, starting with the ones that take the longest to cook. For example, start with potatoes and corn, followed by sausage, and then add the seafood last to prevent overcooking.
• Pay attention to the cooking times for each ingredient. Overcooked seafood can become rubbery, so it’s important to time everything well.
• Once the seafood boil is cooked, drain the water and toss the ingredients with melted butter or my mouthwatering cajun butter sauce. This finishing touch adds richness and a luxurious finish to the dish.

How to serve

For a fun and traditional presentation, spread newspapers over a table and dump the drained seafood boil onto it. This makes cleanup easy, and it adds to the casual, communal dining experience. You can also just dish the seafood boil out onto individual plates or bowls for each person.

What to serve with cajun seafood boil

A Cajun seafood boil can be served as is, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside your Cajun style seafood boil:

• Cornbread: Cornbread is a classic choice that complements the spicy flavors of the seafood boil. You can serve it with honey butter for a touch of sweetness.
• Coleslaw: A cool and crisp coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the heat of the Cajun spices. Consider making a Cajun-spiced coleslaw for an extra kick.
• Garlic Bread: Garlic bread or a baguette is perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices from the seafood boil.
• Potato Salad: A creamy or tangy potato salad can be a satisfying side dish. You can prepare it with a Cajun twist by adding some of the same spices used in the seafood boil.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with a zesty vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the seafood.
• Pickles: Pickles or pickled vegetables can provide a tangy and crunchy element that complements the richness of the seafood.
• Fresh Fruit: Serve fresh fruit like watermelon or pineapple to add a refreshing touch to the meal.
• Beer or Iced Tea: For beverages, consider serving cold beer or sweet iced tea to balance the heat of the Cajun spices.
• Lemon Wedges: Provide lemon wedges for guests to squeeze over their seafood for a burst of citrus freshness.

This cajun boil is a fail-proof crowd-pleaser, especially when you’re entertaining. The delicate seafood pairs perfectly with the luscious potatoes, savory sausage, and sweet corn. You cannot go wrong with this recipe!