Old Bay Seafood Boil Recipe

Sharing is caring!

Last Updated on April 16, 2025 by Toya

Looking for an exciting, flavorful dish to serve at your next gathering or dinner? This Old Bay Seafood Boil is the perfect choice! Packed with shrimp, crab legs, clams, mussels, and smoked sausage, this seafood boil is the perfect crowd-pleaser. When paired with my rich garlic butter sauce, my Old Bay seafood boil recipe becomes an unforgettable meal.

Plus, it is so easy to make, and takes less than 40 minutes from start to finish!

Why Make an Old Bay Seafood Boil?

A seafood boil is a flavorful and fun dish that combines various types of seafood and sausage, as well as corn and potatoes all cooked in one pot with aromatic seasonings. The Old Bay seasoning adds a zesty, spicy kick that makes this dish stand out. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, a weekend gathering, or just craving a delicious seafood feast, this boil is the perfect way to bring bold flavors to the table.

Let me show you how to make it!

Ingredients

For the Seafood Boil:

• 1 lb small potatoes, halved
• 4 ears of corn, cut into 3–4 inch pieces
• 2 lemons, quartered
• 1 lb clams, cleaned
• 1 lb pre-cooked crab legs
• 1 lb smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (leave tails on)
• 1 lb mussels, cleaned
• 1 head garlic
• 1 onion (peeled and roughly chopped)
• ½ cup Old Bay seasoning
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp salt
• 6 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp dried thyme

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 10 diced garlic cloves
• 6 tbsp butter
• 1 ½ cups broth (reserved from cooking the seafood boil)
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• ½ tbsp red pepper flakes
• Salt, to taste
• Juice of 2 limes
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

How to Make an Old Bay Seafood Boil

1. Prepare the Boiling Water:
   In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the peeled garlic cloves, chopped onion, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, bay leaves, and dried thyme.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   Add the potatoes and cook for about 7 minutes. Next, add the corn and cook for another 5 minutes. You want the corn to soften while retaining its vibrant color.
3. Cook the Seafood and Sausage:
   Once the potatoes and corn are done, remove them from the water. Keep the water simmering. Add the clams, mussels, and crab legs to the pot and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the shells open. Afterward, add the smoked sausage and shrimp to the pot and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove everything from the water.
4. Assemble the Boil:
   Arrange the cooked potatoes, corn, seafood, and sausage on a large platter. Set aside while you make the garlic butter sauce.
5. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
   In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the diced garlic cloves and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Let the spices toast for 1–2 minutes. Pour in the reserved broth and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Add Lime and Garnish:
   Squeeze the juice of 2 limes into the sauce, adding a fresh, tangy kick. Season with salt to taste. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the seafood boil and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
7. Serve:
   Serve the Old Bay seafood boil on individual plates or family-style on a large platter, letting everyone enjoy the meal.

Tips & Tricks

• Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh seafood will make all the difference in the flavor of your boil. Look for the freshest options from local fish markets or trusted seafood suppliers.
• Don’t Overcook the Seafood: To keep your seafood tender, avoid overcooking. Stick to the recommended cook times for shrimp, mussels, and clams.
• Customize the Garlic Butter Sauce: Feel free to adjust the spice level. Add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. You can also experiment with different herbs or spices to customize the sauce to your taste.

Why This Old Bay Seafood Boil is a Must-Try

This Old Bay seafood boil is the ultimate dish for anyone who loves flavorful, zesty seafood. The combination of tender potatoes, juicy corn, succulent seafood, and smoky sausage drenched in a garlicky butter sauce creates a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any gathering. Plus, it’s a one-pot dish, meaning minimal cleanup!

Whether you’re having a family dinner, a weekend get-together, or just want to indulge in a delicious seafood feast, this Old Bay seafood boil is a fun and impressive dish that will leave everyone satisfied.

Now you have the perfect recipe for a delicious Old Bay Seafood Boil. Enjoy!