Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This mouth-watering Fish Shellfish Shrimp Boil is not just a meal—it's a flavor-packed experience that brings the coastal charm right to your dining table. Imagine succulent shrimp, tender crab legs, and perfectly seasoned potatoes and corn, all bursting with zesty Old Bay flavor that will transport you to a beachside cookout in just one bite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds shrimp, deveined
- 1 pound crab legs
- 1 pound small potatoes
- 2 ears corn, cut in half
- 1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning
- 1 lemon, halved
- Water, for boiling
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and ensure they are deveined. If your crab legs are frozen, make sure to thaw them in advance. Wash the small potatoes and cut them in half if they are larger than a golf ball. Husk the corn and cut each ear in half.
- In a large pot, fill it with enough water to cover all the ingredients once added. You will need about 4-6 quarts of water. Place the pot on the stove over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Once the water is boiling, add the small potatoes to the pot. Allow them to cook for about 10 minutes, or until they are just tender but still firm.
- After the potatoes have cooked for 10 minutes, add the corn halves to the pot. Stir in the 1/4 cup of Old Bay seasoning and squeeze the juice of one lemon half into the water. Drop the lemon halves into the pot for added flavor.
- Continue boiling the mixture for an additional 5 minutes to allow the corn to cook and absorb the flavors from the seasoning and lemon.
- Next, add the crab legs to the pot. Since they are already cooked, you only need to heat them through, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Finally, add the shrimp to the pot. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
- Once everything is cooked, carefully drain the pot using a colander. You can also use a slotted spoon to scoop out the ingredients if you prefer to keep some of the broth.
- Transfer the shrimp, crab legs, potatoes, and corn to a large serving platter or spread them out on a newspaper-covered table for a traditional seafood boil experience.
- Serve immediately with melted butter, additional lemon wedges, and extra Old Bay seasoning on the side for guests to customize their plates. Enjoy your delicious fish shellfish shrimp boil!
Tips
- Timing is Everything: The key to a perfect shrimp boil is precise cooking times. Potatoes take longest, so start with them, then progressively add ingredients to ensure nothing gets overcooked.
- Don't Skimp on Seasoning: Old Bay is your secret weapon. Be generous with it to infuse maximum flavor into your seafood and vegetables.
- Fresh is Best: Use the freshest seafood possible. If using frozen shrimp or crab legs, ensure they're completely thawed before cooking.
- Watch Your Shrimp: Those little guys cook fast! The moment they turn pink and opaque, they're done. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.
- Serving Suggestion: For an authentic experience, spread your boil on a newspaper-covered table or large platter. Add extra lemon wedges and melted butter for dipping.
- Make it a Party: This recipe serves 4, but it's perfect for gatherings. Consider doubling the recipe for a crowd-pleasing seafood feast!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 250mg
