Cajun Seafood Boil Corn (Printable)
A vibrant Southern classic featuring tender seafood, sweet corn, sausage, and bold Cajun flavors.
# What You Need:
→ Seafood
01 - 1 lb large shrimp, shell-on
02 - 1 lb snow crab legs or king crab legs
03 - 1 lb mussels or clams, cleaned
04 - 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
→ Vegetables
05 - 4 ears corn, cut into thirds
06 - 1.5 lb baby potatoes, halved
07 - 1 large onion, quartered
08 - 1 head garlic, halved crosswise
09 - 1 lemon, sliced
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 1/4 cup Cajun seasoning
11 - 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
12 - 2 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 2 bay leaves
14 - 1 tbsp kosher salt
15 - 1 tsp black peppercorns
16 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
→ Liquids & Extras
17 - 8 cups water
18 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
19 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
20 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# How To Make It:
01 - Fill a large stockpot with 8 cups water. Add Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, smoked paprika, bay leaves, salt, black peppercorns, cayenne, onion, garlic, and lemon slices. Bring to a boil over high heat.
02 - Add potatoes to the boiling liquid and cook for 10 minutes until slightly tender.
03 - Add corn and sausage to the pot; cook for another 7 minutes to begin infusing flavors.
04 - Add crab legs and mussels or clams; cook for 5 minutes until shellfish begin to open.
05 - Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook.
06 - Drain the boil thoroughly, reserving some broth if desired. Arrange seafood, sausage, vegetables, and corn on a large platter or newspaper-lined table for serving.
07 - Drizzle everything with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The combination of tender seafood, sweet corn, and spicy broth creates layers of flavor in every bite
- Its a celebration meal that brings people together around the table, literally
- Cooking everything in one pot means less cleanup and more time with your people
02 -
- Add ingredients in order of cooking time so everything finishes perfectly at the same moment
- Keep your liquid at a steady boil to maintain consistent cooking temperatures
- The broth is just as important as the seafood, so taste and adjust before adding ingredients
03 -
- Crawfish season runs from spring to early summer, making them an authentic addition when available
- Crusty bread is essential for sopping up every last drop of that spicy, buttery broth
- A cold beer or crisp white wine cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate between bites