
Shrimp & Crab Boil
This is a good seafood boil recipe, you could make this in one pot for the family. I’m going to try this Seafood crab boil recipe in the oven as well.
Hello Friends, I get it—Thanksgiving can sometimes feel like a relic from the past, what with the same old turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce every year. But what if I told you there’s a game-changer? Say hello to the seafood boil feast – the coolest way to celebrate Thanksgiving! Forget about the oven, and prepare to spice up your holiday with a feast. Join us as we dive into the perfect seafood boil recipe.
The Bounty of the Sea:
Thanksgiving is all about that feast and a seafood boil for all my pescatarian and seafood lovers out there. Imagine a table piled high with shrimp, spicy meatless sausage, sweet corn on the cob, and succulent Dungeness crab – all swimming in a delicious broth. This isn’t your grandma’s Thanksgiving; it’s an oceanic flavor explosion you’ll crave long after the last bite.
The Ultimate Thanksgiving Experience:
A seafood boil is more than a meal; it’s an epic experience. Grab your squad, lay down some old newspapers, and get ready to go hands-on with your grub. Cracking crab shells, peeling shrimp, and chowing down on this seafood bonanza together create unforgettable memories.
Flavor Explosion:
Here’s the scoop: the secret to a successful seafood boil is the spices, herbs, and aromatics that make that broth sizzle. While you can go right with classics like garlic, lemon, and butter, this is your chance to get creative. Add some spice. The result is a flavor explosion with your friends and family shouting, “Yes!”
Sides and Fixings:
It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without the sides. Add some flair to your seafood boil with classic fixings like red potatoes, or get extra with garlic bread and garlic noodles. Don’t forget the sauces: garlic butter – because everything’s better with a little dip.
Seafood Boil for up to 6 people:
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
– 4 meatless spicy sausages (sliced)
– 3 ears of corn on the cob (cut into thirds, frozen in not in season)
– 1 large Dungeness crab (cleaned) or crab legs
– 8 oz mushrooms (cut evenly)
-3 quartz or 12 cups of Water (for boiling)
-1 bag of seafood boil (Zatarain’s crab boil in a bag seasoning)
Garlic Butter Sauce:
– 1 stick butter
– 4 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 lemon (sliced and juiced)
– 1/2 onion (minced, optional but recommended).
– 1 tablespoon old bay seasoning
– 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
– 1/2 to 1 cup vegetable broth
– 2 teaspoon creole seasoning
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine Water and Zatarain’s seafood boil seasoning bag. Bring it to a boil, and then boil the ingredients in batches.
2. First, add the frozen corn and let it boil for about 10 minutes or until it is tender (do not overcook; if using fresh corn, bring Water to a strong boil and cook for 4 to 5 minutes). Remove the corn and set aside.
3. Second, add the crab to the pot and boil (this will depend on your crab; mine was previously frozen; cook for 15 minutes). Once done, remove and set aside with the corn.
4. Third, add the shrimp to the pot and boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
5. Fourth, turn the heat off once you have finished boiling all the seafood and corn.
6. Remove the casing on the impossible sausages. Spray olive oil in a skillet, and brown the sausages for 10 minutes (flipping through all sides). Remove and set aside; let it cool before cutting.
7. Finally, time for the sauce. In the same heated large skillet, add butter and let that melt. Saute mushroom and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Then add garlic and onion and saute until aromatic. Squeeze the lemon juice in the skillet, and add the whole lemon.
8. Add all the seasoning in and mix. Slowly add the broth (start with 1/2 cup) and bring to a slight boil. Please give it a taste and adjust it to your liking.
9. Add the sliced sausages and let them soak in the sauce. Add more vegetable broth at this time if it’s too salty or needs more liquid. Let this cook for 2-3 minutes, and remove from heat. Set some sauce aside for dipping, then pour the sauce over the boiled seafood (corn, shrimp, and crab).
Things to think about for a successful seafood boil:
1. Choose Fresh Ingredients:
The key to a fantastic seafood boil is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whether shrimp or crab ensures everything is as fresh as possible. Check for any signs of spoilage and go for the best your budget allows. Fresh ingredients will make a world of difference in flavor and texture.
2. Balanced Seasoning:
Achieving the perfect balance of seasonings is crucial. Please stay moderate with spices, as you want to enhance the seafood’s natural flavors, not overwhelm them. Use a good-quality seafood boil seasoning mix or create a blend of spices, herbs, and aromatics. Taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning to achieve your desired level of spiciness and flavor.
3. Timing is Everything:
Timing is critical when cooking a seafood boil. Start with the ingredients that take the longest to cook, like potatoes and corn. Once they’re partially done, add the seafood. Overcooking can make the seafood rubbery, so keep a close eye on the cooking time. As soon as the shrimp turn pink and the crab is heated through, it’s time to remove them from the pot to prevent overcooking. Be mindful of the cooking times for each ingredient to ensure a perfectly cooked seafood boil.
4. Use a Large Pot or Outdoor Boiler:
Use a large pot or an outdoor boiler if you have one to ensure even cooking and accommodate all your ingredients. A big pot allows the seafood and other ingredients to cook evenly without overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and affect the overall quality of your seafood boil. It’s much more fun and practical, especially if you host friends or family for a seafood boil feast. Keep the pot covered during cooking to trap in the steam and infuse your ingredients with all those fantastic flavors.
So, what do you say? Are we doing this for Thanksgiving? Are you all in with a seafood boil? It’s a feast that breaks the mold, guarantees good vibes, and will leave you and your crew craving seconds. Get ready to create the happiest Thanksgiving celebration ever, and let the seafood boil do the talking – you’ll be hashtagging #BestThanksgivingEver in no time!
Did you make this recipe? Please tag me on Instagram @melshealthybowl to be featured in my stories.

Shrimp and Crab Boil
Ingredients
- 2 lbs large shrimp (if frozen, completely thaw in refrigeration)
- 4 links meatless spicy sausages (impossible brand)
- 6 corn on the cob (frozen, or 3 ears cut in thirds)
- 1 large Dungeness crab (cleaned)
- 8 oz mushrooms
- 3 quartz water (for boiling)
- 1 bag Zatarain's crab boil seasoning (bag seasoning)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1 stick butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 1/2 onion, minced (optional but recommended)
- 1 tbsp old bay seasoning
- 2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth (add up to 1 cup if needed)
- 2 tsp creole seasoning
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine Water and Zatarain's seafood boil seasoning bag. Bring it to a boil, and then boil the ingredients in batches.
- Add the frozen corn and let it boil for about 10 minutes or until it is tender (do not overcook; if using fresh corn, bring Water to a strong boil and cook for 4 to 5 minutes). Remove the corn and set aside.
- Add the crab to the pot and boil (this will depend on your crab; mine was previously frozen; cook for 15 minutes). Once done, remove and set aside with the corn.
- Add the shrimp to the pot and boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Turn the heat off once you have finished boiling all the seafood and corn.
- Remove the casing on the impossible sausages. Spray olive oil in a skillet, and brown the sausages for 10 minutes (flipping through all sides). Remove and set aside; let it cool before cutting.
Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same heated large skillet, add butter and let that melt. Saute mushroom and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Then add garlic and onion and saute until aromatic. Squeeze the lemon juice in the skillet, and add the whole lemon.
- Add all the seasoning in and mix. Slowly add the broth (start with 1/2 cup) and bring to a slight boil. Please give it a taste and adjust it to your liking.
- Add the sliced sausages and let them soak in the sauce. Add more vegetable broth at this time if it's too salty or needs more liquid. Let this cook for 2-3 minutes, and remove from heat.
- Set some sauce aside for dipping, then pour the sauce over the boiled seafood (corn, shrimp, and crab).
Notes
Need for easy recipes? Check these out:
- The Best and Crispy Shrimp Balls
- The Best Cookie Skillet With Ice Cream
- Thanksgiving with a Twist: The Best Seafood Boil
- The Best Mocktail For Thanksgiving
- The Best of Mom’s Classic Tuna Casserole
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