Southern-Style Spicy Seafood Boil Bowl: The Ultimate Recipe
Introduction to Southern-Style Spicy Seafood Boil Bowl
Gather around friends and family for a delightful and flavorful Southern-Style Spicy Seafood Boil Bowl! This dish captures the essence of coastal cooking, bringing together a medley of seafood, spices, and the joy of sharing. Perfect for any gathering, this seafood boil is not just a meal; it’s an experience that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your heart.
A Personal Story Behind My Southern-Style Spicy Seafood Boil Bowl Journey
Growing up in the South, seafood boils were a staple at our family gatherings. I fondly remember the aroma of spices wafting through the air as we gathered around a large table, eager to dig into the delicious spread. This recipe is a tribute to those cherished memories, combining my love for seafood with the rich flavors that have been passed down through generations.
What Makes This Southern-Style Spicy Seafood Boil Bowl Recipe Special?
This seafood boil stands out due to its bold flavors and the communal experience it fosters. With a mix of succulent shrimp, tender crab, spicy sausage, and seasonal vegetables, every bite bursts with flavor. The addition of a rich garlic butter sauce elevates the dish, making it a true Southern delicacy that you can customize to your liking!
The Full Southern-Style Spicy Seafood Boil Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 quarts water
- 1 (12-ounce) can of beer (optional). No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.
- 3 tablespoons Creole Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- Hot sauce, to taste
- 1 medium yellow onion, roughly sliced
- 1 large lemon, cut into wedges
- 12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced (you can use beef sausage as a substitute)
- 1 lb baby potatoes
- 1 lb pre-cooked snow crab leg clusters
- 1 – 1 ½ lbs jumbo shrimp, deveined
- 4–6 ears sweet corn on the cob
- 4–6 hard boiled eggs (optional)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 10 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon Creole Cajun Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Hot sauce, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the boil: In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, combine water and beer. Bring to a boil and add Creole Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, and hot sauce. Add onion and lemon wedges. Let it boil for 15 minutes. Tip: Ensure the water is boiling vigorously before adding the spices for maximum flavor.
- Add the sausage & potatoes: Add sausage rounds and baby potatoes. Cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender. Tip: Check the potatoes with a fork to ensure they are cooked through but not mushy.
- Add the seafood & corn: Add snow crab clusters, shrimp, and corn. Boil for another 5-7 minutes until shrimp is pink. Tip: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they should turn pink and curl slightly.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, Creole Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and hot sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat. Tip: Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Assemble the Cajun seafood boil: Line a baking sheet with foil. Transfer the boil contents to the sheet, add hard-boiled eggs. Discard onion and lemon. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the ingredients. Toss everything to coat well. Tip: Use tongs to mix gently, so all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Serve and enjoy! Tip: Provide extra napkins and hot sauce for guests to customize their bowls.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Southern-Style Spicy Seafood Boil Bowl
This seafood boil is perfect for a casual dinner or a festive gathering. Serve it in large bowls or directly on a table covered with butcher paper for a fun, hands-on experience. Pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce! You can also customize the seafood selection based on your preferences—try adding mussels, clams, or even lobster for a luxurious touch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern-Style Spicy Seafood Boil Bowl
Can I make this seafood boil ahead of time?
No, it’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain the quality of the seafood and vegetables.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, you can use frozen seafood, but be sure to thaw it before adding it to the boil.
How spicy can I make it?
You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce according to your taste.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! You can adjust the spices to make it milder for kids and still enjoy a delicious meal.
Recipe Stats
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Calories per Serving: 650
Servings: 6-8
Southern-Style Spicy Seafood Boil Bowl
Equipment
- Large stockpot For boiling seafood and vegetables.
- Saucepan For making the garlic butter sauce.
- Baking sheet For serving the seafood boil.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 quarts water
- 12 ounce can of beer No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.
- 3 tablespoons Creole Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 medium yellow onion roughly sliced
- 1 large lemon cut into wedges
- 12 ounce andouille sausage sliced (you can use beef sausage as a substitute)
- 1 pound baby potatoes
- 1 pound pre-cooked snow crab leg clusters
- 1.5 pound jumbo shrimp deveined
- 4 ears sweet corn on the cob
- 4 count hard boiled eggs optional
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 10 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon Creole Cajun Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 to_taste hot sauce
Instructions
- In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, combine water and beer. Bring to a boil and add Creole Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, and hot sauce. Add onion and lemon wedges. Let it boil for 15 minutes.
- Add sausage rounds and baby potatoes. Cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add snow crab clusters, shrimp, and corn. Boil for another 5-7 minutes until shrimp is pink.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, parsley, Creole Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and hot sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Line a baking sheet with foil. Transfer the boil contents to the sheet, add hard-boiled eggs. Discard onion and lemon. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the ingredients. Toss everything to coat well.
- Serve and enjoy!