Seafood Boil is a vibrant and flavourful dish featuring a medley of shrimp, crab, sausage, corn, and potatoes, all seasoned to perfection. It’s perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
The wine and beer pairings can be found below.
Preparation time
less than 30 mins
Cooking time
30 mins to 1 hour
Serves
Serves 4
By Sam Evans and Shauna GuinnFrom Saturday Kitchen
This seafood boil offers a well-balanced mix of protein and vegetables, making it a nutritious choice for any meal. (Nutri-score)
Equipment
Ingredients
For the seasoning mix:
- Salt: ¾ tbsp
- Celery seeds: 1 tbsp
- Sweet smoked paprika: 2 tbsp
- Mustard powder: 1 tsp
- Ground ginger: 1 tsp
- Bay leaves (crushed to a powder): 5
- Freshly ground black pepper: ½ tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes: ½ tsp
- Ground nutmeg: ½ tsp
- Ground mace: ½ tsp
- Ground cardamom: ½ tsp
- Ground allspice: ½ tsp
- Ground cinnamon: ½ tsp
For the Cajun seafood boil:
- Vegetable oil: 1 tbsp
- Cooked smoked sausage (cut into slices): 320g/10½oz
- Garlic cloves (minced): 4
- Seasoning mix: 100g/3½oz (from above)
- Low-sodium chicken stock: 1.5 litres/2¾ pt
- Lager: 250ml/9fl oz (nothing too hoppy)
- Fresh bay leaves: 2
- Corncobs (cut into rings): 2
- Red potatoes (halved): 400g/14oz
- Cooked snow crab legs: 360g/12oz
- Raw jumbo prawns (peeled): 1kg/2lb 4oz
- Melted butter: 3 tbsp
- Sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper:
- Chopped fresh parsley (to garnish): handful
- Lemon wedges (to serve):
- Hot sauce (to serve):
Method
Create the seasoning mix.
- Blend all seasoning ingredients in a spice grinder until powdered.
- Set aside for later use.
Cook the Cajun seafood boil.
- Add vegetable oil to a deep saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add sausage slices and cook until browned.
- Add minced garlic and cook for a few seconds.
- Add the seasoning mix, chicken stock, water, lager, and bay leaves.
- Brought to a boil.
Add vegetables and seafood.
- Add corn and potatoes to the pot.
- Simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Add crab legs and prawns; cook for another 3 minutes or until prawns turn pink.
- Remove from heat and strain mixture, reserving some cooking liquid.
- Transfer strained seafood and vegetables to a large serving dish.
- Melt butter in reserved cooking liquid and whisk together. Pour over seafood.
- Season with sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper. Garnish with parsley.
- Serve with lemon wedges and hot sauce on the side.
Recommended Wine Pairing
Tesco: Pinot Grigio – £8.00
This light-bodied Pinot Grigio features refreshing acidity and subtle flavours of green apple and pear. It complements the sweetness of the seafood while balancing the spices in the seafood boil.
Sainsbury’s: Albariño – £9.50
Albariño offers bright acidity and flavours of citrus and stone fruit, making it an excellent pairing for seafood. Its mineral notes enhance the saltiness of the seafood, creating a harmonious match.
Majestic: Sauvignon Blanc – £11.00
This Sauvignon Blanc showcases vibrant acidity with herbaceous and citrusy notes. It pairs beautifully with the delicate flavours of shrimp and crab, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Recommended Beer Pairing
These beers not only pair well with the seafood boil but also offer a range of flavours that can elevate your dining experience.
Von Trapp Brewing Bohemian-Style Pilsner: $11.99 for a 6-pack (approximately £9.00).
This award-winning pilsner features spicy, citrus peel botanicals combined with a dry, peppery finish, making it a thirst-quenching lager that complements seafood beautifully.
Montauk Brewing Company Summer Ale: $2.49 per can (about £1.90).
A light caramel malt blend with just the right amount of wheat gives this summer ale a bold yet refreshing finish, perfect for pairing with seafood.
Samuel Adams Boston Lager: Approx. £29.79 for a case of 24x330ml bottles (about $40.00).
This classic lager is known for its balanced flavour profile, featuring caramel malt and floral hop notes, which enhance the flavours of the seafood.
Nutri-score Health Check
This seafood boil receives a “Well balanced** rating on the Nutri-score system. The combination of protein-rich seafood, healthy fats from butter, and nutrient-dense vegetables contributes to its overall healthiness. The score is automatically calculated from the ingredients in the recipe and serves as a guide.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, frozen seafood works well; just ensure it is fully thawed before cooking.
Your recommended cooking time?
Cook until shrimp are pink and potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes total.
If I can’t find smoked sausage, what can I use?
You can substitute with any cooked sausage like kielbasa or chorizo.
This dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time; just reheat before serving.
I want more spice; what should I add?
Increase crushed red pepper flakes or add your favorite hot sauce.
This recipe good for large gatherings?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
I don’t have a spice grinder; what can I do?
Use pre-ground spices if you lack a grinder.
This dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free beer or omit it entirely.