Copycat Boiling Crab Recipe
Recreate the irresistible flavors of your favorite seafood boil with this Copycat Boiling Crab Recipe, a crowd-pleasing feast that's perfect for sharing! Overflowing with succulent shrimp or king crab, sweet corn, tender red potatoes, and smoky sausage, this one-pot meal is drenched in a garlicky butter sauce spiced with Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, and a touch of cayenne for a bold kick. Juicy lemon, aromatic broth, and a splash of reserved cooking liquid make the sauce irresistibly rich and flavorful. Whether you serve it on parchment paper for a casual family-style meal or in a large platter for a dinner party, this recipe delivers all the vibrant, finger-licking goodness of a restaurant-quality seafood boil in just 50 minutes. Ideal for seafood lovers and spice enthusiasts alike, this dish transforms any gathering into a coastal-style celebration!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds shrimp (shell-on) or crab (preferably snow or king crab)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 6 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 ears corn on the cob, halved
- 1 pound small red potatoes
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 8 cups water
Instructions
In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt and squeeze in the juice of one lemon. Toss the juiced lemon halves into the pot as well.
Add the red potatoes to the boiling water and cook for 10 minutes.
Add the corn on the cob and smoked sausage to the pot with the potatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes.
Add the shrimp or crab to the boiling pot and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked. Turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors. Drain the pot, but set aside about 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Stir in Old Bay seasoning, Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, and sugar. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
Pour in the chicken broth and about 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking liquid. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Add the drained seafood, sausage, corn, and potatoes to the skillet. Mix well to coat everything in the sauce.
Serve immediately in a large serving dish or directly on parchment paper for a casual, family-style feast. Provide lemon wedges and extra napkins for an authentic Boiling Crab experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3942 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 198.6 g | 255% | |
| Saturated Fat | 91.2 g | 456% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 2166 mg | 722% | |
| Sodium | 12811 mg | 557% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 284.7 g | 104% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32.5 g | 116% | |
| Total Sugars | 85.6 g | ||
| Protein | 297.3 g | 595% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 739 mg | 57% | |
| Iron | 18.0 mg | 100% | |
| Potassium | 7986 mg | 170% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
