Name: Homemade Cajun Seafood Boil Recipe with Spicy Garlic Butter Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 cup Old Bay seasoning; 1/2 cup smoked paprika; 6 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 4 tablespoons onion powder; 4 tablespoons garlic powder; 3 tablespoons cayenne pepper; 3 tablespoons red pepper flakes; 3 tablespoons dried thyme; 3 tablespoons coarse ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons ground mustard; 2 tablespoons celery seed; 1 tablespoon ground coriander; 20 quarts water (or enough to fill your pot a little over halfway); 6.5 tablespoons kosher salt (to taste, adjust depending on seasoning salt content); 12 cloves garlic (smashed); 3 medium onions (quartered); 3 whole lemons (cut into rounds); 1/4 cup Louisiana-style hot sauce; 6 whole bay leaves; 3 pounds red potatoes; 3 pounds whole shrimp; 3 pounds mussels; 2 pounds snow crab clusters; 2 pounds andouille sausage (cut into 3-inch pieces); 6 ears sweet corn (halved or cut into thirds); 2 cups unsalted butter (4 sticks, or 1 pound); 10 cloves garlic (minced); 1 medium lemon (juice and zest); 1 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste, adjust as needed); 2-3 cups liquid from the seafood boil (to thin the sauce)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 88 reviews

If you crave bold, mouthwatering flavors that bring family and friends together, then this Homemade Cajun Seafood Boil Recipe with Spicy Garlic Butter Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine succulent shrimp, tender crab clusters, smoky andouille sausage, sweet corn, and soft red potatoes, all simmered in a richly seasoned broth bursting with Cajun spices. To top it all off, a luscious, spicy garlic butter sauce coats every bite, elevating this dish from a simple boil to a celebration on your plate. Whether you’re hosting a seafood feast or indulging in a weekend treat, this recipe promises layers of flavor, texture, and zest that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white pot filled with thick, dark reddish-brown sauce with oily spots on the surface, being stirred by a wooden spoon resting inside. A woman's hand is pouring light amber liquid from a glass measuring cup into the pot. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with a light brown cloth nearby, a small round salt container to the side, and a round white marble coaster partly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this dish is how the carefully chosen ingredients work together to create that unforgettable Cajun taste and satisfy your craving for seafood boils. Each element, from spices to seafood selections, adds its own magic—whether it’s the smoky depth of paprika, the zing of cayenne, or the sweetness of fresh corn.

Old Bay seasoning: The foundational seafood seasoning that gives that classic boil flavor.
Smoked paprika: Adds a rich, smoky undertone essential for depth.
Cajun seasoning: Brings that spicy, southern character everyone loves.
Onion powder and garlic powder: Build savory aromatics that infuse into the broth.
Cayenne and red pepper flakes: Provide the signature, slow-building heat.
Dried thyme: Offers an earthy herbal note that complements the seafood.
Coarse ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and texture.
Ground mustard, celery seed, and ground coriander: Round out the spice complexity with zest and earthiness.
Water: The base that carries all those spices and cooks the seafood and vegetables perfectly.
Kosher salt: Balances flavors and enhances the overall seasoning.
Garlic cloves: Smash and mince for double garlic impact—in the boil and in the butter sauce.
Onions: Quartered to sweeten and flavor the cooking liquid.
Lemons: Add brightness both in the boil and in the butter sauce.
Louisiana-style hot sauce: For that authentic southern punch of heat and flavor.
Bay leaves: Aromatic herbs that elevate the broth.
Red potatoes: Tender and hearty, they soak up the spicy broth.
Whole shrimp: The star seafood—sweet and succulent.
Mussels: Add briny goodness and a fun shellfish variety.
Snow crab clusters: Sweet, tender, and perfect for cracking open.
Andouille sausage: A smoky, spicy sausage that adds a meaty contrast.
Sweet corn: Cut into pieces for bursts of juicy sweetness.
Unsalted butter: The rich base for the spicy garlic butter sauce everyone raves about.
Lemon juice and zest: Brighten and balance the butter sauce.
Lemons and parsley for serving: Fresh garnishes that make the dish pop visually and flavor-wise.

How to Make Homemade Cajun Seafood Boil Recipe with Spicy Garlic Butter Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Signature Spice Blend

Start by mixing together Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, red pepper flakes, thyme, black pepper, ground mustard, celery seed, and coriander in a large bowl. This aromatic blend is the heart of your boil and also flavors your butter sauce. Set it aside—the magic begins here!

Step 2: Bring the Broth to a Rolling Boil

Fill your largest stockpot about halfway with water and crank the heat to high. This can take some time depending on your pot size, so be patient—good things come to those who wait. Once boiling, add kosher salt, bay leaves, quartered onions, hot sauce, smashed garlic cloves, lemon rounds, and most of your spice blend. This simmering broth will develop intense flavor that infuses every ingredient.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

Add red potatoes to the boiling broth and let them cook for around 12 minutes. They should be just tender enough to easily pierce with a fork but still hold their shape to soak up delicious spices later.

Step 4: Add the Seafood and Sausage

Carefully place shrimp, mussels, snow crab clusters, and sausage pieces into the pot. Cover and gently boil for about 10 minutes, letting all those flavors mingle and the seafood cook perfectly without toughness.

Step 5: Toss in the Corn

Add the sweet corn pieces and continue boiling for 5 more minutes. By now, the corn will be tender and ready to absorb the seasoned broth, offering sweet pops amidst the flavorful seafood and sausage.

Step 6: Whip Up the Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce

While the boil finishes, melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in minced garlic, letting it gently cook to release aroma without browning. Slowly incorporate the remaining seasoning blend, adding it carefully to balance heat and flavor. Finish by mixing in lemon zest, lemon juice, and 2 to 3 cups of the boiling liquid to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust with salt or more spice—this sauce is the perfect companion that ties it all together.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Drain the boil components and spread them out on a large, newspaper-lined baking sheet or platter. Drizzle generously with your homemade spicy garlic butter sauce, then garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. This dish is meant to be enjoyed family-style—messy, flavorful, and full of fun. Don’t forget extra sauce on the side along with cold beer and a splash of hot sauce!

How to Serve Homemade Cajun Seafood Boil Recipe with Spicy Garlic Butter Recipe

The image shows a pot filled with a dark brown liquid, likely a broth or stew, with visible bubbles on the surface. Floating on top are several thick slices of lemon with a pale yellow color, scattered evenly across the pot. Alongside the lemon slices are large, peeled onion pieces that are off-white and slightly translucent. Some whole garlic cloves are also visible, nestled among the lemon and onion pieces. The liquid has small specks of black and red, suggesting spices mixed in. The pot has a metallic rim, and the entire scene is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley and vibrant lemon wedges add color and brightness to the table setting, while also enhancing the flavors when squeezed over your seafood. A sprinkle of extra seasoning or a dusting of smoked paprika can also add a nice touch to the presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

This hearty boil pairs beautifully with simple, refreshing sides like a crisp coleslaw, crunchy French bread for sopping up sauce, or a cool cucumber salad to balance the heat. For something heartier, a creamy macaroni and cheese or roasted vegetables would complement perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more festive vibe, serve the boil family-style right on the table spread over butcher paper or newspaper. Invite everyone to dig in with their hands—this casual approach sparks joy and conversation. Alternatively, you could portion individual servings in large bowls with sauce drizzled on top for a neat presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and you probably will!), place them on a baking sheet lined with foil, cover tightly with plastic wrap, or store in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep in mind seafood is best enjoyed fresh, so eat within 1 to 2 days for optimal flavor and safety.

Freezing

Because of the mixed seafood and butter sauce, freezing leftovers is not recommended. The textures will degrade, and the buttery sauce can separate, making reheated portions less enjoyable. For best taste, only make what you can eat fresh or store and reheat promptly.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, use your oven at 350°F, covering the seafood boil with foil and heating for 15-20 minutes gently. Alternatively, steam leftovers on the stovetop with a bit of water in a covered pot or heat in a cast iron skillet with a splash of water to keep everything moist and tender. Avoid overheating to prevent overcooked seafood.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen seafood works well as long as it is fully thawed before cooking. Adjust the cook times slightly to avoid overcooking, especially with shrimp and mussels, which can become rubbery if boiled too long.

How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of cayenne, red pepper flakes, and hot sauce you add. If you prefer mild, reduce those ingredients, or add extra for a true heat kick. The garlic butter sauce offers a nice balance to the heat.

What if I don’t have andouille sausage?

If andouille is unavailable, substitute with smoked sausage, chorizo, or another flavorful sausage of your choice that has some kick and smokiness. The sausage adds an important layer of savory richness.

Can I prepare the spice blend ahead of time?

Absolutely! The seasoning mixture stores beautifully in an airtight container for several weeks. This makes the cooking process much quicker on the day of your boil and ensures consistent flavor every time.

Is it okay to skip the butter sauce?

While the boil itself is flavorful, the spicy garlic butter sauce is truly what elevates this dish to restaurant-quality decadence. It’s worth making the effort—plus, you can use the leftovers on sandwiches or as a dip for extra enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Cajun Seafood Boil Recipe with Spicy Garlic Butter Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and community. Bringing together the zest of Cajun spices, the freshness of seafood, and the richness of buttery sauce makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this feast that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. I promise, it’ll become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection for years to come!