10+ Seafood Boil Recipes to Spice Up Your Next Gathering

Seafood boils are a blast—messy, fun, and loaded with fresh flavors. You toss everything in one pot, and suddenly, it’s a party.

A seafood boil is a great meal if you want a flavorful, hands-on dining experience that brings people together.

You don’t need to be a pro to pull off a killer seafood boil at home. Just grab some fresh seafood, a few simple ingredients, and you’re good to go.

This article’s got recipes that’ll help you hit all the right notes with your next boil.

1) Cajun Seafood Boil with Garlic Butter Sauce

If you’re into bold, zesty flavors, you’ll probably dig this Cajun Seafood Boil. Shrimp, crab, potatoes, corn, and sausage all get cooked together, then coated in a rich garlic butter sauce.

The Cajun seasoning brings the heat, while the garlic butter smooths things out. It’s a combo that just works.

Adjust the spice level however you like—just tweak the Cajun seasoning. Dump it all out on a big tray and let everyone dig in with their hands.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, deveined with shells on
• 1 pound crab legs
• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
• 4 small red potatoes, halved
• 2 ears corn, cut into thirds
• 1 stick butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil potatoes and corn in a large pot until tender.
2. Add shrimp, crab legs, and sausage; cook until seafood is done.
3. Melt butter in a pan, stir in garlic and Cajun seasoning.
4. Drain seafood mixture and toss with garlic butter sauce.
5. Serve hot on a large platter.

More details on this recipe are at Cajun Seafood Boil with Garlic Butter Sauce.

2) Classic Shrimp and Crab Boil with Potatoes and Corn

This one’s all about the basics—shrimp, crab, potatoes, and corn, boiled together for a simple, classic flavor. The potatoes soak up the seasoning, and the corn brings a nice crunch.

Everything simmers in a lemony broth. Once it’s done, toss it all with a buttery garlic sauce.

Serve it straight from the pot if you want. It’s casual, messy, and always a hit.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound crab legs
• 4 red potatoes, halved
• 3 ears corn, cut into thirds
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water and add lemon slices and Old Bay seasoning.
2. Bring to a boil, add potatoes, and cook for 10 minutes.
3. Add corn and cook for 5 more minutes.
4. Add crab legs and shrimp; cook until shrimp are pink and crab is heated through, about 5 minutes.
5. Melt butter with garlic in a saucepan over medium heat (about 250°F/120°C).
6. Drain seafood mixture and toss with garlic butter sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

3) Seafood Boil with Andouille Sausage and Lemon

This boil brings together shrimp, smoky andouille sausage, and a squeeze of lemon for a bright, flavorful meal. The lemon really wakes things up.

Baby potatoes and corn go in the pot too, soaking up all the good stuff. The sausage brings a little heat and smokiness.

Serve it hot with melted butter or garlic butter sauce. It’s simple, but it hits the spot.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound andouille sausage, sliced
• 4 baby potatoes
• 2 ears corn, cut in halves
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
• 2 tablespoons butter

Cooking Instructions:

1. Bring water, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon slices to a boil.
2. Add potatoes and cook for 10 minutes.
3. Add corn and sausage; cook 5 minutes more.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3 minutes.
5. Drain and toss with melted butter before serving.

4) Lobster and Clam Seafood Boil with Herb Butter

Start by steaming lobster and clams—just long enough for the shells to open and the lobster to turn bright. This keeps the flavors fresh and the texture just right.

Next, melt butter with chopped parsley and thyme. That herb butter? It’s honestly what makes this dish pop.

Add in potatoes and corn for some extra heft. They soak up all those buttery, herby flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 lobsters
• 2 pounds clams
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon thyme
• 2 ears corn, cut in halves
• 1 pound baby potatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Steam lobsters and clams for 10 minutes until shells open.
2. Boil potatoes and corn until tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Melt butter and mix with parsley and thyme.
4. Pour herb butter over seafood and serve hot.

5) Garlic Butter Shrimp and Mussel Boil

This one’s straightforward: shrimp, mussels, potatoes, and corn, all drenched in garlicky butter. It’s quick to make and totally satisfying.

Steam the mussels first until they pop open. Boil the rest, then pour that hot garlic butter over everything.

It’s a meal you’ll want to share—if you can resist eating it all yourself.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound mussels, cleaned
• 3 small potatoes, halved
• 2 ears of corn, cut into pieces
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil potatoes and corn in salted water for 10 minutes.
2. Add shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink.
3. Steam mussels for 5 minutes or until they open. Discard any that don’t open.
4. In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
5. Stir in paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour garlic butter over shrimp, mussels, potatoes, and corn.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

For more on garlic butter seafood boils, check Garlic Butter Shrimp Boil Recipe.

6) Spicy Cajun Seafood Boil with Old Bay Seasoning

This Cajun seafood boil packs some serious heat. Shrimp, crab, sausage, and veggies bubble away in a broth loaded with Old Bay and Cajun spices.

Cayenne and hot sauce bring the fire. Garlic butter sauce calms things down and adds a bit of richness.

Don’t forget to boil the potatoes and corn first—they take the longest. The seafood goes in last so it stays tender.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 quarts water
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled
• 1 pound crab legs
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 3 cups baby potatoes
• 2 ears corn, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring water to a boil with Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, lemon slices, and garlic.
2. Add potatoes and corn; cook for 15 minutes.
3. Add sausage, shrimp, and crab; cook 5-7 minutes until seafood is done.
4. Melt butter for the sauce and mix in minced garlic.
5. Drain seafood and veggies, then toss with garlic butter.
6. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.

For more ideas, check Cajun Seafood Boil with Garlic Butter Sauce.

7) Seafood Boil with Sausage, Corn, and Potatoes

Here’s a simple one-pot seafood boil—just sausage, corn, potatoes, and your choice of shrimp or crab. Boil the potatoes first since they need the most time.

Add sausage and corn next, then finish with the seafood so nothing gets rubbery. Toss it all in a buttery, garlicky sauce.

Andouille sausage gives everything a spicy edge. Cleanup’s a breeze since it all cooks in one pot.

Ingredients

• 1 lb baby potatoes
• 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
• 4 ears corn, cut into pieces
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil potatoes in salted water for 10-12 minutes until tender.
2. Add sausage and corn, boil for 5-7 minutes.
3. Add shrimp, cook for 3-4 minutes until pink.
4. Melt butter with garlic and Cajun seasoning.
5. Drain the pot and toss all ingredients in the butter sauce.
6. Serve hot and enjoy your meal.

See more on this kind of recipe with sausage and seafood here.

8) Low Country Shrimp Boil with Fresh Dill

A Low Country Shrimp Boil with fresh dill? That’s a fun twist on the usual. Dill throws in a bright, herbal note that just works with shrimp, potatoes, and corn.

First, boil your potatoes and corn. Once they’re nearly ready, toss in the shrimp, spices, and a heap of chopped dill.

Let everything bubble together for a few minutes. The dill will sneak into every bite and, honestly, it smells fantastic.

Drain the pot, pile everything up, and serve. That dill just makes the whole thing taste lighter—almost summery.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh shrimp
• 1 pound small potatoes
• 2 ears corn, cut into pieces
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Salt to taste
• 8 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Pour water into a big pot, add Old Bay and lemon slices, and bring it all to a boil.
2. Toss in potatoes and let them cook for 10 minutes.
3. Add the corn, give it another 5 minutes.
4. Drop in shrimp and fresh dill. Cook for 3-4 minutes—shrimp should turn pink quick.
5. Drain. Sprinkle with salt if you feel like it. Serve warm.

9) Seafood Boil Hurghada Style with Mixed Seafood

Hurghada style seafood boil is a real treat if you love variety. Mixing shrimp, crab, and fish gives you a bit of everything from the sea.

Boil potatoes and corn until they’re soft enough to poke with a fork. Then, into the pot goes all your seafood—shrimp, crab, fish—with a good shake of spices.

A splash of lemon juice and a handful of garlic wake up the flavors. It’s warm, a little spicy, and loaded with that seaside vibe.

Serve it all hot on a big platter. Dunk each bite in garlic butter or whatever sauce you’re into.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp
• 1 lb crab legs
• 1 lb firm fish chunks
• 2 ears corn, cut
• 1 lb small potatoes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil potatoes and corn in salted water for about 15 minutes, until they’re soft.
2. Stir in garlic, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
3. Add shrimp, crab, and fish. Let them cook for 5-7 minutes, just until the seafood is done.
4. Drain everything and pour over the lemon juice.
5. Serve hot with garlic butter or your favorite dip.

10) Garlic and Herb Butter Lobster Tail Boil

This garlic and herb butter lobster tail boil is straightforward and packed with flavor. You’ll get tender lobster tails alongside juicy shrimp, potatoes, and corn.

The garlic butter sauce? It’s rich, savory, and just brings everything together.

Start by boiling potatoes and corn until they’re nice and tender. Toss in the lobster tails and shrimp, cooking until they’re just done—don’t overdo it.

Melt some butter with garlic and fresh herbs for the sauce. Drizzle it over everything, or just use it as a dip if you’re feeling fancy.

Honestly, this dish feels right for a weekend treat or when you want to impress a few friends.

Ingredients:

• 2 lobster tails, split
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
• 2 ears corn, cut into pieces
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes and corn in salted water for 10 minutes.
2. Add lobster tails and shrimp; cook for 5-7 minutes until the lobster turns opaque.
3. Melt butter in a pan with garlic, parsley, and thyme.
4. Drain the seafood and veggies, then pour that garlic herb butter over everything.
5. Serve warm. Dig in!