Spicy Cajun Seafood Boil with Corn and Sausage

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A flavorful seafood boil featuring shrimp, crab, and andouille sausage simmered in a spicy Cajun broth with corn on the cob. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, crab legs, baby red potatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large stockpot, bring 6 quarts of water to a boil; add 1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 4 smashed garlic cloves, 1 quartered lemon, and 3 bay leaves; boil for 5 minutes to infuse the broth.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb baby red potatoes and cook for 10 minutes until just tender.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz sliced andouille sausage and 2 ears of corn cut into thirds; cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp and 1 lb crab legs; cook for 5-6 minutes until shrimp turn pink and crab is heated through.
  5. Step 5: Drain all contents in a colander and transfer to a large serving platter or newspaper-lined table.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter over the seafood boil and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; serve immediately for a spicy, communal feast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Cajun Seafood Boil with Corn and Sausage take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spicy Cajun Seafood Boil with Corn and Sausage?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep crab legs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Cajun Seafood Boil with Corn and Sausage?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spicy Cajun Seafood Boil with Corn and Sausage for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spicy Cajun Seafood Boil with Corn and Sausage?

American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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