Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Introduction
If you love Southern-style seafood boils but don’t want the hassle of cleaning a big pot afterward, this Seafood Boil in a Bag is the perfect solution! Popularized in coastal regions like Louisiana and South Carolina, this dish combines shrimp, crab, sausage, corn, and potatoes—all steamed together inside an oven-safe bag for incredible flavor and easy cleanup. It’s juicy, buttery, and full of Cajun spices that soak into every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, deveined and shell-on
- 1 lb snow crab legs or king crab legs
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 2 ears of corn, cut into thirds
- 1 lb small red potatoes (or baby potatoes)
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat
- 1 large oven-safe roasting bag or heavy-duty parchment bags
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a large roasting pan or baking sheet on the counter to hold your cooking bag.
- Boil the potatoes in salted water for about 10–12 minutes until just tender. Add the corn pieces during the last 5 minutes of boiling. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the butter sauce: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic, Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Whisk until well blended.
- Assemble the bag: Place the cooked potatoes, corn, sausage, shrimp, and crab legs inside the oven bag. Pour the seasoned butter mixture over the top, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
- Seal and bake: Tie the bag securely with the provided tie, leaving some space for steam. Place it on the baking pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and everything is hot and fragrant.
- Serve: Carefully open the bag (steam will be hot!) and pour the seafood boil onto a large platter or directly onto a covered table for a fun, family-style meal. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.
Tips and Variations
- Add more seafood: You can include clams, mussels, or lobster tails for an even more indulgent version.
- Make it spicy: Add hot sauce, extra Cajun seasoning, or red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
- Grill option: You can also place the sealed bag on a medium grill for about 20–25 minutes instead of baking.
- Easy cleanup: Simply discard the bag after serving—no messy pots to scrub!
Conclusion
This Seafood Boil in a Bag brings the taste of a coastal seafood feast right into your home. It’s flavorful, customizable, and ideal for parties, holidays, or weeknight dinners. Pair it with crusty garlic bread, cold drinks, and plenty of napkins—you’re in for a real Southern-style treat!