This Cajun Crab and Shrimp Boil gives you bold flavors with perfectly cooked seafood, tender vegetables, and smoky sausage. Enhanced by a homemade Cajun seasoning blend and Cajun butter, this recipe ensures every bite is packed with robust, savory spices. Whether you’re hosting a backyard feast or preparing a special dinner, this one-pot dish is simple to make and perfect for sharing.
Cajun Crab and Shrimp Boil with Homemade Seasoning
I’ve eaten seafood boils all over the country, but it was never something I thought I could tackle at home. Which is ridiculous, since it is literally one of the easiest dishes I’ve ever made.
We took a few convenience shortcuts, like using a packet to help season the water that the seafood and vegetables get boiled in, but the Cajun flavoring is homemade and is such a great blend!
Don’t have access to Dungeness crab? Use whatever crab you have available. You can mix in whatever seafood you have available. Clams, muscles, scallops, prawns, whitefish…the possibilities are endless here, and this recipe is so versatile!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Homemade Seasoning Blend: Freshly mixed spices ensure a balanced, vibrant flavor.
- One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup with maximum impact, combining protein, vegetables, and seasonings in a single pot.
- Versatile Ingredients: Easily substitute the seafood or sausage based on preference or availability.
- Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: A colorful platter of seafood and veggies that’s as appealing to the eyes as the taste buds.
- Rich Cajun Butter: Adds a luxurious, spiced finish that ties the dish together beautifully.
Try out Garlic Steamed Clams!
Cajun Crab and Shrimp Boil shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Ingredients
For Homemade Cajun Seasoning:
- Cayenne
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Garlic Powder
- Thyme
- Salt
- Onion Powder
- White Pepper
For the Crab Boil:
- Crab and Shrimp Boil Mix
- Homemade Cajun Seasoning
- Lemon
- Water
- Beer (Blonde Ale or Amber Ale)
- Baby Potatoes
- Corn on the Cob
- Andouille Sausage
- Dungeness Crabs
- Large Shrimp (Shells On)
For Cajun Butter:
- Butter
- Homemade Cajun Seasoning
This Surf and Surf Alfredo will be a huge hit!
How to make a Cajun Crab Boil
This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
Recipe Process
- Prepare the Seasoning: Mix cayenne, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, salt, onion powder, and white pepper to create the Cajun seasoning.
- Simmer the Vegetables and Sausage: In a large pot, combine water, beer, Zatarain’s Crab and Shrimp Boil, Cajun seasoning, lemon halves, baby potatoes, corn, and sausage. Simmer until the vegetables are tender.
- Prepare Cajun Butter: Melt butter and stir in Cajun seasoning. Set aside for serving.
- Cook the Seafood: Add crabs and shrimp to the pot, simmering just until the crab is hot and the shrimp is opaque.
- Serve: Remove all ingredients to a platter, drizzle with Cajun butter, and serve hot with crab crackers and utensils.
Our Traeger Surf and Turf Seafood Feast is a great option!
FAQ
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to preserve texture.
Can I make this in advance?
The homemade Cajun seasoning can be prepared ahead of time. For the boil, cook the potatoes and sausage first, then reheat and add seafood just before serving.
Can I substitute ingredients?
Yes! Substitute crawfish, king crab, or other seafood for the shrimp and Dungeness crabs. Smoked sausage or kielbasa can replace Andouille.
What if I don’t have Zatarain’s seasoning?
Double the Cajun seasoning in the recipe, and consider adding a bay leaf and mustard seeds for a similar flavor profile.
Have a Spot Prawn Roll next time you need seafood!
Serve This With…
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the Cajun butter and juices.
- Coleslaw: A cool, tangy side to balance the rich spices.
- Iced Tea or Beer: Classic beverages to complement the bold flavors of the boil.
This Cajun Crab and Shrimp Boil combines simple preparation with incredible flavors, offering a vibrant meal that’s satisfying, versatile, and easy to make. From the spiced butter drizzle to the tender seafood and vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for gatherings or special occasions.
More great crab recipes to love!
Eat More Seafood
Cajun Crab and Shrimp Boil
Ingredients
Homemade Cajun Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons cayenne
- 4 tablespoons paprika
- 4 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
Crab Boil
- 1 package Zatarain’s Crab and Shrimp Boil
- 3 tablespoons homemade Cajun seasoning
- 1 lemon halved
- 8 cups water
- 1 bottle beer (blonde ale or amber ale, ideally)
- 1 pound baby potatoes
- 3 ears corn on the cob halved
- 2 Andouille sausage cut into 2-inch chunks
- 2 whole Dungeness Crabs
- 1 pound large shrimp shells on
Cajun Butter
- 1 stick butter
- 1 tablespoon homemade Cajun Seasoning
Instructions
- Mix up all the ingredients of the homemade Cajun seasoning blend.
- Add all of the Cajun Crab Boil ingredients to a large pot except for the seafood. Let simmer until the corn and potatoes are tender.
- While the boil is cooking, melt the butter and mix in the remaining Cajun seasoning blend. Set aside.
- Add the crab and shrimp. Let simmer until the crab is hot and the shrimp are cooked.
- Remove the potatoes, corn, sausage, shrimp, and crab to a platter. Pour the Cajun butter over everything and serve hot with crab crackers and forks and gloves.
