Easy Seafood Boil at Home

Ingredients

• 4 quarts water
• 3 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
• 1 whole lemon, halved
• 1 head of garlic, halved crosswise
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 lb large shrimp, shell-on
• 1 lb snow crab legs
• 1/2 lb clams, scrubbed
• 3 ears of corn, cut into thirds
• 1 lb baby red potatoes
• 12 oz smoked andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. 1

   Fill your largest stockpot with 4 quarts of water over high heat. Add Old Bay, salt, bay leaves, halved lemon, and halved garlic head. Bring to a full rolling boil and let it cook for 5 minutes to build the flavor base.

2. 2

   Add the baby red potatoes. Cook for 10 minutes until just fork-tender.

3. 3

   Add the corn and sliced sausage. Cook for another 5 minutes.

4. 4

   Add the crab legs and scrubbed clams. Cook for 3 minutes. Discard any clams that do not open after cooking.

5. 5

   Add the shrimp last. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes only, until they turn pink and curl into a C shape. Do not overcook.

6. 6

   While the seafood drains, melt butter in a small pan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute without browning. Stir in smoked paprika and cayenne. Remove from heat and stir in parsley.

7. 7

   Spread everything onto a newspaper-lined table or large sheet pan. Pour the garlic butter over the top. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and plenty of napkins.