Low Country Boil: A Mouthwatering One-Pot Seafood Extravaganza

Low Country Boil: A Mouthwatering One-Pot Seafood Extravaganza

Key Info

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes

Cook Time: 30-40 minutes

Total Time: 45-60 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Diet: Non-Vegetarian, Pescatarian Option

Dietary Tags: Gluten-Free Option, Shellfish

Equipment Needed

• Large stock pot (16-30 quart)
• Outdoor propane burner or large stovetop
• Large strainer or slotted spoon
• Tongs
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Ingredients

Main Components:

• 1.5 lbs smoked andouille sausage, sliced
• 2 lbs large shrimp (21-25 count), shell-on
• 1.5 lbs small red potatoes, halved
• 4-6 ears corn, cut into thirds
• 1 lb crab legs (optional)
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 2 lemons, halved

Seasonings:

• 2 packages (3 oz) Cajun boil seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed
• Optional: Bay leaves

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Melted butter
• Lemon wedges

Method

1. Prepare Your Boiling Station

Fill large pot 2/3 full with water. Add Cajun seasoning, lemons, onion, and optional bay leaves. Pro Tip: Consider adding a bottle of beer for extra flavor.

2. Cook Potatoes

Bring water to rolling boil. Add potatoes and cook 12-15 minutes until fork-tender. Look for potatoes that break easily but aren’t mushy.

3. Add Sausage and Corn

Toss in sliced sausage and corn. Cook 6-8 minutes. Corn should be bright and tender.

4. Seafood Time

Add crab legs (if using) and cook 5 minutes. Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes ONLY. Shrimp should be pink and just curled.

5. Drain and Serve

Immediately drain all ingredients. Spread on newspaper or large serving tray. Garnish with parsley and lemon.

Crucial Tips

• Never overcook seafood
• Season generously
• Use fresh ingredients
• Serve immediately for best taste

Storage & Leftovers

• Refrigerate in airtight container
• Consume within 2 days
• Gently reheat with splash of water

Variations

• Swap sausage for turkey version
• Add crawfish or clams
• Make it spicier with extra hot sauce
• Vegetarian option: Use plant-based sausage

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pot
• Underseasoning
• Cooking seafood too long
• Not having all ingredients prepped

Pro Tips

• Buy shell-on shrimp for more flavor
• Use a propane burner outdoors for authentic experience
• Invite friends—this is a communal meal!

Scaling

• Easy to multiply for larger groups
• Use same ingredient ratios
• Consider multiple pots for massive crowds

Dietary Notes

• Contains shellfish
• Gluten-free if using appropriate sausage
• High protein
• Can be adapted for various dietary needs

Grab your friends, fire up the burner, and get ready for a Southern feast that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!