Get ready to bring the flavors of the Boiling Crab restaurant right to your kitchen with my Cajun Lobster Boil – Boiling Crab Copycat recipe! I’ve created this easy-to-follow recipe to recreate the magic of a lobster boil in the comfort of your own home, featuring succulent lobster tails and shrimp tossed in my homemade version of the whole Shabang sauce! Save time and money while indulging in this delectable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. So, let’s dive in and experience the taste of the coast, no reservation required!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
If you’re craving the sensational seafood flavors of Boiling Crab without the price and hassle of dining out, you’ll love my Cajun Lobster Boil – Boiling Crab Copycat recipe! It’s a thrilling dish I created that brings together succulent lobster tails, shrimp, and sausage, all simmered to perfection in a pot of flavorful broth!
I then take it up a notch by tossing it all in my homemade Whole Shabang Sauce, crafted right in my own kitchen and an exclusive recipe to us used in my extremely popular and well-received Cajun Shrimp Boil recipe. Perfectly suited for anyone eager to recreate the Boiling Crab experience at home, this recipe promises a deliciously messy feast that’s worth every finger-licking bite! And the best part, I made sure this fail proof recipe comes out prefect each time in under 15 minutes! So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to dive into a seafood sensation like no other!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Lobster Tails – 4-5 oz cold water lobster tails work best for this lobster boil. Keep the shell on while boiling.
- Corn Cobettes – corn of choice cut into cobettes. You can use whole corn if preferred as well.
- Salt – sea salt preferred.
- Shrimp – thawed large shell-on shrimp with tails. Best to keep shell on so it doesn’t shrink in size when being cooked in the seafood boil.
- Kielbasa Sausage – Kielbasa sausage works best, but can also use hot link or bratwurst if preferred.
- Butter – salted or unsalted butter. If using unsalted, make sure to add a pinch of salt into the sauce.
- Garlic – minced fresh garlic.
- Old Bay Seasoning – premixed seasoning found in the seafood section of most grocery stores. Give the sauce the base flavor.
- Paprika – ground used for coloring of the sauce.
- Cajun Seasoning– premixed seasoning found in the spices section. Used to give the sauce the mix of cajun flavors.
- Lemon Pepper – premixed seasoning found in the spices section.
- Cayenne Pepper – ground red cayenne pepper. Used to give the sauce the spiciness.
- Sweetener – sweetener of choice.
Additional Add Ins
To enhance the Cajun boil, simply add Potatoes for a heartier dish. Their texture absorbs the flavorful broth, complementing the seafood and sausage. Try russet or Yukon gold potatoes for an extra delicious touch.
🌽 Corn Cobettes Note
To effectively break corn down into cobettes, simply Use Your Hands.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Directions
Step 1 Begin by melting butter over low heat in a large sauce pan. Once the butter has melted, add minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, cayenne pepper, and sweetener. Stir everything together well, then let the mixture simmer for approximately 5 minutes.
Step 2 Fill a large stove top pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add salt to the water and reduce the heat to medium. Then, add the corn cobettes and lobster tails. Cover it and let everything cook for 5-6 minutes until the lobster tails take on a redish tint.
🍲 Boiling Pro Tip
For best results, Avoid Overcrowding the Pot while boiling. This prevents the temperature from dropping and ensures efficient cooking without affecting texture.
Step 3 Turn off the heat, then add the chopped sausages and shrimp to the pot. Cover it and let the ingredients poach for 90-120 seconds, or until the shrimp turns pink.
🍲 Poaching Pro Tip
Avoid Overcooking shrimp; once they turn pink, they’re done. Overcooking harms their texture.
Step 4 Take all the seafood and other ingredients out of the pot, ensuring to drain any excess water thoroughly. Transfer them to the saucepan with the prepared seafood boil sauce. Toss everything together well, then transfer it to a serving plate. This dish is best enjoyed with your hands!
🍽️ Serving Pro Tip
You can also use the sauce as a Dipping Sauce instead of tossing it beforehand. This is perfect for parties with guests who prefer different levels of spiciness. Simply serve the sauce on the side for everyone to enjoy according to their preference. Just make sure to mix the sauce before as settling will occur.
💡 Clean Up Pro Tip
Serve your Cajun seafood boil directly on the table and place a Large Disposable Tablecloth Underneath, making cleanup easier afterwards.
Recipe Variations
For those craving a shrimp-centric dish, consider crafting a Cajun Shrimp Boil by omitting the lobster tails. This variation focuses solely on fresh shrimp. Alternatively, for seafood enthusiasts seeking a fuller experience, incorporating clams and crab legs transforms the dish into a robust Cajun Seafood Boil variation.
Pairing Recommendations
Enhance your Cajun dining experience by pairing this flavorful lobster boil with delectable sides such as Cajun Cauliflower Rice, French fries, or your choice of bread. These accompaniments beautifully complement the robust flavors of the seafood boil, adding diverse textures and tastes to the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I boil the lobster tails?
For lobster tails weighing 4-5 ounces, they should be boiled for approximately 4-5 minutes. As a general rule of thumb, you can calculate about 1 minute of boiling time per ounce of lobster tail. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the size of your lobster tails.
Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails for this recipe. However, ensure that they are properly defrosted before cooking to ensure even cooking and optimal flavor. Allow the lobster tails to thaw completely in the refrigerator before proceeding with the recipe.
Should I keep the shell on the shrimp while cooking?
Yes, you should keep the shell on the shrimp while cooking. This helps to retain the shrimp's size and tenderness during the cooking process. The shell acts as a protective barrier, preventing the shrimp from becoming overcooked and ensuring a juicy and flavorful result.
Is there a substitute for Old Bay Seasoning if I can't find it?
No, there is no direct substitute for Old Bay Seasoning in this recipe. The unique blend of spices in Old Bay is essential for achieving the authentic flavor profile of the dish. If you can't find it locally, you can purchase it online to ensure you have the correct seasoning for the recipe.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-5 days. If there is any unused sauce, store it separately, and it will remain fresh for 14-21 days.
Other Recipes You Might Like
Watch How To Make It
Cajun Lobster Boil – Boiling Crab Copycat
Ingredients
Seafood
- 8 oz Lobster Tails fresh, 2 of 4 oz lobster tails
- 2 Corn Cobettes
- 1/2 lbs Shrimp thawed, shell and tail on
- 12 oz Kielbasa Sausage or sausage of choice
- 1 tbsp Salt
Sauce
- 8 oz Butter 2 sticks
- 6-8 Clove Garlic
- 1 tbsp Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Paprika
- 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Lemon Pepper
- 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1/2 tbsp Sweetener your preferred sweetener
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Lower the heat to low and add chopped garlic, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, cayenne pepper, and sweetener. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large stove-top pot, add enough water to cover the corn and lobster tails and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add salt, then reduce the heat to medium. Add the corn and lobster tails, cover the pot, and cook for 5-6 minutes until the lobster tails take a redish tint.
- Turn off the heat, add the chopped sausage and shrimp to the pot, cover it, and let them poach for 90-120 seconds, or until the shrimp turns pink.
- After the sausages and shrimp are done cooking, drain them well and transfer to the sauce pan with the prepared sauce. Toss everything together and then transfer it to a serving plate. This dish is best enjoyed with your hands!