This is the absolute best way to enjoy seafood. The lemon, thyme, and Old Bay® really make the boil. The potatoes, corn, and sausage are mouthwatering for anyone who is not a big seafood lover. Enjoy in the summertime or pull this recipe out on Christmas and take time to relax with the family. Serve with fresh lemons, Bloody Mary's, cold beer, crusty bread, and plenty of napkins.
Preparation Time
30 mins
Cooking Time
60 mins
Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
Calories
738 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Fill a very large stockpot fitted with a basket insert with about 8 quarts of water, or about halfway full. Squeeze lemons into the water, tossing the halves in too. Add onions, chiles, thyme, garlic, 1 2/3 cup seafood seasoning, 6 teaspoons kosher salt, and bay leaves; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 2
Stir potatoes into the pot and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Next, add the sausage and corn; cook another 5 minutes, making sure everything stays covered with the liquid. Add the clams and boil until they open, about 8 minutes. Toss in the shrimp and shut off the heat. Cover the pot and let the shrimp steep in the flavor for 10 minutes, adding the crab in the last 5 minutes (press them into the liquid).
Step 3
Drain and spread the crab, shrimp, sausage, clams, corn, potatoes, and onions out on a newspaper-covered table or on 3 large serving trays. Sprinkle with a dusting of Old Bay® or provide for individual use.
Ingredients
4 lemons, halved
6 bay leaves
2 medium sweet onions (such as Vidalia®), quartered
4 serrano chiles, split in 1/2 lengthwise and seeds and membranes removed
2 bunches fresh thyme, tied with string
2 heads garlic, peeled and halved
1 ⅔ cups seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay®), or more to taste