Shrimp and Crab Boil

Name: Shrimp and Crab Boil with Garlic Butter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs snow crab cocktail claws, frozen; 2 lbs colossal black tiger shrimp, frozen; 64 oz chicken broth; 6 cups water; 2 oranges; 2 lemons; 10 oz white boiler onions; 3 tbsp minced garlic (for boil); 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning; salt, to taste; 3 ears fresh corn; 1 lb small red and yellow potatoes; 1 cup salted butter (2 sticks); 1/4 cup minced garlic (for sauce); 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning; 1/4 cup seafood boil seasoning blend; 1 tbsp spicy seafood boil seasoning

This shrimp and crab boil combines snow crab claws and colossal black tiger shrimp simmered in spiced chicken broth with citrus, then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce—a complete one-pot seafood dinner.

🌍American 🏷️Shrimp boil 🏷️Seafood boil 🏷️Crab 🏷️Shrimp 🏷️Cajun

🏷️Southern

-0:00

jenmoralesfam04onTikTok

Total

45 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Medium

Est. Cost

$31–$51

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by jenmoralesfam04

-0:00

jenmoralesfam04onTikTok

Ingredients

2 lbs snow crab cocktail claws, frozen
2 lbs colossal black tiger shrimp, frozen
64 oz chicken broth
6 cups water
2 oranges
2 lemons
10 oz white boiler onions
3 tbsp minced garlic (for boil)
2 tbsp Old Bay seasoningoptional
salt, to taste
3 ears fresh corn
1 lb small red and yellow potatoes
1 cup salted butter (2 sticks)
1/4 cup minced garlic (for sauce)
1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
1/4 cup seafood boil seasoning blend
1 tbsp spicy seafood boil seasoningoptional

17 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
In a large stockpot, combine the chicken broth and water.
2
Cut the oranges and lemons in half. Squeeze the juice into the pot, then add the squeezed rinds to the pot as well.
3
Add the boiler onions, minced garlic, and Old Bay seasoning to the pot.
4
Season with salt. Cut the ears of corn in half and add them to the pot along with the small potatoes.
5
Bring the pot to a boil, then cover and cook for 25 minutes.
6
While the vegetables are boiling, place the frozen shrimp and crab claws in a large bowl of cold water to thaw.
7
To make the sauce, melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat.
8
Stir in the minced garlic, lemon pepper, and seafood boil seasoning. Add the spicy seasoning if you'd like extra heat. Mix well and keep warm.
9
After the vegetables have boiled for 25 minutes, add the thawed crab claws and shrimp to the pot.
10
Bring the pot back to a boil, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes, just until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
11
Using a large strainer or spider, remove the cooked seafood, corn, potatoes, and onions from the pot and transfer to a large serving tray or foil pan.
12
Pour the warm garlic butter sauce all over the seafood boil.
13
Toss everything gently to coat completely and serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Use a large pot and maintain a rolling boil; frozen shrimp and crab need vigorous heat to cook evenly and quickly.
Add citrus (oranges and lemons) early to the broth for flavor, not at the end—it infuses the liquid, not the seafood itself.
Don't overcook shrimp: it toughens fast. Remove it within 2-3 minutes of the broth returning to a boil after adding frozen shrimp.
Finish with fresh, minced garlic melted into warm butter just before tossing—this preserves garlic flavor and prevents a burnt, harsh taste.

Substitutions

Snow crab claws → king crab legs or blue crab (adjust boil time; king crab needs 4-5 minutes, blue crab 15-20 minutes)
Colossal black tiger shrimp → jumbo or large shrimp (reduce boil time to 1-2 minutes)
Chicken broth → seafood or vegetable broth (skip if using Old Bay; adds richness but not required)
White boiler onions → pearl onions or quartered yellow onions (pearl onions cook in similar time; larger pieces may need 5+ extra minutes)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooked shrimp and crab separately from broth in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat or in a warm water bath; do not boil or they will toughen.

Equipment

large pot (8+ quart capacity) · colander or slotted spoon

Common Questions

Can I use fresh instead of frozen shrimp and crab?

Yes. Fresh shrimp and crab will cook faster (check for doneness at 1-2 minutes for shrimp, 3-4 for crab claws). Reduce boil time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

What can I substitute for Old Bay seasoning?

Use Cajun seasoning or make a blend of paprika, cayenne, celery salt, and garlic powder. Adjust heat to taste.

How do I know when the shrimp and crab are done?

Shrimp turns opaque and slightly firm (avoid gray or mushy); crab claws should be heated through and the meat pulls easily from the shell.

Can I make this ahead?

Boil the vegetables and seafood up to 1 day ahead; store separately. Reheat gently and toss with fresh garlic butter before serving to prevent overcooking.