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The first time I ate a Cajun boil was only a few weeks ago at a friend's house. Although we are many many miles inland (at least a 4-hour drive to the coast!), that didn't stop them from rounding up fresh seafood and hosting a traditional seafood boil, newspaper on the table, and all. It was a great time (I mean, what's better than eating seafood around a picnic table with friends?) and the process is a party and conversation starter in itself.
How Do You Make a Cajun Seafood Boil?
So you wanna throw a cajun boil? You've come to the right place! Today we've listed out every ingredient and tool you'll need to throw the perfect Cajun boil the whole neighborhood will be talking about for months.
1. Backyard Pro 30 Qt. Deluxe Aluminum Turkey Fryer Kit / Steamer Kit
This fryer and steamer kit plays double-duty! We love this kit because it includes everything you need for a Cajun boil, plus you can use it for the turkey when Thanksgiving rolls around! Propane not included.
2. XtremepowerUS High-Pressure Outdoor Single Burner Stove Gas Propane Cooker w/ Regulator Hose
Not into a kit? This single burner is great for outdoor cooking, including tailgating and camping. You can even use it for brewing or for emergency preparedness.
3. Winware by Winco Aluminum Stock Pot 40 Quart, 14.6" Diameter
This 40-quart pot is designed to conduct heat evenly, making it great for soups and sauces. Always use oven mitts when handling and make sure to use the help of a friend if it is too heavy!
4. LVOERTUIG Stainless Steel Long Handle Mesh Strainer Colander Spoon Oil Filter Scoop
The best way to get the seafood out is with a large mesh strainer like this one. Use a ladle for the extra broth at the bottom.
5. Zatarain's New Orleans Style Liquid Crab Boil With Garlic & Onion, 8 oz
Add a kick of flavor with a hint of liquid crab boil. The special blend of sauces can be added to salted water to flavor the entire pot. It's a New Orleans tradition.
What Does a Seafood Boil Include?
Depending on where you are in the South, the ingredients can be different. Crawfish is big in Louisiana while clams and mussels, heck, even king crab legs and lobster tails tend to be added to seafood boils further up the coast. Here's all the characteristics depending on the location of the boil. Most of these combos include corn on the cob, andouille sausage, and potatoes.
Seafood Boil: This dish is all about shellfish and seafood! Add anything from snow crab legs, and black mussels! This is a general term for meals cooked like this.
Cajun Boil: Shrimp, manila clams, and head-on crawfish mixed with cajun seasoning and garlic butter is a must for this flavorful dish.
Crab Boil: If you like crab, this New England dish can include anything from Dungeness crab to soft shell crab.
Lowcountry Boil: Made in South Carolina and Georgia, this style includes crawfish, crab, and sausage. This meal is usually milder in spice than a Cajun boil.
Crawfish Boil: Crawfish is the house special for this meal! Lemon Pepper is a popular seasoning.
Shrimp Boil: It's all about shrimp, garlic, and lemon in this boil! Add a bit of cayenne if you are looking for a kick.
Crab Feast: Blue crabs and Old Bay seasoning is the star of this Northeastern show.
Clam Bake: Usually cooked in a pit on the beach under seaweed to give it extra salty flavor.
What are some common foods that go with a seafood boil?
Jazz up your party with sides and appetizers such as fried chicken wings, french fries, hush puppies, and onion rings! Gumbo is also a favorite to serve. Make sure to supply a ton of paper towels, this meal gets messy!
