The Ultimate Lowcountry Boil

• Recipe

  🔥 Ultimate Low Country Boil 🔥

  Servings: 6-8
  Prep Time: 15 minutes
  Cook Time: 30 minutes

  🛒 Ingredients

  • 4 quarts (16 cups) water

  • 1 (12 oz) beer (optional, adds flavor)

  • ¼ cup Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)

  • 1 tbsp salt

  • 1 tbsp black pepper

  • 1 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

  • 1 lemon, halved

  • 1 large onion, quartered

  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed

  • 1 lb baby red potatoes (or Yukon gold)

  • 4 ears corn, cut into halves

  • 1 lb smoked andouille sausage, sliced

  • 2 lbs large shrimp (shell-on for best flavor)

  • 1 lb crab legs (snow crab or king crab, optional but amazing!)

  • ¼ cup melted butter

  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

  • Lemon wedges, for serving

  • Extra Old Bay seasoning, for sprinkling

  👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Prepare the Boil

  1. In a large stockpot (at least 8-10 quarts), bring water, beer, Old Bay, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, lemon halves, onion, and garlic to a rolling boil.

  2. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to infuse the flavors.

  2. Cook in Stages

  3. Add potatoes and cook for 10 minutes.

  4. Add corn and sausage, cook for 5 more minutes.

  5. Add crab legs (if using) and cook for 5 minutes.

  6. Add shrimp last and cook for 2-3 minutes (just until pink and opaque—don’t overcook!).

  3. Drain & Serve

  7. Drain the boil immediately and discard the onion, garlic, and lemon.

  8. Spread everything on a large tray or directly onto butcher paper for a fun, traditional serving style.

  9. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle extra Old Bay on top.

  10. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

  🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Low Country Boil

  ✅ Keep the shrimp shells on—they add flavor and keep them juicy!
  ✅ Use beer for depth of flavor, but you can replace it with extra broth or water.
  ✅ Don’t overcook the shrimp! Add them at the end for perfect tenderness.
  ✅ Pair with: Garlic butter, cocktail sauce, cornbread, coleslaw, and cold beer!