To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we decided to treat ourselves to a little bit of snow crab. Specifically, a crab boil with potatoes and corn. As a rule, seafood boils like this are served in the summer, but we felt like we needed something to break up the middle of winter. It was -7 degrees when we woke up on Sunday, so we’d like to do anything that will make our house feel like summer.
This meal couldn’t have possibly been easier. Everything is boiled in one big stock pot. The only rule is that the things that take the longest to cook should go in first. I added Old Bay seasoning to the water and put in the potatoes first, then the corn, and finally the crab. It only takes a couple of minutes for the crab to warm up. And just for fun, I added some shrimp. But those coral-colored crab legs were the real star.
A crab boil is a delicious, traditional way to cook seafood like crab, shrimp, and crawfish. The seasoned boiling liquid imparts incredible flavor while potatoes and corn soak up all that goodness. Getting the potatoes just right is key – undercooked and they’ll be bland and hard, overcooked and they’ll be mushy. So how long do you actually boil potatoes in a crab boil? Read on for tips on achieving potato perfection.
Boiling Time Depends on Potato Size
The main factor determining potato boiling time is the size of your spuds Small, cubed, or halved potatoes take less time than large whole ones. Here are general guidelines
- Baby potatoes or cubed potatoes – 10-15 minutes
- Small new potatoes, halved – 15-20 minutes
- Medium potatoes, quartered or halved – 20-25 minutes
- Large, whole potatoes – 25-30 minutes
Keep in mind that boiling time also depends on the variety Waxy potatoes like reds and Yukon golds take less time than starchy russets Start checking potatoes at the lower end of the time range for their size and poke them with a fork to test doneness,
Other Factors That Affect Boiling Time
A few other things impact how long potatoes need to boil:
- Water temperature – Potatoes cook faster in vigorously boiling water. A simmer slows things down.
- Number of potatoes – Crowding the pot lengthens boiling time. Give them room!
- Altitude – Above 3000 feet, water boils at a lower temperature and cooking takes longer.
Step-By-Step Boiling Method
Follow these steps for perfect crab boil spuds:
- Start with cold water in a large stockpot. Allow 1-2 quarts per pound of potatoes.
- Add Tony Chachere’s or Old Bay seasoning according to package directions. The savory spice flavors the potatoes as they cook.
- Bring the seasoned water to a rolling boil.
- Add potatoes and boil until fork tender. Start checking at the low end of the time range for their size.
- For the best flavor, turn off heat and let potatoes soak for 5-10 minutes before draining.
Pro tip: Add corn, smoked sausage or seafood during the last 5 minutes so it doesn’t overcook.
Serving Up Your Crab Boil
Once boiled to perfection, there are so many tasty ways to serve crab boil potatoes:
- Drain and toss with butter, parsley and lemon juice
- Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, cracked black pepper or hot sauce
- Dip in melted butter, cocktail sauce or creamy aioli
- Pile high on a platter with the rest of your crab boil feast!
Crab boil potatoes make the perfect accompaniment for crab legs, shrimp, sausage, corn and more. Adjust boiling times as needed and test for doneness with a fork. Soon you’ll be a crab boil potato pro!
FAQs About Boiling Potatoes for Crab Boil
Many first-timers have questions when making crab boil potatoes. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
What is the Best Type of Potato for Crab Boil?
Go with small, waxy potatoes like:
- Red potatoes
- Yukon gold potatoes
- Fingerling or baby potatoes
Their compact size and firm flesh hold up well to boiling. Russets and other large potatoes work too but take longer to cook.
Should Potatoes Be Peeled Before Boiling?
Peeling is optional – the skins add texture, flavor and nutrients. Gently scrub potatoes if needed to remove dirt. Make sure to cut large potatoes into evenly-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Can You Reuse Crab Boil Seasoning?
Absolutely! Bring the seasoned water to a boil before adding more potatoes to infuse them with flavor. You may need to add more seasoning after a few uses as the flavor diminishes.
What Seasonings Go Well in Crab Boil?
Classic crab boil seasonings like Old Bay, Tony Chachere’s and Zatarain’s are fantastic. You can also add cayenne, garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice or bay leaves. Get creative with the spices!
How Can You Tell When Potatoes Are Done?
Check doneness starting at the lowest recommended boiling time. Potatoes are done when a fork slides in easily with no resistance. If the fork doesn’t slide out cleanly, they need more time.
Should You Soak Potatoes After Boiling?
Letting boiled potatoes soak for 5-10 minutes before draining allows them to finish cooking and develop the best flavor. The residual heat gently softens them without overcooking.
Perfect Potatoes Take Your Crab Boil to the Next Level
The humble spud is an important part of any crab or crawfish boil. Adjust boiling times based on potato size and test doneness by piercing them with a fork. Allow them to soak after cooking for the best flavor and texture. Soon your friends and family will be begging you to make your signature crab boil potatoes for every backyard boil.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/crab--corn--and-potato-at-crab-boil-85631549-5bcd5675c9e77c0051fa5f4c.jpg)
Sign up with your email and get recipes and inspiration sent to your inbox every Friday
Alongside the boil I set out bread, melted butter, lemon slices, and cocktail sauce. He gave me a set of lobster crackers for Christmas this year, so I put those out too. To go with the food I picked up some Perrin Brewing Company Gold ale. Something light and refreshing to wash down all the rich crab and butter.
For dessert, Jay whipped up his favorite chocolate chip cookies. He made the dough, but the cookies haven’t come together yet, so for dessert we had raw cookie dough. I can’t complain.
This would be such a great meal to serve a group of people this summer. You can easily change how much of each ingredient you use to fit any number of guests, and it’s very easy to make. Or keep the portions small make it for someone you love for a relaxing night in.
Cajun Redskin Potatoes Recipe
FAQ
How long does it take to boil potatoes?
How many minutes does a crab boil?
How to know when potatoes are done boiling?
How long do you boil sweet potatoes for?
How long do you boil crab meat?
Total crab boil for four. Gather all ingredients. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add potatoes, sausages, onions, corn, and seafood seasoning. Boil until potatoes are cooked through, about 30 minutes. Gently drop crabs into pot and boil until crabmeat is cooked through, at least 10 minutes. Drain and serve.
How long do you boil crab potatoes?
Place potatoes in large stock pot. Add enough water to cover potatoes. Stir in liquid crab boil and salt. Let potatoes boil until fork tender, about 20 minutes. Lower heat to medium and periodically pierce potatoes with a fork to check if they’re done.
How long do you boil crabmeat in a crock pot?
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add potatoes, sausages, onions, corn, and seafood seasoning. Boil until potatoes are cooked through, about 30 minutes. Gently drop crabs into pot and boil until crabmeat is cooked through, at least 10 minutes. Drain and serve. A crab boil is as festive as it is delicious!
How to make a crab boil?
1. Pour 9 quarts of cold water into large pot. Add in bulbs of garlic and bay leaves wrapped in cheese cloth. Next add in kosher salt, all purpose seasoning, concentrated shrimp & crab boil. 2. The first ingredients to add to the crab boil will be red potatoes.