My Cajun Shrimp Boil – Boiling Crab Copycat recipe lets you dive into the irresistible flavors of Cajun food. It’s an exact copy of the famous shrimp boil I made with the “Whole Sha-Bang” sauce from your favorite seafood restaurant, and it’s easy to make in your own kitchen. I make sure the shrimp and sausage are poached just right, and then I add my rich, buttery, cajun-seasoned sauce. This dish is a flavor explosion that you won’t want to miss! Get rid of the long wait times at restaurants and enjoy the comfort of home with this simple but delicious Boiling Crab recipe.
Boiling crab shrimp has become a sensation, with popular restaurant chains like Boiling Crab making it a signature dish. This cajun-style shrimp boil features tender shrimp soaked in a spicy, garlicky butter sauce that is irresistibly finger-licking good.
While you may have to wait in line for hours at the restaurant, you can easily recreate this dish at home. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can make your own boiling crab shrimp that tastes just as delicious as the restaurant version.
Overview of Boiling Crab Shrimp
Boiling crab shrimp is a cajun-inspired shrimp dish where shrimp is poached or boiled briefly, then coated in a thick, aromatic butter sauce packed with cajun spices. The shrimp is typically served unshelled in a bag to retain moisture and flavor.
This dish has its roots in the cajun seafood boils of Louisiana which features shellfish like crawfish boiled in heavily seasoned water. Boiling crab has put a unique spin on this by using shrimp and creating an addictive butter sauce.
The result is tender shrimp enveloped in a sauce that provides a tangy, spicy and garlicky flavor in every bite It’s a fun, hands-on eating experience as you peel and devour each shrimp No wonder this dish has people lining up!
How to Make Boiling Crab Shrimp at Home
Recreating boiling crab shrimp at home is simple with just 10 ingredients and a few easy steps. Here is an overview of how to make this popular cajun shrimp at home:
Ingredients:
- Shrimp – peeled, deveined large shrimp
- Butter – salted or unsalted
- Garlic – minced
- Paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Lemon pepper
- Cajun seasoning
- Old Bay seasoning
- Red curry paste
- Granulated sugar
Steps:
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Melt butter in a pan over low heat.
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Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
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Add all the seasonings and sugar. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes.
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In a separate pot, briefly boil shrimp until just pink.
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Toss shrimp in sauce, coating well.
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Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
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Enjoy immediately while hot!
And that’s it! With just 10 ingredients you likely have on hand and less than 15 minutes of cooking, you can make boiling crab shrimp at home anytime.
Selecting Shrimp for Boiling Crab
The key to great boiling crab shrimp is starting with high-quality shrimp. Here are some tips for choosing shrimp:
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Size: Go for large or jumbo shrimp that are 16-20 or 21-25 count per pound. The larger size stands up better to boiling and peeling.
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Shell on: Keep the shell on while boiling to preserve moisture and flavor. Peel after coating in sauce.
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Fresh or frozen: Both work fine, just thaw frozen shrimp properly before using.
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Deveined: For easier peeling, get shrimp that is peeled and deveined with the tails on.
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Uncooked: Raw shrimp works best to control doneness when boiling.
Selecting fresh, large, shell-on shrimp will give you the right meaty texture and flavor for this cajun boil.
Making the Boiling Crab Sauce
The butter sauce is what really makes this dish stand out. You’ll want to take the time to prepare the sauce well in order to get the right flavor.
Tips for the sauce:
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Use real butter for the best flavor. Salted or unsalted both work.
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Cook the garlic briefly to infuse flavor without burning.
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Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
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Use fresh spices and seasonings for optimal flavor.
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Cajun seasoning provides a savory heat. Add cayenne and red curry paste for extra heat.
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A touch of sweetness from sugar balances the spice.
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Add a squeeze of lemon right before serving for bright flavor.
Take care to properly bloom the garlic and simmer the sauce. This builds a complex, robust butter sauce that drenches the shrimp in finger-licking cajun flavor.
Boiling the Shrimp
Boiling the shrimp briefly before coating in sauce is the key cooking step. Here are some tips:
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Use a large pot and add enough water to cover the shrimp.
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Heat until water is boiling then turn off heat.
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Add shrimp and cover pot. Let sit for just 1-2 minutes.
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Check a shrimp and remove once they turn pink throughout.
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Drain immediately and transfer to the sauce.
Boiling gently poaches the shrimp to perfection so they stay tender and juicy. It also infuses them with seasoning from the boiling water.
Coating and Serving
The last step is the fun part – tossing the boiled shrimp in the warm, fragrant sauce so they soak up all that flavor.
Be sure to coat each shrimp fully. You can also reserve some sauce for dipping. Serve the shrimp immediately while hot for the best texture.
Some serving suggestions:
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Provide plenty of napkins as peeling can get messy.
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Dump shrimp in the middle of the table for communal feasting.
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Offer empty shells bowls for easy cleanup.
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Accompany with crusty bread, corn on the cob or fried potatoes.
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Add lemon wedges for squeezing over shrimp.
Getting your hands dirty while devouring these finger-licking shrimp with others makes for an authentic, fun boiling crab experience at home.
Recipe Variations
Once you master the classic recipe, try these easy variations:
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Use seafood seasoning instead of Old Bay for a different flavor profile.
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Add whole jalapeños or cajun spices to the boiling water.
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Swap in crab legs, mussels, clams or crawfish for some of the shrimp.
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Make it extra indulgent with cream cheese and green onions in the sauce.
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Serve shrimp over pasta or grits instead of on its own.
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Fry the shrimp instead of boiling for crispy cajun shrimp.
Get creative with different seasonings, ingredients and cooking methods while keeping the garlicky butter sauce as the star.
FAQs About Making Boiling Crab Shrimp
Can I adjust the heat level?
Yes, reduce or omit the cayenne and curry paste for a milder version. Or add extra for more heat.
What if I can’t find certain seasonings?
The key ones are cajun seasoning and Old Bay. Substitute similar blends or increase other spices like paprika and garlic.
How long will leftovers last?
Store leftovers for 3-5 days in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, make the sauce up to 5 days ahead. Gently reheat before adding shrimp.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely first and pat dry. Adjust boiling time as needed.
Can I bake the shrimp instead?
Yes, bake at 400F for 5-7 minutes until opaque, then coat in sauce.
The Satisfaction of DIY Boiling Crab
With the simple tricks in this guide, you can easily recreate a boiling crab shrimp feast in your own kitchen. Making it yourself lets you customize flavors to your taste and skip the long restaurant lines.
Bring the fun, finger-licking flavors of cajun shrimp boil to your next gathering. Just prepare plenty of napkins and enjoy peeling, dipping and devouring these succulent shrimp with family and friends. The satisfaction of a homemade boiling crab meal is priceless!
How long do I need to poach the shrimp and sausage?
You need to poach the shrimp and sausage for between 90 to 120 seconds.
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-5 days. If there is any unused sauce, store it separately, and it will remain fresh for 14-21 days.
Why I Love This Recipe
My Cajun Shrimp Boil – Boiling Crab Copycat recipe is a game-changer if you want the lively flavors of a Cajun shrimp boil but would rather cook it in the comfort of your own home. Like my Cajun Lobster Boil and Cajun Seafood Boil, I made this copycat Boiling Crab recipe to bring the lively essence of a seafood boil right to your table. Boiling shrimp and hearty sausage in a pot, then toss with my homemade Whole Shabang Sauce. This makes a flavor explosion that is served right to the table!
Perfectly spiced and full of Cajun flavor, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who wants to make a seafood feast at home that will make your mouth water. But what I love most about this recipe is that you can get messy with your family while you eat! So roll up your sleeves and get ready for a flavor-packed adventure!
- Shrimp – thawed large shell-on shrimp with tails. As long as the shell is still on, the seafood won’t shrink when it’s cooked in the seafood boil.
- Kielbasa Sausage: Kielbasa sausage is the best, but you can also use hot link or bratwurst if you’d rather.
- Butter – salted or unsalted butter. If you use unsalted, make sure to add a little salt to the sauce.
- Garlic – minced fresh garlic.
- Old Bay Seasoning is a ready-made seasoning that you can find in most grocery stores near the seafood section.
- Paprika – ground used for coloring.
- Cajun Seasoning– premixed seasoning found in the spices section.
- Lemon Pepper – premixed seasoning found in the spices section.
- Cayenne Pepper – ground red cayenne pepper.
- Sweetener – sweetener of choice.
To enhance the Cajun boil, consider adding Corn Cobettes or Potatoes for a heartier dish. These additions not only add texture but also absorb the flavorful broth, complementing the seafood and sausage perfectly. For an extra delicious touch, try using russet or Yukon gold potatoes.
Step 1 Start by melting butter over low heat. Add cayenne pepper, lemon pepper, cayenne pepper, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, and sweetener to the butter once it’s melted. Let this enticing mix simmer for about 5 minutes.
Step 2 In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, turn off the heat, and gently introduce the shrimp and chopped sausages. Put the lid on top of the pot and poach the shrimp for 90 to 120 seconds, or until they turn a lovely pink color.
Avoid Overcooking shrimp, once they turn pink, they’re done. Overcooking harms their texture.
Step 3: Next, add the cooked shrimp and sausages to the crab sauce that is slowly boiling and make sure all of the food is covered in this delicious sauce.
For an extra burst of flavor, consider Squeezing some Lemon onto the shrimp or directly into the sauce.
You can also use the sauce as a Dipping Sauce instead of tossing it beforehand. This is perfect for parties with guests who prefer different levels of spiciness. Simply serve the sauce on the side for everyone to enjoy according to their preference.
Place a large disposable tablecloth under your Cajun seafood boil before serving it. This will make cleanup easier afterward.
Elevate your Cajun boil by adding crab legs and clams for a Boiling Crab-style Cajun Seafood Boil. For a luxurious twist, include lobster tails to create a Boiling Crab-style Cajun Lobster Boil.
Serve this tasty shrimp boil with Cajun Cauliflower Rice, French fries, or your favorite bread to make your Cajun feast even better. The strong flavors of the seafood boil go well with these side dishes, which offer a range of textures and tastes.