A Carolina Crab Boil is a classic coastal feast, known for its bold seasoning, fresh seafood, and communal style of serving. This one-pot dish combines blue crab, shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes, all simmered in a spiced broth. Poured out onto a table lined with newspaper, it’s a hands-on meal perfect for summer gatherings and family celebrations.
1. Serving Quantity
Serves 6–8
2. Cooking Time
Preparation: 20 minutes
Cooking: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
3. Ingredients
- 12 live blue crabs, cleaned
- 2 pounds large shrimp, shell-on
- 2 pounds smoked sausage, cut into chunks
- 6 ears corn, halved
- 2 pounds red potatoes
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning (or Carolina-style seafood seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- Hot sauce, for serving
4. Instructions
- Fill a large stockpot with 4–5 gallons of water. Add Old Bay, salt, peppercorns, onion, garlic, and lemon. Bring to a boil.
- Add potatoes and cook for 10–12 minutes until just tender.
- Add sausage and corn, cooking for another 8 minutes.
- Add crabs and cook for 10–12 minutes until shells turn bright red.
- Add shrimp last, cooking 3–4 minutes until pink.
- Drain the boil and pour onto a table covered with newspaper or parchment.
- Serve hot with melted butter and hot sauce.
5. Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 520
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugar: 5g
Fat: 25g
Protein: 45g
6. Tips
- Use live blue crabs for the most authentic flavor.
- Add extra Old Bay to the water or sprinkle it directly on seafood before serving.
- Pair with cold beer or sweet tea for a true coastal experience.
- Have plenty of napkins, crackers, and picks ready for shelling.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
A Carolina Crab Boil is more than a meal—it’s a gathering, full of bold flavors and a little bit of messy fun.
