The Ultimate Crab Boil Bag Recipe
Introduction
Crab boil bags are a traditional seafood dish that originated in the southern United States. It's a delicious and simple way to enjoy fresh crab and shrimp with your friends and family. The dish is typically cooked in a large pot or outdoor cooker, and the ingredients are boiled together to infuse the flavors. This recipe will guide you on how to make a perfect crab boil bag.Ingredients
- 1 pound crab legs
- 1 pound shrimp
- 1 package of crab boil seasoning (such as Zatarain's)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 gallon water
Instructions
1. Fill a large pot or outdoor cooker with 1 gallon of water and bring to a boil.
2. Add the crab boil seasoning, salt, bay leaves, cayenne pepper, paprika, black peppercorns, whole cloves, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, celery seeds, thyme, and basil to the pot. Stir well to combine.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and stir. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add the crab legs to the pot and let simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add the shrimp to the pot and let simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. Remove the pot from the heat and strain the liquid through a colander or fine-mesh strainer.
7. Serve the crab and shrimp with lemon wedges and melted butter.
Nutrition
This recipe serves 4 people and each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 309
- Protein: 33g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 5013mg
Tips and Variations
You can adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more or less cayenne pepper or paprika. If you prefer a milder taste, you can omit the cayenne pepper altogether. You can also add fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
If you don't have access to fresh crab legs or shrimp, you can use frozen seafood instead. Just make sure to thaw the seafood before cooking.
This recipe is also great for a backyard barbecue or a seafood boil party. You can serve the crab and shrimp with corn on the cob, potatoes, and sausage for a complete meal.
Make sure to have plenty of napkins and a bib on hand, as crab and shrimp can be messy to eat!
Conclusion
A crab boil bag is a fun and delicious way to enjoy fresh seafood with your loved ones. This recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you're hosting a seafood boil party or just want to enjoy a delicious meal at home, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.