Description

This recipe provides a simple method for preparing a classic seafood crab boil at home, featuring snow crab, shrimp, corn, and potatoes, finished with a bright and creamy Smoky Citrus Aioli.

Ingredients

4 large Snow Crab Clusters (approx. 1.8 kg / 4 lbs)
900 g (2 lb) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
900 g (2 lb) baby red potatoes, scrubbed
4 ears of corn, husked and cut in half
2 large lemons
1 large yellow onion, quartered
8 cloves garlic, smashed
4 dried bay leaves
1/2 cup (120 ml) crab boil seasoning blend
2 tablespoons (30 ml) cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon (15 ml) whole black peppercorns
1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh parsley, chopped
For the Smoky Citrus Aioli: 1 large egg yolk, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 cup neutral oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

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Instructions

Prepare the Aioli: Whisk together the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne in a medium bowl. Slowly drizzle in the oil while whisking continuously until the mixture emulsifies and thickens. Stir in the lemon juice and sea salt, then cover and refrigerate until serving.
Infuse the Boil Liquid: Fill a very large stockpot halfway with water. Add the lemon quarters, onion, garlic, bay leaves, crab boil seasoning, cayenne pepper, and black peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
Cook Potatoes: Add the baby red potatoes to the boiling liquid. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are just fork-tender.
Add Corn: Add the corn halves to the pot with the potatoes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until tender.
Add Crab Clusters: Carefully add the snow crab clusters to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the shells turn vibrant red and the meat is fully heated through.
Finish with Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pot. Cook for only 2-3 minutes, until they turn pink and curl into a ‘C’ shape. Do not overcook.
Drain and Serve: Carefully drain the pot contents. Transfer the crab, shrimp, potatoes, and corn to a large serving platter. Drizzle generously with the chilled aioli, garnish with lemon zest and parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

To achieve a truly authentic flavor, ensure the cooking liquid is well-seasoned; adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level. Layer ingredients according to cooking time, adding potatoes first, then corn, then crab, then shrimp. For make-ahead prep, scrub potatoes and cut corn ahead of time, keeping potatoes submerged in cold water in the refrigerator until ready to cook. The Smoky Citrus Aioli can also be prepared 1-2 days in advance.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: Coastal American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 750 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 1200 mg
Fat: 45 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 35 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 40 g
Cholesterol: 250 mg