Step 1: Prepare the Boil
- Fill a large pot with water, enough to cover all the ingredients. Add the seafood seasoning, salt, lemon halves, garlic, and onion to the water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
- Add the potatoes to the boiling water. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until they start to become tender.
Step 3: Add the Corn and Sausage
- Add the halved ears of corn and chunks of Andouille sausage to the pot. Return to a boil and cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Crab
- Gently add the crab legs to the pot. If using other seafood, add it according to its cooking time, ensuring everything is cooked through without overcooking. Crab legs will need about 5-7 minutes if they’re pre-cooked (which most are) and just need to be heated through.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
- Once everything is cooked, carefully drain the water from the pot. Spread out a large tablecloth or butcher paper on your table. Dump the contents of the pot directly onto the table for a traditional boil presentation.
Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy
- Serve the crab boil platter with sides of melted butter, extra seafood seasoning, lemon wedges, and hot sauce. Encourage guests to dig in and enjoy the feast with their hands for an authentic experience.
Tips
- Adjust the amount of seafood seasoning to suit your taste preferences. You can also add bay leaves, cayenne pepper, or other spices to the boil for extra flavor.
- Make sure to check the seafood’s cooking times to avoid overcooking. Delicate seafood like shrimp should be added last, as it cooks quickly.
- For an extra touch of flavor, you can grill the corn separately after boiling for a few minutes to get a charred taste before adding it back to the platter.
Enjoy your Crab Boil Platter with extra corn, a perfect dish for seafood lovers and social gatherings!