Imagine a warm summer evening, family and friends gathered around, sharing laughter and stories. There’s something about a Low Country Boil that brings everyone together. This recipe captures that essence, blending shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes into a delightful feast.
Whether you’re using an oven or an Instant Pot, we’ve got tips to make it simple and delicious. Get ready to create new memories with this ultimate Low Country Boil.
Steps
- In a large 12-quart stockpot, combine a package of extra-spicy boil seasoning, a bottle of pale ale, and 5 quarts of water. Cut a lemon in half and include it in the mixture. Heat the pot over medium heat until the liquid reaches a rolling boil.
- Add 3 pounds of baby red potatoes and 2 pounds of smoked sausage slices to the boiling liquid. Cover the pot and let it cook for 10 minutes.
- Introduce 6 ears of corn, each cut in half, to the pot. Cover once more and allow it to cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add 2 pounds each of raw shrimp and fresh crawfish to the boiling mixture. Cover the pot and cook for 2 minutes, then remove it from the heat. Let the pot stand, still covered, for 10 minutes.
- Drain the contents of the pot and serve immediately. Offer cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, and hot sauce on the side for dipping.
Ingredients
- 1 (3-ounce) package of extra-spicy shrimp-and-crab boil seasoning
- 1 (12-ounce) bottle of pale ale beer
- 1 lemon, halved
- 3 pounds of baby red potatoes
- 2 pounds of smoked sausage, mild or hot, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 6 ears of fresh corn, halved
- 2 pounds of raw, medium-size shrimp, unpeeled
- 2 pounds of fresh crawfish
- Cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, and hot sauce for serving
Nutritional Values
Calories: 6880 | Fat: 296g | Saturated Fat: 96g | Cholesterol: 3160mg | Sodium: 21280mg | Carbohydrates: 584g | Dietary Fiber: 64g | Sugars: 120g | Protein: 472g | Vitamin C: 664mg | Calcium: 1544mg | Iron: 32mg | Potassium: 18328mg
FAQ
- What is a Lowcountry boil?
- A Lowcountry boil is a traditional southern dish, similar to a New England clambake, featuring a mix of fresh shellfish, vegetables, and sausage cooked together in a large pot.
- What ingredients are typically used in a Lowcountry boil?
- Common ingredients include shrimp, crawfish, spicy sausage, corn, and potatoes. Some variations might include crab or other shellfish.
- How do you ensure the ingredients are cooked perfectly?
- The ingredients are added to the boiling pot in stages so that everything cooks to the right level. For example, potatoes and sausage go in first, followed by corn, and finally the shrimp and crawfish, allowing each to cook for the appropriate amount of time.
- Can I substitute any ingredients in the recipe?
- Yes, if crawfish is unavailable, you can double the amount of shrimp. Adjusting the type of sausage or seasoning to your taste is also common.
- What kind of seasoning is recommended for a Lowcountry boil?
- An extra-spicy shrimp-and-crab boil seasoning is suggested, along with kosher salt. You can also add beer, like a pale ale, for additional flavor.
- How should a Lowcountry boil be served?
- Once cooked, drain and serve the ingredients on a newspaper-covered table for a casual and fun dining experience. Accompany it with cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, and hot sauce for added flavor.
Tips
- Time Your Ingredients: Add ingredients to the boil in stages to ensure everything is cooked perfectly. Start with potatoes and sausage, followed by corn, and finish with shrimp and crawfish to achieve the ideal texture for each component.
- Season Generously: Enhance the flavor by using a robust seasoning blend. Consider adding additional salt to the boiling water as suggested on your seasoning packet to bring out the flavors of the seafood and vegetables.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the pot stand covered for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the seafood to finish cooking gently in the residual heat.
- Make It Fun: Serve the boil by draining and spreading it out on a newspaper-covered table. This not only makes for easy cleanup but also adds to the communal and festive atmosphere of the meal.
