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Seafood Boil in a Bag – Quick Method

A bold, flavor-packed seafood boil with juicy shrimp, succulent crab, and tender lobster—perfect for any feast!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs shrimp large, deveined, shell-on
  • 2 lbs crab legs snow crab or king crab
  • 2-3 lobster tails split in half
  • 2 lbs crawfish optional
  • 1 lb mussels or clams optional
  • Vegetables & Sausage:
  • 4-6 corn on the cob cut into halves or thirds
  • 1.5 lbs red or Yukon Gold potatoes halved or quartered
  • 12 oz smoked sausage Andouille or kielbasa, sliced into 1-inch pieces
  • Seasonings & Aromatics:
  • 3-4 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 6-8 garlic cloves minced or whole
  • 2-3 lemons sliced or juiced
  • 1 cup butter melted
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning optional, for extra spice
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 2-3 bay leaves optional

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Ingredients:
  • Rinse and clean seafood.
  • Cut corn, potatoes, and sausage into serving sizes.
  • Preheat & Set Up:
  • If using an oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C).
  • If boiling, fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.
  • If steaming, add 2 inches of water to a large pot with a steaming rack.
  • Assemble the Bag:
  • Use an oven-safe bag or foil bag.
  • Layer potatoes and corn at the bottom.
  • Add sausage and seafood on top.
  • Sprinkle Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper evenly.
  • Add garlic, lemon slices, and bay leaves throughout.
  • Pour melted butter over everything and seal the bag tightly.
  • Cooking Options:
  • Stovetop Boiling: Place the bag in boiling water and cook for 15-20 minutes.
  • Oven Baking: Place the sealed bag on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, shaking halfway through.
  • Steaming: Place the bag in a steaming pot and steam for 20-25 minutes.
  • Serve & Enjoy:
  • Carefully open the bag and transfer everything to a serving platter.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or extra melted butter for dipping.

Notes

💡 Notes
Spicier? Add extra Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.
Mild version? Reduce cayenne and add extra butter and lemon.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Keyword Seafood Boil in a Bag