A Crab Boil Platter with Extra Corn is a delightful seafood feast perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or any occasion where you want to impress with a delicious and satisfying meal. This recipe combines succulent crab legs with sweet corn, butter, garlic, and seafood seasoning for a flavorful and festive dish. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lbs of crab legs
- 5 ears of corn, peeled
- 1 1/2 cups butter
- 3 cups chopped garlic
- 1/8 cup crushed red pepper
- 1 cup seafood seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
- Cut Corn:
- Cut the peeled ears of corn into halves or thirds, depending on their size, to create manageable pieces.
Step 2: Boil the Crab and Corn
- Boil Water:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Add Seafood Seasoning:
- Add 1/2 cup of the seafood seasoning to the boiling water.
- Cook Corn:
- Add the corn pieces to the boiling water and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the corn is tender.
- Add Crab Legs:
- Carefully add the crab legs to the pot and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the crab legs are heated through.
- Drain:
- Once cooked, carefully drain the water from the pot and transfer the crab legs and corn to a large serving platter.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Melt Butter:
- In a large saucepan, melt the 1 1/2 cups of butter over medium heat.
- Add Garlic and Red Pepper:
- Add the chopped garlic and crushed red pepper to the melted butter. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden.
- Add Seafood Seasoning:
- Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of seafood seasoning and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 4: Serve the Crab Boil Platter
- Pour Sauce:
- Pour the garlic butter sauce over the crab legs and corn on the serving platter, making sure everything is well coated.
- Garnish:
- If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or lemon wedges for an extra touch of flavor and color.
- Serve:
- Serve the Crab Boil Platter hot, with plenty of napkins and seafood crackers for cracking the crab legs.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Crab Legs: Use fresh or thawed frozen crab legs for the best results. King crab or snow crab legs work well for this recipe.
- Corn: Choose fresh, sweet corn for the best flavor. You can also add other vegetables like potatoes or sausage to the boil if desired.
- Seafood Seasoning: Use your favorite seafood seasoning blend, such as Old Bay or Zatarain’s, for a flavorful and aromatic boil.
Variations
Spicy Crab Boil Platter
- Add Spice:
- Increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.
Cajun Crab Boil Platter
- Add Cajun Seasoning:
- Substitute the seafood seasoning with Cajun seasoning for a different flavor profile. Add smoked sausage and red potatoes for a traditional Cajun boil.
Garlic Lemon Crab Boil Platter
- Add Lemon:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the crab legs and corn before serving and add lemon zest to the garlic butter sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
With Sides
- With Bread:
- Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- With Salad:
- Pair with a fresh green salad or coleslaw for a balanced meal.
With Beverages
- With Beer:
- Enjoy with a cold beer, such as a light lager or IPA, for a perfect pairing.
- With Wine:
- Serve with a chilled white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this crab boil platter ahead of time? A: It’s best to serve the crab boil platter fresh, but you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and reheat it before pouring it over the crab legs and corn.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
Q: Can I use frozen crab legs? A: Yes, you can use frozen crab legs. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Q: What if I don’t have seafood seasoning? A: You can make your own seafood seasoning by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Q: Can I add other seafood to the boil? A: Yes, feel free to add other seafood such as shrimp, clams, or mussels to the boil for a seafood feast.
A Crab Boil Platter with Extra Corn is a delightful and festive dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its succulent crab legs, sweet corn, and flavorful garlic butter sauce, this meal is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this crab boil platter is always a hit. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious seafood feast!
