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If there’s one recipe that captures the spirit of a true seafood feast, it’s the Seafood Boil in a Bag with Garlic Butter. Developed by Brandi Crawford, a self-taught cook and seafood enthusiast from Kansas City, Missouri, this oven-baked seafood boil brings the flavors of the coast straight to your home. First published on October 3, 2023, and updated just a day later, this recipe has quickly gained a following, with over 4.7K shares across social media and a bustling comments section where readers rave about their own delicious results.

With crab legs, shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage all cooked together in an oven bag, and everything coated in a rich Cajun lemon garlic butter sauce, this dish offers the perfect balance of spicy, buttery goodness — and cleanup is a breeze. Want to save this recipe for later? Simply subscribe with your email to receive not just this recipe but weekly kitchen tips and tricks.

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Table of Contents

What is a Seafood Boil in a Bag?

At its core, a seafood boil is all about celebrating abundance — an exciting mix of shrimp, crab legs, crawfish, corn on the cob, and potatoes, all infused with flavorful spices and sauces. Traditionally cooked in large pots, this version innovates by sealing all the ingredients in an oven-safe bag.

Instead of boiling water over a roaring fire, you simply assemble everything inside the bag and pop it in the oven. Baking the bag ensures the flavors meld beautifully while keeping the seafood juicy and tender. Once ready, the contents are often spread out on a big platter or even newspaper-lined tables for a casual, communal feast. If you’re curious about seafood boils in general, Brandi has a full post titled “What is a Seafood Boil” you might want to check out.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

The Right Bag

Using a 4-5 pound turkey-size oven bag is crucial. It traps steam and juices, resulting in ultra-moist seafood without the mess. These bags are easy to find at most grocery stores or can be ordered online through affiliate links shared in the recipe.

Seafood Choices

This recipe features snow crab legs and large shrimp, but the possibilities are endless. Crawfish, lobster tails, scallops, king crab, or Dungeness crab are all excellent options depending on availability and preference. If you’re in the mood for more seafood boil inspiration, check out Brandi’s recipes for Cajun Crawfish Boil and Cajun Shrimp Boil.

Vegetables That Complement

Classic picks include baby potatoes, mini corn on the cob, and onions. But if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding celery, sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, or even broccoli. The trick is to parboil these hearty veggies first since they require more time to cook than seafood.

Why Parboil?

Parboiling means partially cooking ingredients in boiling water so they’re tender yet firm. It prevents the potatoes and corn from being undercooked or, worse, overcooking the delicate shrimp later.

The Magic of Garlic Butter Sauce

The heart of the flavor here is the garlic butter sauce. It’s a lush mix of butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, white wine (or broth), Old Bay seasoning, and optional Cajun seasoning for an extra kick.

• Butter brings a creamy richness.
• Lemon adds a bright, fresh acidity that cuts through the heaviness.
• Garlic delivers that unmistakable pungent depth of flavor.
• Parsley sprinkles in a fresh herbal touch.

If butter isn’t your thing, a good-quality olive oil works in a pinch.

How to Make a Seafood Boil in a Bag

Let’s break this down step-by-step to make sure everything comes out perfectly:

1. Boil the Potatoes and Corn
   In a large pot, boil your potatoes and corn for 10-13 minutes until they’re fork-tender but still firm. You don’t want them falling apart during baking. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
   In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the white wine (or broth), minced garlic, Old Bay, Cajun seasoning (if using), parsley, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Let it simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble Your Bag
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In the oven bag, layer your boiled potatoes, corn, shrimp, thawed snow crab legs, and sliced sausage. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce liberally over everything.
4. Seal and Toss
   Seal the bag using the provided tie. Gently shake or toss to coat all the ingredients evenly with the sauce.
5. Bake to Perfection
   Place the bag on a sheet pan (just in case of leaks) and bake for 20-30 minutes. Flip the bag halfway through to ensure even cooking.
   • Shrimp should turn a bright, opaque pink and curl into a “C” shape.
   • Crab legs (already precooked) should be warm and have pearly white flesh.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   Once cooked, you can either cut open the bag and pour everything onto a serving platter or newspaper for that authentic seafood boil experience. Don’t forget to drain any excess butter into a small bowl for dipping!

Seasoning Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some seasoning options to personalize your boil:

• Lemon Pepper Seasoning for zesty brightness
• Cajun Seasoning for a spicy kick
• Creole Seasoning for earthy, smoky depth
• Homemade Ranch Seasoning for herby richness
• Homemade BBQ Rub for a sweet-savory twist

Feel free to get creative. This recipe is a canvas for your taste buds!

Reheating Tips

Leftovers? Lucky you!
The best way to reheat your seafood boil is on the stove with a splash of melted butter. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make seafood rubbery and mushy.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Boil

• Any seafood can be swapped in, just adjust cooking times as needed.
• Undercook potatoes slightly since they will soften more in the oven.
• Always use a sheet pan under your oven bag in case of leaks — better safe than sorry!
• If you notice a small tear in your bag, double wrap it before baking.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 753 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Protein: 39g
• Fat: 50g

This recipe is hearty and satisfying — truly a meal worth savoring!

Join the Community!

Have questions or want to share your results? Drop a comment below! Brandi loves engaging with her readers, offering tips, and celebrating your kitchen wins. You can also rate the recipe and find her on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

Seafood Boil in a Bag with Garlic Butter isn’t just a meal — it’s a full experience. Whether you’re throwing a party or just treating yourself to a weeknight indulgence, this recipe guarantees a table full of happy faces and satisfied stomachs.