Description
This Onion Boil with Crab is a classic, flavorful seafood feast featuring tender crab legs simmered with aromatic onions, red potatoes, corn on the cob, and a blend of seasonings. The broth infuses the ingredients with a rich, savory taste, making it a perfect communal dish for gatherings or a comforting meal at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 2 pounds crab legs
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 4 large yellow onions, peeled and quartered
- 1.5 pounds red potatoes, halved
- 4 ears corn on the cob, halved
- 1 garlic bulb, halved crosswise
- 2 lemons, sliced
Spices and Seasonings
- 3 bay leaves
- 3 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 10 cups water
Instructions
- Prepare the stockpot: Place a large stockpot over medium-high heat to start heating the broth base.
- Add aromatics and seasonings: Add water, onions, garlic, lemon slices, bay leaves, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black peppercorns to the pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil to combine flavors.
- Simmer to infuse flavors: Reduce heat slightly and let the broth simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the onions and aromatics to release their essence into the cooking liquid.
- Cook potatoes and corn: Add the halved red potatoes to the pot and cook for 10 minutes. Then add the corn halved ears and cook for an additional 5 minutes until vegetables are tender but firm.
- Add crab legs: Place the crab legs into the boiling pot and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until they are thoroughly heated through, absorbing the broth flavors.
- Finish with butter and rest: Turn off the heat and stir in the unsalted butter. Let the pot rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and butter to melt fully.
- Serve: Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer crab, onions, potatoes, and corn onto a serving tray. Optionally, ladle some of the seasoned broth over the dish for added moisture and taste.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked crab legs if possible for best flavor and texture.
- Old Bay seasoning is crucial to achieve the classic seafood boil flavor.
- Adjust salt according to taste, especially if using salted crab legs.
- Serve with melted butter or additional lemon wedges on the side for enhanced taste.
- Ensure not to overcook the crab legs to maintain tenderness.
