The Perfect Seafood Boil (Oven Method)

Who needs a fancy seafood restaurant when you can make this Irresistible Seafood Boil right in your kitchen? This recipe brings all that spicy, buttery, garlicky goodness we love but with a twist. Instead of juggling huge pots of boiling water, we’re taking it oven-style!

It’s smoky, flavorful, and so easy to clean up afterward (because no one wants to scrub pots after a feast). If you’ve ever had a seafood boil and thought, “I wish I could make this at home,” this version is your dream come true.

Grab some napkins, invite your friends, and get ready to dig in — because this is not a knife-and-fork situation; it’s a roll-up-your-sleeves kind of meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Less mess, same bold flavor! Skip the huge pot — the oven method keeps all the buttery, spicy goodness sealed in.
• Rich buttery sauce. Loaded with garlic, Cajun spices, lemon, and paprika.
• Perfect for gatherings. Everyone loves seafood boil nights they’re fun.
• Easily customizable. Swap or mix your favorite seafood (shrimp, crab, mussels, or even fish chunks!)
• Easy cleanup. Everything cooks in one bag or pan.
• Restaurant vibes at home. Seriously, you’ll impress everyone — including yourself.

Ingredients

For the Boil Base

• Water (enough to cover the corn and potatoes)
• 2 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 orange, halved
• 3–4 corn on the cob, cut in halves
• 10–12 baby potatoes, washed
• 4 boiled eggs

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp minced garlic (lots of it!)
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Juice of half an orange (optional, but gives a bright citrus note)
• ½ cup of reserved boil liquid or vegetable stock

For the Seafood

• 500g crab legs
• 2 lobster tails
• 400g shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 sausages, sliced and pre-seared
• Corn, potatoes, and eggs from the boil

Instructions

• Boil the Base
  In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt, Cajun seasoning (learn more about it here) , Old Bay, paprika, onion, lemon, orange, corn, and potatoes. Boil for about 10 minutes, then add eggs. Cook another 10 minutes, then remove corn, potatoes, and eggs. Set aside.

• Make the Sauce
  In a large pan, heat olive oil. Sauté onions for 1 minute until fragrant. Add garlic and toast for another 30 seconds. Add butter and let it melt.
  Stir in smoked paprika, Old Bay, chili flakes, lemon juice, orange juice, and reserved boil liquid or stock.
  Reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes. Set aside — this is your golden Cajun sauce!

• Assemble
  In an oven-safe bag or casserole dish, layer crab legs, lobster, shrimp, corn, potatoes, sausages, and eggs.
  Pour in most of the sauce (reserve some for dipping). Tie or cover loosely with foil.

• Bake
  Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20 minutes.
• Serve
  Let it cool slightly, open carefully, and pour into a large platter. Add the remaining sauce for dipping and enjoy your seafood feast!

Pro Tips

• Always use unsalted butter so your sauce doesn’t turn out overly salty.
• The orange juice gives a subtle sweetness—don’t skip it if you like balance in your flavors.
• You can boil your seafood instead of baking if you prefer a traditional boil.
• Add mussels or clams for extra variety!
• Want it spicier? Add more chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• For a buttery finish, drizzle extra melted butter over the final platter before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your seafood boil hot, straight from the bag or a large platter. Pair it with

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette (perfect for mopping up the sauce!)
• Fresh salad or coleslaw for a cooling side
• A cold drink — like homemade zobo or lemonade

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.
• To reheat, steam gently or microwave in short bursts with a bit of butter to keep it moist.
• Avoid freezing — seafood can lose texture when thawed.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about cracking into buttery crab legs or dipping shrimp into spicy lemon-garlic sauce! This seafood boil brings restaurant-style indulgence home, without the chaos. So grab your oven bags, gather your tribe, and get messy—because the best part of this meal is licking your fingers afterward.

If you enjoyed this, check out my Pineapple Fried Rice or Nigerian Puff Puff for another crowd-pleaser. 💛