Garlic Honey Butter Crab Boil
Make a flavorful splash with this Garlic Honey Butter Crab Boil an easy, crowd-pleasing seafood recipe packed with sweet, savory, and buttery goodness.
Ingredients
Seafood & Protein
- 2 lbs snow crab legs or king crab, if you want something meatier
- 1 lb smoked sausage sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb large shrimp optional, peeled and deveined – adds variety and extra flavor
- Tip: Frozen crab legs work just fine just make sure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before boiling.
Veggies & Sides
- 1 lb baby potatoes – red or Yukon gold hold up well
- 4 ears of corn cut in halves or thirds
- 1 lemon sliced for brightness and aroma
- These sides soak up all the spicy buttery goodness don’t skip them!
Seasoning Mix
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning or your favorite seafood boil blend
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Want a spicier kick? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the boil water.
Garlic Honey Butter Sauce
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves finely minced
- ¼ cup honey – brings a sweet contrast to the savory base
- 1 tbsp lemon juice for a zesty finish
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Veggies
- Fill a large stockpot with water, then add Old Bay seasoning, lemon slices, and a pinch of salt.
- Boil the water to a rolling boil. Gently add the baby potatoes. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re just tender when pierced with a fork.
- Next, add the corn halves and sliced smoked sausage to the pot. Leave all this to simmer for an additional 5 to 7 minutes.
- Pro tip: Don’t overcook the potatoes; they should hold their shape to soak up the sauce later.
Step 2: Add the Seafood
- Gently add your crab legs and, if using, the shrimp into the pot. Boil for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the crab is heated through and shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Once cooked, carefully drain the entire pot using a large colander or slotted spoon.
- Safety note: Be cautious handling hot seafood and boiling water use kitchen mitts and keep a clear workspace.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Honey Butter Sauce
- While the seafood is boiling, heat the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the finely minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden this is where the flavor magic begins!
- Stir in the honey and lemon juice, then let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with a bit of salt to balance out the sweetness.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
- Transfer the drained seafood, sausage, potatoes, and corn into a large mixing bowl or return them to the skillet.
- Pour the warm garlic honey butter sauce over everything and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every bite with that luscious glaze.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 620 kcal |
| Total Fat | 36g |
| Saturated Fat | 16g |
| Cholesterol | 190mg |
| Sodium | 980mg |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Protein | 35g |