When we moved to Texas a "boil", as most people call it here, was a foreign concept for us. We were used to cook outs, which we promptly learned were NOT to be confused with barbequing, that included brats, hot dogs and sour kraut. However, we quickly embraced this long-standing gulf coast tradition with enthusiasm, diving into spicy shrimp, crawfish and crab with glee.
After all, a boil is as good as it gets here in the south where the warm months are hot and long, and the cool months are short and damp. Gathering with friends and family around a table full of seafood is really all someone could really ask for.
Boils have a rich history up and down the Atlantic coast and here in the Gulf coast where my family lives. While there is no exact date of when this tradition started here in the United States, it's safe to assume that it began in the 1700's when the Cajun people were forcibly exiled from Acadia (a region of what is now Canada) in the Great Deportation.
That's not to say that all boils are created equal. Depending on the region where you partake in this yummy dish you will find it prepared in different ways.
Here in the gulf coast of Texas, we prepare our boils with a nod to our Louisiana Cajun neighbors. That means plenty of flavor and spice!
Crawfish is one of the most popular things to include in a boil both here in Texas and in Louisiana, however, for my family, sucking heads and small amounts of tail meat are too much work, even though the flavor is amazing! In our home we stick with shrimp and if we are splurging for a special occasion, we will add in some crab legs as well.
Below you will find the recipe that our family uses, but first let's talk equipment. Believe it or not, you can't just throw a boil on your indoor range. Not only will you run out of room in your typical large pot, but you will also most likely "spice bomb" your house, being forced to open all doors and windows in an effort to get the pepper & spice laced air out and breathable fresh air in. And before you ask dear reader. Yes. This happened to us when we were young Texas transplants.
You will need a nice large outdoor boil set complete with burner. A 62-quart pot will usually work for family's and smaller gatherings.
There are many brands and options that you can find at your local outdoor sports stores, but this is one of the most popular models that you can find on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3MDbDuK (pot)
You will also need a paddle and skimmer for stirring and straining.
https://amzn.to/49A4HZh (paddle)
https://amzn.to/3Sy7Ym1 (skimmer
Oh, and don't forget the propane tank!
Now that we have the basics of utensils covered, let's talk recipe!
As far as spices go one of my best friends, Kyla, who's dad is from Louisiana, recommend using a mixture of Tony Chachere's More Spice Cajun Seasoning & Zatarain's Crab Boil Seasoning.
https://amzn.to/469PGKL (Zatarain's)
https://amzn.to/3ufjF6M (Tony)
This combination of spices will produce a nice spicy boil that is sure to make your tongue dance and your lips tingle. We tend to hold back on the level of spicy when we are doing a boil for a large group of people, but this is our favorite combination when we are cooking just for our family, because we love the intense spice.
We have also used other complete boil spices such as Slap Ya Mamma and Louisiana Crawfish Boil. These are all very good all in one spice boil options, you honestly can't go wrong with any of them.
https://amzn.to/3sreLmH (Slap Ya Mamma)
https://amzn.to/476koG8 (Louisiana)
In the area of the Gulf Coast that we live in it's common to have shrimp, crawfish and crab as the centerpiece of the dish. But let's not forget all the other goodies that can be included in a Cajun Shrimp Boil. Traditionally you will see sausage (typically andouille sausage) corn, potato, onion and lemon. In Texas it's common to also see whole bulbs of garlic and mushrooms. The first time we ever made a boil, not only did we get smoked out of our home, but we didn't add in all the extras that make a boil so yummy and filling. We have since learned that you need all the extras, or it just isn't a boil. With that said, here is the recipe that our family sticks with and loves!
Give it a try and let me know what you think! I really hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Happy eating dear reader!
Have You Ever Tried a Cajun Boil Before?
0%Yes Ma'am! I have southern roots. I grew up on them!
0%No, never had the opportunity to try it, but I'd like to!
0%Nope. Seafood isn't my jam.
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