Bring a taste of the coast to your holiday celebrations with a Stone Crab Christmas Boil. This one-pot wonder is a festive way to enjoy stone crab claws, packed with bold flavors and perfect for sharing with family and friends. With vibrant vegetables, savory spices, and sweet stone crab meat, this recipe is both impressive and easy to prepare.
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
- 3 lbs stone crab claws, cracked
- 2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 6 ears of corn, cut into halves or thirds
- 2 lbs small red potatoes, halved
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 4 lemons, halved
- 1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning (or your favorite seafood boil seasoning)
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp black peppercorns
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Water, enough to fill a large pot
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional sides: Crusty bread, melted butter, and lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Pot
- In a large stockpot, combine enough water to cover all the ingredients and bring it to a boil. Add the Old Bay seasoning, Cajun seasoning, bay leaves, black peppercorns, and the juice of 3 lemons (toss the squeezed lemon halves into the pot as well).
- Cook the Potatoes and Corn
- Add the potatoes and onion to the boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes, until the potatoes start to soften.
- Add the corn and cook for another 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Sausage and Shrimp
- Stir in the smoked sausage and shrimp, cooking for 3-5 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked.
- Add the Stone Crab Claws
- Gently add the cracked stone crab claws to the pot and simmer for 3-5 minutes, just until heated through. (Stone crab claws are pre-cooked and only need reheating.)
- Finish with Butter and Lemon
- Drain the boil, reserving some broth if desired for dipping or serving. Return the ingredients to the pot or spread them out on a large serving tray. Toss with melted butter and the juice of the remaining lemon for added richness.
- Serve and Garnish
- Sprinkle the boil with fresh parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread, additional melted butter, and lemon wedges on the side.
Tips for Success
- Cracked Stone Crab Claws: Crack the claws beforehand to make them easier to eat at the table.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the amount of Old Bay or Cajun seasoning to match your spice preference.
- Mix It Up: Add mussels, clams, or even lobster tails for an extra luxurious Christmas boil.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Christmas
This Stone Crab Christmas Boil is not only a delicious and hearty meal but also a fun, interactive dining experience. Spread it out on a festive table covered with parchment paper for a family-style feast that brings everyone together. The vibrant colors and flavors make it a standout dish for your holiday celebration. Enjoy!