SEAFOOD BOIL SEASONING RECIPES

Steps:

• 1. Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to a moderately hot temperature, about 400°F; if using coals, wait until they turn white-hot. 2. If desired, melt the butter in a large stockpot set over the grill or over moderate heat on a stove. Add the onion, crushed garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper, sautéing until softened, 4-5 minutes. 3. Add the Old Bay seasoning and thyme leaves; cook and stir until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in the water and bring to a boil over high heat. 4. Once boiling, reduce to a steady simmer and stir in the sausage and potatoes; return to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are just tender to the tip of a knife, 10-15 minutes. 5. Add the corn to the water and return to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes and then remove from the stockpot and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside until needed. 6. Return the seafood boil to a simmer and stir in the crabs and lobster. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. 7. In the meantime, brush the corn with oil and season with a little salt and pepper. Place the corn on the grill and cook, turning a few times, until lightly charred all over, 6-8 minutes. Remove from the grill. 8. When the crab and lobster are ready, stir in the shrimp and clams. Cover and cook until the shrimp are opaque and the clams have opened, 4-5 minutes. 9. Add the parsley, lemon juice, and plenty of salt and pepper to taste to the seafood boil. Serve straight from the pot with grilled corn on the side and seafood boil sauce on the side. (See Tips for a seafood boil sauce.)

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with 4 quarts of water. Squeeze the lemon juice into the water and add the squeezed lemon halves. Add the Old Bay, garlic and onion. Tie the thyme sprigs together with kitchen twine and add to the pot. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook about 5 minutes. 
• Add the potatoes to the pot and cook until just tender, about 10 minutes. Add the corn and cook 5 more minutes. 
• Meanwhile, slice along the back of each shrimp through the shells; remove the veins and rinse the shrimp. Add to the pot, cover and cook until the shrimp curl and are just opaque, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the shrimp and vegetables with a slotted spoon or skimmer to a large bowl. Add the butter and about 1 cup broth to the bowl and toss until the butter is melted. Transfer the shrimp and vegetables to a platter. Serve with the remaining broth, lemon wedges and hot sauce, if desired.