Seafood boil is a wonderful seafood meal with its origin in the Southern United States. It has a big pot of boiling water in which you have to include seafood, veggies, and spices. A variety of seafood can be used in the seafood boil. For example, crab, shrimp, mussels, crawfish, clams, lobsters, etc. Just like that, you may also include an array of vegetables. These can be corn on the cob, onion, potatoes, etc. The other add-on items can be sausages, eggs, and any other sides of your choice. This cooking method adds a deep, savory taste to the seafood and veggies. You may also prepare seafood boil in oven rather than on the stove. It is a very easy method and a quicker one too.
Thus, in today’s blog, we’ll guide you through the steps of preparing crab boil in oven. It is easier than cooking seafood boil in oven. It is because, in a seafood boil, you have to put in a variety of seafood. But in crab boil, it is just crab. Moreover, crab takes less time to cook.
Benefits of Using an Oven to Cook Crab Boil
Do you know that there are multiple benefits of cooking crab boil in oven? Let’s tell you all of them. First of all, you can cook in an oven in a more controlled manner. Secondly, the heat in the oven spreads evenly, and thus seafood and vegetables cook perfectly. As we already told you, cooking crab boil in oven is a quicker process. It is because you don’t have to stay in the kitchen and work continuously. You have to keep things in the oven together and leave it for required time. This way, you’ll invest less effort too.
Furthermore, cooking crab boil in oven will help to hold on to the flavors of the ingredients. It is because of the enclosed environment of the oven that does not let aromas out of it. Thus, making the crab boil more fragrant and tasty.
So let’s move on to the recipe now.
Ingredients Needed for Cooking Crab Boil in the Oven
You’ll require the below ingredients to cook crab boil in oven.
Crab: The main ingredient to cook crab boil in oven is of course the crab itself. The best crab for crab boil is King crab. Its meat is delicate and sweet. That’s why, take 2 to 3 lbs. of king crab legs. Make sure to purchase them from a top seafood near me market or store. You may use either fresh or frozen crabs. Prefer the fresh ones, but if you’re using frozen ones, then make sure to thaw them correctly. The correct method of thawing is to put them in the refrigerator 24 hours before cooking.
Vegetables: There are many vegetables that you can include in your crab boil. Firstly, take 2 to 3 corn on the cobs. Make sure to cut them in halves.
Secondly, take 4 small or medium-sized potatoes. Cut them in quarters. Do not opt for large potatoes. It is because they take more time to cook.
Thirdly, take 2 onions probably large ones. Cut them in quarters also.
For extra taste, you can also add cloves of garlic and half a lemon.
Spices: A crab boil consists of a blend of many spices. For example, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and celery salt, or Old Bay or Cajun seasoning. Adjust their quantities as per your taste. Also, keep in mind to season with salt to bring out the flavors.
Liquids: To make the crab boil base, you'll need about 4–6 cups of water or seafood stock. Moreover, some people also pour in wine or beer for additional flavor.
Butter: When it's crab boil or any sort of seafood boil in oven recipe, butter is a must-have. Melted butter enhances the flavor of seafood boil.
Optional extras: To add some flavor to your crab boil, try adding sausages, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Preparing the Crab
- Firstly, bring a big saucepan of water to a full boil.
- After bringing the water to a boil, gently add the crabs. Now, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they become bright red.
- Then take the crabs out of the pot and allow them to cool. Then clean them.
Boil Preparation
- Mix up the crab boil seasonings of your choice in a big bowl. Lemon slices, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and Old Bay seasoning are common choices.
- Mix evenly so that flavors blend well.
- To enhance the flavor add options like whole garlic cloves, and bay leaves.
Cooking the Crab Boil in the Oven
- Set the oven's temperature to 400° Fahrenheit, or 200°
- To make the cleanup of the baking pan easier, line it with aluminum foil.
- Now, spread the crab boil seasoning evenly on the baking sheet.
- Next place a single layer of crabs on the seasoning.
- Then, tightly cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil to keep the flavors and steam within.
- Now place the baking sheet containing crab boil in oven.
- It cooks for nearly 20 to 30 minutes.
Serving Ideas for Crab Boil in the Oven
Serve hot, crab boil in oven with lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, or melted butter on the side. Moreover, serve crab boil in oven with side dishes like coleslaw, French fries, or hush puppies. If you’re hosting a seafood boil party, so serve crab boil as a main dish on the seafood menu. Give seafood forks and nutcrackers along with the boil so one can easily get at the delicious crab meat. Also, give an ample amount of napkins and bibs alongside the crab boil in oven. This is because peeling and cracking crabs may be a delightful but messy task.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, cooking crab boil in oven is an easy method. This saves the time and effort of the one cooking it. By following the above recipe and serving ideas you’ll be able to prepare a delectable crab boil in oven.
