Boiling Crab Shrimp Copycat Recipe

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So what do the Eastern states miss apart from “In-N-Out” burgers? The famous boiling crab. It’s so hard to resist eating with your bare fingers like a savage. And this Boiling Crab Shrimp Copycat Recipe will take you straight to Boiling Crab.

Now, for anyone who does not know this Western fast food chain, Boiling Crab specializes in all kinds of shellfish in a remarkable blend of Southern seasonings, lemon, butter, and garlic.

You order your portion in pounds and get to choose between a good range of dips and side dishes. You will then get your order in a plastic bag, and once this hits the table, the devouring starts.

Boiling Crab Shrimp Copycat Recipe

It’s time to make this fantastic Shrimp copycat recipe from Boiling Crab. Once you make it you’ll see just how easy it is and you’ll want to make it all the time. 

Ingredients

• 4 pounds (2 kg) shrimp or other crustaceans
• 3 heads garlic, peeled and minced
• 4 sticks (2 cups or 454 g) unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons lemon pepper or ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce, preferably Louisiana-style
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Optional Additions

• 2 ears corn
• 2 chorizo sausages, sliced
• 1½ tablespoons Louisiana hot sauce, for additional heat
• 2 limes, or one per person
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Fries

• 4 small potatoes
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt

Equipment

• 1-gallon food-storage bags suitable for warm food
• Butcher paper, newspaper, or a disposable tablecloth

Instructions

1. Prepare everything

Cut the potatoes into medium-thick fries. If using the optional corn, cut each ear into 2 or 3 pieces. Slice the chorizo and finely mince the garlic. Cut the limes into wedges and set them aside for serving.

Rinse the potato sticks under cold water, then dry them thoroughly before frying.

2. Start the cooking water

Fill a large stockpot with enough water to cover the shrimp and bring it to a rolling boil. Lightly salt the water if desired.

3. Make the Whole Sha-Bang-style sauce

Combine the Old Bay, paprika, cayenne, and lemon pepper or black pepper in a small bowl.

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.

Stir in the seasoning mixture, 2 tablespoons of hot sauce, and the sugar. Cook over low heat for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is evenly combined. Add the optional 1½ tablespoons of Louisiana hot sauce for extra heat. Keep the sauce warm without letting it boil.

4. Cook the optional corn and chorizo

Add the corn to the boiling water and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender. Add fully cooked sliced chorizo during the final 2 to 3 minutes, just long enough to heat it through. Remove both with a slotted spoon and drain well.

If using raw chorizo, cook it fully according to its package directions before assembling the shrimp boil.

5. Cook the shrimp

Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, add the shrimp to the boiling water and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. The shrimp are ready when they turn pink and opaque and curl into a loose “C” shape.

Immediately remove them with a slotted spoon and drain thoroughly. Overcooked shrimp become firm and rubbery, so don’t leave them in the hot water after they’re done.

6. Cook the fries

Heat frying oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the dried potato sticks in batches until golden and crisp, approximately 5 to 7 minutes depending on their thickness.

Drain the fries, then immediately toss them with the Old Bay and garlic salt.

7. Assemble and serve

Divide the drained shrimp, corn, and chorizo among the food-storage bags. Spoon the warm garlic butter sauce into each bag, seal securely, and gently turn the bags several times to coat everything.

Spread butcher paper, newspaper, or a disposable tablecloth over the table. Empty the shrimp boil directly onto the covered table or serve it from the opened bags with the seasoned fries, lime wedges, salt, pepper, and additional hot sauce.

Enjoy your Boiling Crab-style shrimp feast!

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If you’ve liked this recipe be sure to check this Seafood Boil Sauce with Garlic butter!

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