Flavorful Seafood Feast Packed with Bold Cajun Spices

This flavorful seafood feast is a bold, spicy, and satisfying spread featuring a mix of shrimp, crab, mussels, and more, all tossed in rich Cajun seasoning and buttery garlic sauce. It’s messy, indulgent, and meant to be shared—just the way I like it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this feast because it brings people together around the table. The bold Cajun spices, garlic butter, and fresh seafood make every bite irresistible. It’s perfect for weekends, special gatherings, or when I want to treat myself to something decadent and full of flavor. It’s easy to customize, and I always enjoy digging in with my hands and savoring every spicy bite.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Shrimp (shell-on or peeled)

• Snow crab legs or king crab

• Mussels or clams (optional)

• Smoked sausage, sliced

• Corn on the cob, halved

• Baby potatoes

• Butter

• Garlic, minced

• Cajun seasoning

• Old Bay seasoning (optional)

• Lemon juice

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

• Salt and pepper

directions

1. I start by boiling the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until just tender, then add the corn and cook a few minutes more.

2. In the meantime, I melt butter in a large skillet or saucepan, then sauté the garlic until fragrant.

3. I stir in the Cajun seasoning, a bit of Old Bay (if using), and lemon juice to make the spiced butter sauce.

4. I add the shrimp, crab, mussels, and sausage to the pot or a large sheet pan and toss them in the sauce until everything is well-coated.

5. I either cover the pot and steam until the mussels open and shrimp are cooked, or bake it all together in a 400°F oven for 10–12 minutes until heated through and the shrimp is pink.

6. I garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges and crusty bread.

Servings and timing

This feast serves about 4–6 people. It takes 15–20 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook, depending on the seafood used.

Variations

Sometimes I add lobster tails, scallops, or crawfish for variety. I’ve made a milder version with just garlic and lemon butter or turned up the heat with extra cayenne. For a Southern twist, I add a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of brown sugar to balance the spice.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or more melted butter. I avoid microwaving shellfish, as it can get rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes, I thaw it completely before cooking. Frozen shrimp, mussels, and crab legs all work great for this recipe.

What’s the best Cajun seasoning to use?

I use store-bought blends or make my own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I prep all the ingredients ahead but cook it fresh to keep the seafood tender and juicy.

Is it very spicy?

It depends on the Cajun seasoning. I start mild and add cayenne or hot sauce to adjust the heat to my liking.

What should I serve with it?

Crusty bread, lemon wedges, and maybe a green salad. I also love it with white rice to soak up that amazing sauce.

Conclusion

This Cajun-style seafood feast is everything I want in a celebratory meal—bold flavors, juicy seafood, and buttery spice in every bite. It’s fun to make, even more fun to eat, and guaranteed to leave everyone around the table full and happy. Whether it’s a casual weekend dinner or a special occasion, this dish always brings the heat.