Ultimate Cajun Seafood Boil π¦π€π¦

Ingredients:
Seafood and Proteins:
1 lb (450 g) king crab legs
1 lb (450 g) shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
1 lb (450 g) mussels
1 lb (450 g) crawfish (optional)
1 lobster tail (optional)
For the Boil:
8 cups water
3 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 lemons, halved
4 cloves garlic, smashed
2 bay leaves
1 small onion, quartered
For the Cajun Butter Sauce:
1 cup unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Seafood Boil:
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add Cajun seasoning, lemons, garlic, bay leaves, and onion.
Add the seafood in stages: start with the crab legs and lobster tail (if using) and boil for 5 minutes. Add mussels, crawfish, and shrimp, and boil for another 3β5 minutes, until all seafood is cooked and shells have opened. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cajun Butter Sauce:
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sautΓ© for 1β2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Add the parsley and remove from heat.
3. Toss the Seafood:
In a large mixing bowl or serving tray, combine the cooked seafood with the Cajun butter sauce. Toss well to coat evenly.
4. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the seafood to a large platter or tray.
Garnish with extra parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the seafood.