Begin your culinary journey to the coast with a feast that celebrates the bounty of the sea. Enjoy the delectable flavors of a Crab Boil Platter with Extra Corn, a masterpiece that combines succulent crab, aromatic spices, and the sweetness of plentiful corn. This decadent dish exemplifies the ocean’s generosity as well as the joy of communal dining.
Ingredients:
For the Crab Boil:
- 2-3 pounds of fresh crab, cleaned and cracked
- 1 lemon, halved
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons seafood boil seasoning (such as Old Bay)
- 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Water, enough to cover the crab
For the Extra Corn:
- 4-6 ears of fresh corn, husked and halved
- Butter, for brushing
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Boil Preparation: Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the crab. Squeeze the juice of the halved lemon into the water and add the lemon halves. Toss in the smashed garlic cloves, bay leaves, seafood boil seasoning, black peppercorns, red pepper flakes, and a generous pinch of salt.
2. Flavorful Boil: Bring the seasoned water to a rolling boil. Let the flavors meld for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the water to become a fragrant and savory broth.
3. Crab Immersion: Carefully add the cleaned and cracked crab to the boiling broth. Cover the pot and cook the crab for about 5-7 minutes, or until the shells turn a vibrant orange-red color.
4. Corn Infusion: While the crab is cooking, brush the halved corn ears with melted butter and sprinkle with a touch of salt. Grill, roast, or boil the corn until it’s cooked and slightly charred, about 10-15 minutes.
5. Platter Presentation: Arrange the cooked crab and corn on a large platter, creating an enticing display of bounty.
6. Feast Commences: Gather your loved ones around the platter and invite them to partake in the communal delight of a seafood boil.
7. Dip and Savor: Serve the crab and corn with an array of dipping sauces, such as melted butter, garlic aioli, or a zesty cocktail sauce.
8. Hands-On Enjoyment: Encourage everyone to dig in with their hands, savoring the tender crab meat and the juicy sweetness of the corn.
9. Conversation and Camaraderie: As you crack crab shells and savor the flavors, relish the camaraderie that comes with sharing a meal that’s abundant in both taste and togetherness.
Conclusion: Crab Boil Platter with Extra Corn is a culinary experience that embodies the essence of coastal feasting. With its inviting aromas, vibrant colors, and hands-on enjoyment, this dish offers not only a sumptuous meal but also an opportunity to create cherished memories with friends and family. As you relish the succulent crab and the earthy sweetness of the corn, you’ll be reminded of the simple joys that come from sharing a heartfelt meal that’s rich in flavor and camaraderie.