Easy Seafood Boil for Two
You do not need a huge crowd to make a seafood boil. A smaller seafood boil for two gives you all the shrimp, crab, smoked sausage, corn, potatoes, and buttery seasoning you love without buying enough food for a party.
This version is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for date night or a relaxed weekend meal.
Seafood Boil for Two Ingredients
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined or shell-on
- 1 pound pre-cooked snow crab clusters
- 8 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into thick pieces
- 8 to 10 baby red potatoes
- 2 ears corn, cut into smaller pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 to 2 tablespoons Chef Bae® Seafood Boil Seasoning, plus more to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, optional
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 2 boiled eggs, optional
Step 1: Start With the Potatoes
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the potatoes. Simmer until they are almost tender, usually about 10 to 12 minutes depending on their size.
The potatoes need the biggest head start because they take longer to cook than the other ingredients.
Step 2: Add the Sausage and Corn
Add the sliced smoked sausage and corn during the final 5 to 6 minutes of cooking. This gives the corn time to become tender and heats the sausage without overcooking it.
Step 3: Add the Seafood Last
Add the raw shrimp near the end and cook until they turn opaque and are cooked through, usually about 2 to 4 minutes depending on their size.
Because most frozen snow crab clusters are already cooked, add them near the end only long enough to heat them thoroughly. If your crab clusters are too large for the pot, you can heat them separately and combine everything before adding the butter sauce.
If you use a food thermometer, seafood should reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F.
Step 4: Make the Seasoned Butter
While the seafood finishes cooking, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in Chef Bae® Seafood Boil Seasoning and minced garlic, if using.
Start with the smaller amount of seasoning, taste the butter, and add more if you want a bolder flavor.
Step 5: Drain and Toss
Drain the seafood, sausage, corn, and potatoes well. Transfer everything to a large bowl, tray, or serving platter.
Pour the warm seasoned butter over the food and toss gently until the shrimp, crab, sausage, corn, and potatoes are evenly coated.
Add the boiled eggs if using, then finish with fresh lemon.
How Much Seafood Is Enough for Two?
One pound of shrimp and one pound of snow crab gives two people a generous seafood dinner, especially when you are also serving sausage, corn, and potatoes. If you prefer more crab or less shrimp, adjust the combination to fit your appetite.
For larger gatherings, read How Much Seafood Do You Need Per Person for a Seafood Boil?.
Make It Mild or Spicy
Keep the seasoned butter mild or add extra heat in a separate portion so each person can choose. This is especially helpful when two people like different spice levels.
For more tips, read Mild or Spicy Seafood Boil: How to Control the Heat.
A Smaller Seafood Boil With Big Flavor
A seafood boil does not have to be a massive production. With a smaller ingredient list and seasoned butter, you can put together a satisfying seafood dinner for two without a lot of leftovers.
Shop Chef Bae® Seafood Boil Seasoning and make your next seafood boil easy. Just add butter.
About Chef Bae® Sherri Smith
Sherri Smith, known as Chef Bae®, is an Atlanta-based celebrity private chef, cookbook author, recipe developer, and culinary entrepreneur with more than 20 years of culinary experience. Through Chef Bae®, she shares Southern-inspired recipes, cooking tips, seasonings, and cookbooks designed to help home cooks create flavorful meals with confidence.