Can I prepare a seafood boil in a bag in the oven?

Yes! If you don’t want to use the stovetop, you can cook your seafood boil in the oven with great results. How to do it: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled ingredients into an oven-safe cooking bag or parchment-lined foil packet. Seal the bag tightly and bake for 25-30 minutes, depending on the seafood selection. Carefully open the bag, let it cool slightly, and enjoy! Pro Tip: For extra smoky flavor, broil the seafood boil for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking.

What types of seafood are best for a boil in a bag?

The beauty of a seafood boil is its versatility! Here are some great options: Shrimp – Cooks quickly and absorbs seasoning well. Crab Legs – Snow crab or king crab legs are favorites. Lobster Tails – A luxurious addition for a rich, buttery taste. Mussels & Clams – Add variety and soak up the flavorful broth. Crawfish – A Southern classic, perfect for an authentic Cajun boil. Alternative Option: If you don’t eat shellfish, try white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia) wrapped in foil with the same seasonings for a seafood-inspired dish.

How do I prevent the bag from bursting during cooking?

To avoid messy spills or tears, follow these simple precautions: Don’t overfill the bag. Leave enough room for the steam to circulate and cook the ingredients evenly. Use heat-resistant bags. Ensure they are labeled safe for boiling or baking. Tie the bag securely but loosely. Allow steam to expand slightly inside the bag. Handle with care. When removing from heat, use tongs and avoid puncturing the bag with sharp objects.

Can I make a seafood boil in a bag spicy?

Absolutely! If you love a bit of heat, here are a few ways to spice things up: Add extra cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend. Use a spicy Cajun seasoning like Slap Ya Mama or Louisiana Hot Blend. Drizzle hot sauce (such as Tabasco or Sriracha) over the seafood before sealing the bag. Include red pepper flakes or freshly sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. Serving Idea: Pair your spicy seafood boil with a cooling side, like coleslaw or cucumber salad, to balance the heat.

Is it possible to prepare the boil bags in advance?

Yes! If you want to save time, you can assemble your boil bags up to 24 hours in advance. How to prep ahead: Layer the ingredients as usual inside the bag. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator (not the freezer). When ready to cook, bring to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before boiling or baking.

Seafood Boil In A Bag - Easy Meals To Make

Name: Seafood Boil In A Bag
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 lb crab legs (snow crab or king crab); ½ lb lobster tails (optional); 3 medium red potatoes (halved); 2 ears of corn (cut into halves); 1 small onion (quartered); 1 lb andouille or kielbasa sausage (sliced); 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level); ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lemon (cut into wedges)

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood:

1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 lb crab legs (snow crab or king crab)
½ lb lobster tails (optional)

Vegetables:

3 medium red potatoes (halved)
2 ears of corn (cut into halves)
1 small onion (quartered)

Protein:

1 lb andouille or kielbasa sausage (sliced)

Seasonings:

2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt

Butter Sauce:

½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Additional Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon (cut into wedges)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Clean the seafood – Peel and devein the shrimp, rinse the crab legs, and cut the lobster tails in half if using.
Cut vegetables – Halve the potatoes, cut the corn, and quarter the onion.
Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Assemble the Boil Bags

Place potatoes, corn, and onion at the bottom of each heat-resistant boil bag.
Add sausage and seafood on top.
Sprinkle the Old Bay seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper evenly.
Drizzle olive oil over the ingredients and place a small pat of butter inside each bag.
Tightly seal the bag, leaving a bit of space for steam circulation.

Step 3: Cook the Seafood Boil

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
Carefully submerge the bags and boil for 15-20 minutes, or until the seafood is fully cooked and potatoes are tender.
Remove the bags using tongs and let them cool slightly.

Step 4: Make the Butter Sauce

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
Stir in minced garlic, lemon juice, and parsley. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Open the boil bags and drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the seafood.
Serve directly from the bag or empty onto a serving tray.
Garnish with lemon wedges and extra parsley.

Notes

Adjust spice levels by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper.
For an oven-baked version, place assembled bags on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Author: Tofaha
Prep Time: 15 minute
Cook Time: 20 minute
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 seafood boil bag per person
Calories: ~450 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 1200mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 200mg

Keywords: seafood boil in a bag, Cajun seafood boil, seafood dinner, shrimp and crab boil, easy seafood recipe