Typically, a seafood boil will feature one or more types of shellfish boiled with seasonings and vegetables to garner the briny and sweet flavors of the various meats. Although commonly cooked in a very large pot with a group of friends, many others can enjoy a seafood boil at a seafood restaurant like The Crab Shack.
Boils probably originated from the Acadian Exile, which forced out Acadians from the Atlantic provinces of Canada to various regions in the United States. A great number of the refugees settled in South Louisiana, where they became known as Cajuns.
The Cajun brought their cuisine, including the seafood boil, and this eventually led to the creation of the crawfish boil. As this cooking became known all over the South, South Carolina shrimpers started preparing their catch in a similar way and termed it as a “low country boil.”
Boils in the Chesapeake Bay region featured the favored Maryland blue crab. The locals steamed crab with Old Bay seasoning, which is made up of black pepper, celery salt, and paprika. Cooks also commonly added beer or vinegar to the liquid to accentuate the flavors.
Popular in Georgia and South Carolina, the low country boil features shrimp boiled with lemons and onions to obtain a tangy flavor. The delicious ingredients for this kind of boil typically include corn, smoked sausage, and potato to get a heartier taste.
What differentiates the Louisiana boil is the main ingredient – crawfish, which are farmed in the marshes and swamps of the region. Cooks boil the crustaceans in a spicy broth flavored with paprika and cayenne. Garlic, lemons, and onions are thrown in, then the crawfish, corn, and potatoes are added to absorb the delicious seasonings.
The Crab Shack serves Cajun standouts like Chicken Jambalaya, Blackened Salmon served with Cajun rice, Steamed Crawfish, and Cajun Boils.
Lovers of fat, juicy crab and amazing seafood don’t have to drive to Baltimore, Ocean City, Hooper’s Island, or Annapolis anymore. Stay close to home and enjoy wonderful deliciousness all year round at around at the two locations below!
Our Crofton branch can accommodate a large party group, so if you are interested in reserving tables, please call (443) 302-2680.