The first whiff of Old Bay hitting steaming cabbage takes me straight back to summer evenings on the back porch. This seafood cabbage boil is comfort food at its finest, messy and magical. No wonder it’s been taking TikTok by storm.
Think of this as a one-pot wonder that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank. Sweet shrimp, tender cabbage wedges, and that perfect blend of garlic and lemon butter. It’s like a traditional Low Country boil, but simpler and ready in half the time. Full details in the blog!
Growing up with Julia’s handwritten recipe cards scattered across our kitchen counter taught me that the best meals bring people together. I’ve tweaked her original version with a few modern shortcuts that don’t sacrifice any of that soul-warming flavor. I tested it three times last week. You’ll love the secret!
PrintSeafood Cabbage Boil: Irresistibly Easy Recipe Secrets
This Seafood Cabbage Boil is a flavorful and easy cabbage shrimp boil oven dish. Perfect for a healthy seafood cabbage recipe or a baked cabbage seafood boil that combines cajun seafood cabbage boil spices with lemon garlic cabbage seafood taste.
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 1 large cabbage
- 9 large shrimp
- 1 stick of butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp Old bay seasoning
- 1/2 cup seafood or chicken stock
- 1 tsp Lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Rinse the cabbage and peel off its outermost layer. Place the cabbage in a large Dutch oven.
- Mix seasonings for the seafood boil sauce, then pour it over the cabbage. Add chicken stock to the pot bottom to help steam the cabbage.
- Insert 1 tbsp butter inside the cabbage center. Bake with the Dutch oven lid on at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 hours.
- After baking, remove the lid, take out about 1/2 cup of the drippings, and pour the sauce again over the cabbage, reserving some drippings for the shrimp.
- Return the cabbage to the oven and bake uncovered for another hour.
- In the last 15 minutes, sauté the shrimp in butter until they turn pink.
- Drizzle the cabbage drippings over the shrimp and serve both together with olive oil.
Notes
- For crisp tops, broil 2–3 minutes at the end
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 155
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1326mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 34mg
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
This seafood cabbage boil transforms humble ingredients into something magical. The cabbage becomes tender and infused with all those gorgeous Cajun flavors, while the shrimp stay perfectly juicy. It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell like heaven and brings everyone to the table without any fuss.
What I love most is how forgiving this recipe is. Julia always said the best family meals are the ones where you can chat with your guests instead of hovering over the stove. This one does exactly that three hours in the oven, but most of it is hands-off time.
- Feeds a crowd on a budget
- One-pot wonder with minimal cleanup
- Perfect for casual entertaining or Sunday dinners
Breaking Down Your Ingredients
The beauty of this viral TikTok cabbage boil lies in its simplicity. You probably have most of these pantry staples already, and the fresh ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store.
The cabbage is your star player herechoose one that feels heavy for its size with crisp outer leaves. Those 9 large shrimp will stretch beautifully when paired with all that tender, flavorful cabbage. Pro tip: Save a few dollars by buying shell-on shrimp and peeling them yourself.
| Ingredient | What It Does | Smart Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Old Bay seasoning | Classic seafood flavor | Seafood seasoning blend |
| Cajun seasoning | Adds heat and depth | Creole seasoning |
| Large shrimp | Protein star | Crawfish tails or crab |
| Chicken stock | Steaming liquid | Vegetable or seafood stock |
How the Magic Happens
This Dutch oven cabbage boil works its magic through slow, gentle steaming. The cabbage sits in that flavorful stock while all those seasonings meld together, creating the most incredible sauce that gets concentrated as it cooks.
The secret is in those drippings at the two-hour mark. When you scoop out that golden liquid, you’re capturing pure flavor gold. Half goes back over the cabbage, and the rest becomes your shrimp cooking liquid. It’s like getting two recipes in one.
- First 2 hours: Cabbage steams and absorbs flavors
- Basting break: Drippings get redistributed
- Final hour: Everything concentrates and caramelizes
- Last 15 minutes: Quick shrimp sauté
Timing Your Seafood Cabbage Boil
| Time | Task | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Start | Prep cabbage, make sauce | Preheat to 350°F |
| 0-2 hours | Bake covered | 350°F |
| 2 hour mark | Baste with drippings | 350°F |
| 2-3 hours | Continue baking | 350°F |
| Last 15 min | Sauté shrimp | Medium-high heat |
Troubleshooting Like a Pro
Even the most straightforward recipes can have their hiccups. The most common issue I hear about is dry cabbage, which usually means not enough stock in the bottom of the pot. Don’t be shy with that half cupit’s your insurance policy against disappointing results.
If your shrimp seem tough, you’ve probably cooked them too long. Remember, they only need about 2–3 minutes per side until pink. The residual heat from those warm drippings will finish cooking them perfectly.
- Cabbage too firm: Add 15–30 more minutes covered
- Not enough sauce: Add extra butter and stock halfway through
- Shrimp overcooked: Reduce heat and watch for pink color change
Making It Your Own
Julia’s original version was delicious, but I love how adaptable this Southern seafood cabbage boil has become. Sometimes I add a splash of white wine to the stock for extra depth, or toss in some andouille sausage if I’m feeding a bigger crowd.
The spice level is totally up to you. Start with less Cajun seasoning if you’re cooking for sensitive palates, or double it if you like things fiery. You can even add some hot sauce to the drippings for an extra kick.
Serving and Storing Your Feast
This meal is meant to be enjoyed family-style, right from the Dutch oven if you want. Set out some crusty bread for soaking up all those incredible drippings, and maybe put some extra lemon wedges on the table.
Leftovers reheat beautifully in a covered skillet with a splash of stock. The cabbage actually gets even more tender the next day, though the shrimp are definitely best eaten fresh.
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Store cabbage and shrimp separately |
| Freezer | 2-3 months | Freeze cabbage only, cook fresh shrimp |
| Reheating | 10-15 minutes | Low heat with extra stock or butter |
Expert Says
A seafood cabbage boil is a delightful way to combine textures and flavors while providing a nutritious meal. Cabbage, rich in vitamins C and K, complements the protein from seafood, making for a balanced dish. Cooking everything together allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste experience.
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The Culinary Adventure of My Seafood Cabbage Boil
Perfecting my seafood cabbage boil was quite the journey, with plenty of missteps along the way. I remember one time when my broth turned out way too saltyI learned to taste early and often! Now, after several tries, I’ve found the balance that brings family and friends together around the table, savoring every bite.
FAQs ( Seafood Cabbage Boil )
What ingredients are needed for seafood cabbage boil?
This dish requires fresh cabbage, your choice of seafood like shrimp or crab, sausages, and seasonings such as Old Bay and Cajun spices. Don’t forget lemons and garlic for added flavor!
How can I make this dish in the oven?
To prepare in the oven, layer cabbage and seafood in a baking dish. Pour a mix of seasonings and melted butter over, then cover with foil. Bake at 400°F for about 30-40 minutes for perfect flavor infusion.
Is seafood cabbage boil a healthy recipe?
Yes, this meal is generally considered healthy due to its ingredients. The cabbage is low in calories and high in nutrients, while the seafood adds protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious option.
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen seafood works well as long as it’s thawed properly before cooking. It can save time, and with proper seasoning, it tastes just as delicious as fresh seafood.
What sides go well with this dish?
This meal pairs nicely with corn on the cob or a fresh green salad. Garlic bread is also an excellent choice to complement the flavors and help soak up any delicious juices.
This seafood cabbage boil delivers everything you want in three hours tender cabbage infused with Old Bay magic and perfectly juicy shrimp. You’ll love how it turns out, with those incredible drippings creating the most flavorful sauce that brings everyone back for seconds. The kitchen smells absolutely divine while it’s cooking away.
Try adding smoked sausage or switching the shrimp for crawfish when you want to mix things up. A trick I learned from Julia’s kitchen: save those precious drippings and drizzle them over crusty bread for an amazing appetizer. Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of stock, though honestly, there rarely are any!
I’d love to see your family gathered around this feast! Snap a photo and tag us did you grow up with Low Country boils like this? There’s something so special about messy, communal meals that bring out the best stories. Save this recipe for your next gathering, and watch how it creates those perfect moments we treasure forever.
