Everything You Need to Know About Lowcountry Boils

Lowcountry boil is a beloved Southern dish with roots deeply embedded in the coastal regions of South Carolina and Georgia. This communal feast brings together a mix of seafood, sausage, potatoes, and corn, simmered together in a flavorful broth. Join us as we explore the history, ingredients, and preparation of this iconic Southern dish.

Lowcountry Boil History

Lowcountry boil traces its origins back to the Gullah culture of the South Carolina Lowcountry, where seafood was plentiful, and communal gatherings were a way of life. Originally a simple, one-pot meal prepared by fishermen after a long day at sea, the dish has evolved into a quintessential Southern tradition enjoyed by families and friends alike. Today, Lowcountry boils remain a symbol of Southern hospitality and culinary heritage.

What's in a Lowcountry Boil

The beauty of a Lowcountry boil lies in its simplicity and versatility. The basic ingredients typically include:

• Fresh seafood like king crab, shrimp, or crawfish
• Sausage or bratwurst (We recommend our Jalapeño Cheese Curd Bratwurst)
• Potatoes, preferably red
• Sweet corn on the cob, shucked and halved
• Traditional seasoning blend, often containing Old Bay or Cajun spices

How to Make a Lowcountry Boil

Making a Lowcountry Boil is as straightforward as it gets:

• Start by filling a large stockpot with water and bringing it to a boil.

•  Add the seasoning blend to the water, adjusting the amount to suit your taste preferences. We recommend 3 ⅓ tablespoons of seasoning per gallon of water, which is around ½ cup for a 7-gallon stockpot.

• Toss in the potatoes and sausage, and let the water return to a boil and cook until the ingredients are tender, which should be about 15 mins.

• Add the corn to the pot, and after 5 minutes, follow it up with the seafood. Cook until the shrimp are pink (2-4 mins) and the crab (6-10 mins or heated through for pre-cooked crab) or crawfish (5 mins) are cooked through.

• Once everything is cooked, drain the pot and transfer the contents to a large serving platter or table lined with newspaper.

• Serve the Lowcountry boil with plenty of melted butter, cocktail sauce, and hot sauce on the side for dipping.

It’s that easy to bring Southern flavor to your table! Whether shared with family or friends, this iconic meal is sure to create lasting memories and satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Dive in and experience Southern cooking at its finest!