Frogmore Stew, Low-Country Boil, or Tidewater Boil. It goes by many names, but regardless of what you call it, there’s nothing quite like a Louisiana-style seafood boil with loved ones.

And now you can create one in your own backyard! Whether you live down South or are as far from the coastline as can be, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying the spoils of a seafood boil.

Check out this guide to throwing your own seafood boil — from shopping to prepping and enjoying.

Buy Seafood

This is the first and most important step for a seafood boil party. You need to make sure you have enough seafood for all the guests and that it’s the best quality possible.

Are you still debating whether it’s absolutely necessary to have fresh rather than frozen seafood? Read about stone bran meat to find out why fresh is always better.

Find a fishmonger that sells fresh and sustainable seafood, including lobster, crab, and shrimp. Place the order in advance and pick up the goods on the day.

For some quick calculations, prepare for one lobster or crab per person and around three shrimp per person. Always opt for shell-on shrimp if possible.

Get the Equipment Together

Okay, so you’ve bought the ingredients and have your favorite seafood boil recipes ready to go. But have you got all the gear?

Party planning for a seafood boil requires a little prep to make sure you have all the equipment you need. Most importantly, you need a seafood boiler or a very large pot. Turkey-frying rigs work well if you have one of those lying around.

There are a few more essentials that you need other than the boiler. Boiling seafood is messy business. Make sure you have a plastic or newspaper table covering that’s easy to clean and a lot of napkins.

If you’re hosting a lobster or crab boil, you’ll need crackers and picks. Some bibs for the guests won’t go amiss either!

Prepare Side Dishes and Beverages

Last but not least, prepare the accompaniments. You’ll be chucking a lot of vegetables into the boil, so the sides should be simple. Consider some red beans and rice or gumbo and provide plenty of dips for the seafood.

As for beverages, there should be something for everyone. Cajun lemonade is an absolute must for the underage and teetotal guests. For those wanting a bit of a spike, sweet white wine annd American pale ale pair well with a seafood boil.

Ready to Host the Best Backyard Seafood Boil?

It might not be in your backyard, but you’re definitely prepped with everything you need to host an incredible seafood boil. The most important part is sourcing fresh, high-quality and sustainable seafood. Don’t forget to organize a boiler!

Do you love hosting, cooking, and eating? If so, you’ll love all of our food and culinary content. Keep reading for more tasty titbits and inspiration!