Description
This Instant Pot Cajun Boil is a quick and flavorful seafood feast perfect for a festive gathering or a comforting meal. Featuring tender crawfish, corn on the cob, spicy kielbasa, and a rich blend of Cajun seasonings, this recipe uses the Instant Pot to lock in flavors and cook everything perfectly in just minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood and Meat
- 3-4 lb crawfish, washed
- 1 lb kielbasa, cut in halves
Vegetables
- 3 ears corn on the cob, cut into thirds
- Potatoes (quantity not specified, assume 1-2 lbs, add in steps)
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 stick butter (about 4 tablespoons)
- 1 Tbsp Old Bay seasoning
- 3 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 Tbsp sea salt
- 1 can beer (12 oz)
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Place the trivet in the bottom of an 8-quart Instant Pot to hold ingredients off the base.
- Add vegetables: Begin by placing your potatoes (approx. 1-2 lbs) and the cut corn on the cob pieces on the trivet.
- Add crawfish: Place your washed crawfish on top of the potatoes and corn, layering evenly.
- Add sausage: Arrange the cut kielbasa halves on top of the crawfish.
- Add butter and seasonings: Place the stick of butter and sprinkle the Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, and sea salt over all the ingredients. Do not stir or mix.
- Add liquids: Carefully pour the beer and water on top of the layered ingredients, making sure not to disturb the layering.
- Seal and cook: Place the lid on the Instant Pot and seal the vent. Set the Instant Pot to manual pressure for 2 minutes.
- Natural pressure release: Allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 2 minutes after cooking.
- Remove crawfish and sausage: Carefully remove the lid and take out the crawfish and sausage, placing them on the side to prevent overcooking.
- Cook vegetables further: Re-secure the lid, seal the vent, and set the Instant Pot to manual pressure for 2 more minutes to finish cooking the potatoes and corn.
- Second release and reintroduce seafood: Carefully release the pressure and remove the lid again. Return the crawfish and sausage to the pot.
- Combine and rest: Stir gently to combine all ingredients and seasonings. Let the mixture sit for 5-6 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the seafood to heat through.
- Serve: Serve the Cajun boil hot, ideally with melted butter and extra seasoning on the side.
Notes
- Washing crawfish thoroughly is essential to remove any dirt or debris.
- Adjust the seasoning amounts to taste if you prefer more or less spice.
- Potatoes are not listed in the ingredients but are mentioned in the instructions—use about 1-2 pounds of baby potatoes or quartered larger potatoes.
- Using natural pressure release helps maintain the texture of the seafood.
- You can customize the vegetables with additional options such as onions or mushrooms if desired.
- Serve with lemon wedges or hot sauce for an extra kick.
