This Instant Pot Crab Boil is a quick and easy way to make a seafood feast! It's perfect for a summer cookout or anytime you're craving crab legs. This dish is full of fresh seafood flavor, and the garlic butter gives it an extra zesty boost.
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❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
- This Instant Pot Crab Boil is quick and easy and cooks right in one pot.
- There's no need to worry about dragging out a large outdoor pot when your pressure cooker can do all the work.
- It's perfect for a summer cookout and it doesn't heat up your house!
Ingredients
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- baby potatoes
- yellow onion, peeled and diced
- ears of corn, husks removed cut in thirds
- Old Bay Seasoning
- water or Pilsner-style Beer
- Hot Sauce, optional
- crab legs or whole cleaned crabs
Garlic Butter
- unsalted butter
- garlic, peeled and minced
- lemon juice
- fresh parsley, chopped
Equipment
Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.
- In the vessel of the Instant pot, add the baby potatoes, diced onion, and corn pieces. Sprinkle in 1 Tablespoon of the Old Bay Seasoning and add the water or beer.
- Secure the lid and set the pot to manual high setting for 5 minutes. Once the time has elapsed, perform a quick release by following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Carefully open the lid, the crab, remaining Old Bay Seasoning, and optional hot sauce to the Instant Pot.
- The crab should sit on top of the vegetables and not be submerged in the liquid. Again secure the lid on the Instant Pot and select manual high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Do a quick release, following the manufacturer's instructions to the Instant Pot.
- Open the lid again, stir the contents of the crab boil and place the lid back on the pot while the garlic butter is prepared.
Make garlic butter
- In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, add and melt unsalted butter.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley
- Serve the garlic butter on the side for dipping or drizzle over the plated crab and vegetables.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat leftovers by steaming in the Instant Pot on the steam function for 3-5 minutes or until heated through. Or, reheat in the microwave.
Expert Tips
Expert Tip: If using fresh corn, cook for the full 5 minutes with the potatoes and onion. If using frozen corn, add it in during the second 5-minute cook time with the crab.
- You can use any type of beer you like for this recipe. I used Pilsner because it's light and refreshing, but feel free to use your favorite beer.
- If you don't have Old Bay Seasoning, you can use any seafood seasoning blend or just use salt and pepper.
- Make sure to keep the crab legs on top of the vegetables in the pressure cooker, so that they steam perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Steaming is the preferred method for cooking crab because it helps to keep the crab moist and prevent it from drying out. Boiling can cause the crab to become overcooked and tough.
Yes, you can use frozen crab legs for this recipe. Just add two additional minutes to the second cooking time for this recipe. Or thaw the crab legs first.
Adding beer to the steaming liquid gives the crab a subtle flavor and doesn't overpower the crab.
Variations
- This Instant Pot Crab Boil recipe is pretty basic, but you can add other seafood to the pot like shrimp, clams, or lobster.
- If you don't have a pressure cooker, you can make this recipe on the stovetop. Just boil the potatoes and corn in a large pot for about 5 minutes. Then add the crab legs and boil for an additional 5 minutes.
- For a spicier crab boil, add 1-2 Tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce to the pot. Or serve the garlic butter with a little bit of hot sauce mixed in.
- If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, you can prepare everything and then store it in the fridge until you're ready to cook. Just add an extra minute to the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
- I like to serve a seafood meal like this one with a vegetable side dish like this Easy Bacon Pea Salad or Roasted Broccoli with Garlic recipe.
- You can never go with a bread-side dish to pair with this easy meal. And, these Quick and Easy Dinner Rolls are my go-to homemade bread side recipe.
- End this summer meal with a flavorful Pina Colada Cupcakes recipe. They are sweet, tropical, and always a hit with guests.
Similar recipes
- Do you love corn on the cob? If so, did you know that making it in the Instant Pot delivers the juiciest and tender corn every single time? Well, next time, you are craving corn, give this Instant Pot Corn on the Cob recipe a try.
- Are you looking for a simple side dish or easy weeknight dinner? If so, look no further than this Instant Pot Baked Potato recipe.
- Instant Pot Gumbo is going to rock your world. It's chock full of succulent shrimp, smoky andouille sausage, and delightful stewed veggies. Everything cooks together with zesty creole seasoning in the pressure cooker to create a mouthwatering meal.
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Eileen xo
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Crab Boil
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Equipment Needed:
- As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes
- 1 small yellow onion, peeled and diced
- 3 large ears of corn, husks removed cut in thirds
- 2 Tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
- 16 ounces water or Pilsner-style Beer
- 1 Tablespoon Hot Sauce, optional
- 4 pounds crab legs or whole cleaned crabs
Garlic Butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 2 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In the vessel of the Instant pot, add the baby potatoes, diced onion, and corn pieces. Sprinkle in 1 Tablespoon of the Old Bay Seasoning and add the water or beer.
- Secure the lid and set the pot to manual high setting for 5 minutes. Once the time has elapsed, perform a quick release by following the manufactuers instructons.
- Carefully open the lid, the crab, remaining Old Bay Seasoning, and optional hot sauce to the Instant Pot. The crab should sit on top of the vegetables and not be submerged in the liquid. Again secure the lid on the Instant Pot and select manual high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Do a quick release, following manufacturer's instructions to the Instant Pot.
- Open the lid again, stir the contents of the crab boil and place the lid back on the pot while the garlic butter is prepared.
Make garlic butter
- In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, add and melt unsalted butter.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley
- Serve the garlic butter on the side for dipping or drizzle over the plated crab and vegetables.
