Red Lobster Crabfest Mariner’s Feast Recipe: Make the Ultimate Seafood Boil at Home

Introduction

If you’ve ever tasted the buttery, savory magic of Red Lobster’s Crabfest, you know it’s more than a meal—it’s a celebration. The juicy crab legs, perfectly grilled shrimp, tender lobster tail, seasoned potatoes, and sweet corn, all drenched in garlicky butter—there’s nothing like it. That’s why learning how to recreate this Red Lobster seafood boil recipe at home is a game-changer.

The best part? You don’t need to be a chef or wait for the next Crabfest promotion. With this step-by-step Red Lobster seafood boil recipe, you’ll have everything you need to serve up a full-on seafood feast—restaurant flavor without the restaurant price.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, treating yourself on a weekend, or just craving the comfort of your favorite seafood, this copycat Red Lobster seafood boil recipe brings the heat. We’ll walk you through every ingredient, exact boiling times, garlic butter prep, and pro plating tips.

Want more inspiration? Check out our Crabfest Seafood Boil Guide to level up your next dinner night.

Let’s kick it off by understanding what makes this iconic Red Lobster seafood boil recipe so irresistible.

What Is a Red Lobster Seafood Boil?

The Signature Boil: Red Lobster’s Style

At its core, a Red Lobster seafood boil recipe includes all the must-have elements of a classic southern seafood boil—but with Red Lobster’s upscale twist. While many seafood boils lean heavy into Cajun or spicy sauces, Red Lobster focuses on richness, simplicity, and bold garlic butter flavor.

During its seasonal Crabfest, Red Lobster offers a number of seafood boil–style dishes. The most iconic? The Mariner’s Feast. This epic platter features a Maine lobster tail, snow crab legs, and shrimp, paired with buttery corn and tender red potatoes.

The great thing is—you can now bring that full flavor home using this Red Lobster seafood boil recipe as your guide.

Why the Mariner’s Feast Inspired This Red Lobster Seafood Boil Recipe

The Mariner’s Feast became a fan-favorite during Red Lobster’s Crabfest for a reason. It pulls together three top-tier shellfish proteins in one plate, all complemented by buttery, starchy, and slightly sweet sides. By learning to make your own Red Lobster seafood boil recipe, you’re recreating one of the chain’s most popular meals—only fresher, hotter, and fully under your control.

Here’s why fans love it:

• No need to choose between lobster, crab, or shrimp—you get all three
• It includes the iconic Red Lobster garlic butter sauce
• Every ingredient is simple to prepare at home
• It’s visually stunning and made for sharing

So if you’re tired of overpaying or waiting for the next Crabfest, this Red Lobster seafood boil recipe gives you a chance to bring the full feast to your kitchen—any day of the week.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Quick & Easy Recipes for more seafood favorites that cook fast and taste incredible.

You’re just minutes away from mastering the Red Lobster seafood boil recipe everyone’s craving this summer.

Ingredients for the Perfect Red Lobster Seafood Boil Recipe

Seafood Essentials: Crab Legs, Lobster Tail, and Shrimp

To get the flavors and textures just right in your Red Lobster seafood boil recipe, quality seafood is key. Here’s what to add to your shopping list:

• 1 lobster tail per person – Fresh or frozen (thawed), and split in half
• 1 lb snow crab legs – Pre-cooked and ready to steam or boil
• 12 large shrimp (tail-on) – Deveined, shell-on for best texture

These three proteins form the backbone of your Red Lobster seafood boil recipe. They cook quickly, absorb seasoning well, and deliver variety in each bite.

Classic Add-Ons: Corn, Potatoes, and Garlic Butter

A true Red Lobster seafood boil recipe wouldn’t be complete without hearty sides and rich, savory butter.

These additions give your Red Lobster seafood boil recipe the signature flavor and fullness that makes it a meal—not just a dish.

How to Prepare Red Lobster-Style Seafood Boil at Home

Step-by-Step Instructions with Timing

Here’s how to cook your Red Lobster seafood boil recipe from start to finish:

1. Boil potatoes for 12–15 minutes until fork-tender
2. Add corn in the last 5 minutes of boiling
3. Steam crab legs for 5–7 minutes until hot
4. Grill or broil lobster tail for 6–8 minutes with butter
5. Sauté shrimp in garlic butter for 3–4 minutes

This method ensures every component in your Red Lobster seafood boil recipe is cooked perfectly and stays juicy.

Cooking Methods: Boiling, Steaming, and Grilling

Use the right method for each seafood:

• Crab legs – Steam for best texture
• Lobster tail – Broil or grill for charred flavor
• Shrimp – Sauté in butter for richness

These techniques mimic what the pros do at Red Lobster and elevate your Red Lobster seafood boil recipe above basic boiling.

The Garlic Butter Sauce That Brings It All Together

Ingredients for Red Lobster Garlic Butter

Your garlic butter will define your Red Lobster seafood boil recipe. Here’s how to make the best version:

• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Optional: chopped parsley

Melt all ingredients over low heat and whisk gently. Serve warm.

Mixing, Melting, and Serving Tips

• Don’t boil the butter—you want it silky, not separated
• Add a splash of seafood stock for extra flavor
• Drizzle directly over your boil or serve on the side

This rich garlic butter elevates your Red Lobster seafood boil recipe from tasty to unforgettable.

Red Lobster Seafood Boil Recipe Variations

Spicy Cajun Twist

Want a spicy Southern-style kick? Modify your Red Lobster seafood boil recipe like this:

• Add 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning to butter sauce
• Toss in andouille sausage slices
• Use a dash of hot sauce or cayenne

The Cajun version adds heat and depth to your Red Lobster seafood boil recipe while keeping the core flavors intact.

Creamy Lemon Butter Upgrade

Prefer a milder flavor with citrus brightness? Mix:

• 1 tbsp heavy cream into garlic butter
• Extra lemon zest and black pepper
• Fresh thyme or rosemary

This twist on the Red Lobster seafood boil recipe adds elegance and a light, creamy finish.

Tips for Serving Your Seafood Boil Like Red Lobster

Plating for Maximum Wow Factor

Presentation matters. Here’s how to serve your Red Lobster seafood boil recipe the restaurant way:

• Use a large shallow platter or metal seafood tray
• Layer potatoes and corn first, then seafood on top
• Drizzle butter over everything and garnish with lemon wedges

It’s all about building height, color, and steam.

Sides, Sauces, and Drinks to Pair With

• Sides: Cheddar biscuits, coleslaw, or garlic bread
• Sauces: Remoulade, cocktail sauce, or extra garlic butter
• Drinks: White wine, lemonade, or a crisp lager

A well-paired drink makes your Red Lobster seafood boil recipe feel even more luxurious.

Common Mistakes When Making a Seafood Boil (And Fixes)

Overcooked Crab? Mushy Potatoes? Avoid These Pitfalls

A great Red Lobster seafood boil recipe is all about timing. Avoid these common errors:

• Overcooking shellfish makes it rubbery—watch your timers
• Boiling garlic butter ruins its texture—melt it gently
• Crowding your pan reduces heat—cook in batches

Timing and Seasoning Tips for Home Cooks

• Cook potatoes and corn first, then add seafood
• Season water with Old Bay and lemon for base flavor
• Always taste butter before serving to adjust seasoning

With these tips, your Red Lobster seafood boil recipe will turn out just as delicious as the restaurant version.

What Customers Say About Red Lobster Boils

User Reviews of the Mariner’s Feast and Crabfest Boils

Online reviews show that the Red Lobster seafood boil recipe delivers serious satisfaction. Fans of the Mariner’s Feast love the variety, portion size, and garlic butter.

Common praise includes:

• “So much flavor in one plate!”
• “Better than most seafood restaurants.”
• “A feast for two—worth every dollar.”

How This Red Lobster Seafood Boil Recipe Stacks Up

When recreated at home, this Red Lobster seafood boil recipe gives you the same flavors with:

• Less sodium
• More fresh ingredients
• Lower cost
• No wait time or tipping

You control every element—cooking time, spice level, and portion size—which is why the homemade version is now going viral on TikTok and YouTube.

FAQs About Red Lobster Seafood Boils

Conclusion

Now that you’ve mastered the ultimate Red Lobster seafood boil recipe, you can turn any night into a Crabfest celebration. With the right ingredients, perfect timing, and flavorful garlic butter, this dish is guaranteed to impress your guests—or just treat yourself like royalty.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t miss our Quick & Easy Recipes for more restaurant-style meals at home. And for more seafood celebration ideas, discover our Crabfest Seafood Boil Guide.