Liberty County Low Country Boil Guide

Liberty County is a must-visit if you love seafood, especially for a big steaming pot of low country boil full of southern charm. Whether you’re staying in a cozy hotel with a kitchen, renting an Airbnb, or just want to take a taste of this delicious experience home, we’ve got you covered.

Below, you’ll find our recipe for the perfect low country boil using Georgia blue crabs, plus some helpful tips to make the process easy and fun from start to finish.

Our Guide to Making the Perfect Low Country Boil

1. Cook Outside, for the Full Experience!

   Start by setting up your low country boil pot with a burner outdoors. Fill the pot with water, leaving about 5 inches of space at the top. This gives you room to add all the food without worrying about an overflow! Season the water with salt, pepper and Old Bay (a must-have in coastal Georgia). Let the seasoned water come to a rolling boil and get ready to prep your ingredients.

2. Add the Onions

   Toss your onions into the pot! Keeping the lid on helps trap the heat.

3. Give the Onions Some Time

   Let the onions cook for about 20 minutes. They’re more for seasoning than eating, but if you want to munch on them, feel free!

4. Add the Corn and Potatoes

   Next up—fresh corn and red-skinned potatoes! Wash and cut them as needed. Fresh veggies make all the difference in a great low country boil, so make sure to stop by Hinesville Farmers Market for your freshest ingredients. Since potatoes take the longest to cook (besides the crab), let them simmer for at least 20 minutes.

5. Toss in the Sausage

   Time to add the sausage to the pot!

6. Now for the Crabs

   Now, it’s time to drop the crabs in! Let them cook for about 20 minutes. Since the crabs go in while still alive, it can feel a bit intense. If you’re unsure about this part, feel free to ask someone else to take care of it for you.

7. Add the Shrimp at the End

   In the final 2-4 minutes, drop in the shrimp—Georgia white shrimp, of course! You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink. Don’t overcook them, or the shells get tough and the shrimp turns chewy.

8. Pull the Basket

   Most low country boil pots have a basket inside, so you can easily lift everything out without hauling the whole pot to the table.

9. Serve with a Southern Touch

   Lay out some cardboard boxes to catch extra juices, then dump your basket out onto them—southern style!

10. Peel and De-Back the Shrimp & Crabs

    Be sure to peel the shrimp and remove the backs from the crabs.

11. Enjoy!

    Now dig in and enjoy that southern goodness!

 

Tips for a Successful Georgia Blue Crab Haul

• If you’re new to crabbing, it’s a great idea to go with someone who’s done it before. It can be a fun experience when you’ve got a pro by your side
• Be sure to have the right basket for crabbing to make your haul easier.
• For bait, raw chicken works best. Secure it in the bait well of the basket unless you’ve got one of the fancy new models!
• Before heading out, make sure you have the proper licensing and are familiar with the local rules, especially if you’re crabbing in open water.
• Timing is key! The best time to set your traps is at mid-tide—whether it’s outgoing or low incoming. Try to avoid high tide.
• Don’t rush it! Let your traps sit for about 24 hours for the best results. Frequent checking can result in a smaller catch.
• Make your trap feel like part of the landscape. The crabs are attracted to the bait and the tides will carry them right into your trap.
• When it’s time to harvest, use thick gloves or a crab grabber for safe handling. Those little guys can pinch!
• Keep your crabs in water in a bucket until you’re ready to cook them.

Our Liberty County Low Country Boil Guide might seem like a bit of work, but trust us—it’s totally worth it! If you’d prefer to enjoy a delicious low country boil without the effort, head over to the Sunbury Crab Company. They offer a steamed seafood platter served with corn and sausage—perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy. Whether you’re dining in their relaxed, waterfront setting or taking it to go, it’s another great way to #ExploreLiberty!