Culinaria Kitchen, S1E5: Bold, Buttery & Built to Share

Culinaria CEO Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, Emma Robertson of Smashin' Crab, and SA Living host Shelly Miles pose at the end of our Culinaria Kitchen Segment.

On our latest episode of Culinaria Kitchen, things got deliciously messy as we teamed up with Emma Robertson from Smashin’ Crab to whip up a bold, buttery shrimp boil. And while seafood boils may look like a full-production situation, the truth is: they’re surprisingly simple when you know a few key tricks.

Here’s how to bring that big boil energy home.

Start Bold

A seafood boil is not the time to be shy. Season your water generously — think garlic, citrus, Cajun spice, and anything that makes your kitchen smell like a coastal dream. The flavor starts in the pot, and everything that goes in (especially potatoes and corn) will soak it up.

Culinaria CEO Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge, passes boiled shrimp on to SA Living host Shelly Miles for seasoning.

Timing Is Everything

Not all ingredients cook at the same speed. Potatoes and corn go in first. Sausage follows. Shrimp? Last call. “Shrimp cooks fast,” Emma told Suzanne and Shelly. “Just a few minutes until pink and curled into that perfect 'C' shape. If it curls into a tight 'O,' you’ve gone too far.”

The Sauce Is the Star

The real magic happens at the finish. Once everything’s cooked, toss it in a rich, seasoned butter sauce. That final coating step is what takes your boil from “weeknight experiment” to “why didn’t I invite more people over?”

Embrace the Mess

Seafood boils are meant to be shared, spread out, and enjoyed with both hands. Line the table, grab extra napkins, and lean into it. The best meals are the ones that get a little saucy.

Whether you’re planning a backyard gathering or just craving bold, comforting flavor, a seafood boil is equal parts technique and confidence. Season generously. Watch your timing. Finish strong with sauce. And don’t forget to have fun with it.

Tune in to Culinaria Kitchen each month on SA Living for more chef-driven tips — and check back here for the extra nuggets that keep your home cooking anything but ordinary.