Crawfish Boil (The Best Crawfish Recipe!) - Rasa Malaysia (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read myprivacy policy.

Prep some mouthwatering crawfish boil just like how it's done in New Orleans! Fresh, juicy, and savory, it's a mix of live crawfish, corn, red potato, and smoked sausage, all boiled together in a flavorful blend of Louisiana and Cajun seasonings.

Spring means crawfish season in the southern United States, particularly Louisiana, where a crawfish boil is considered a social event.

I may not be from New Orleans, but I have come to appreciate and love the tradition of a good crawfish boil. It’s messy, it’s delicious, and it brings people together in a way that only food can.

If shrimp is your thing, give my shrimp boil, Old Bay shrimp, or honey cajun grilled shrimp a try next time!

What Is A Crawfish

Crawfish, also known as crayfish or crawdad, is a type of freshwater crustacean that resembles a miniature lobster. Unlike fresh water prawn which is commonly found at lakes and river, they are found in muddy swamps, paddy fields, or places with a pool of fresh water.

In recent years, it has become increasingly popular in California and Texas, made popular by Vietnamese-Cajun crawfish and crab boil restaurants like The Boiling Crab. But the original crawfish boil remains a staple in Louisiana culture.

Essentially, they look like little lobsters with two tiny claws with hard shells that turn bright red after cooking. They have a sweet, tender meat that tastes like a cross between shrimp and crab.

Louisiana Crawfish Boil

Crawfish boil is one of the most popular crawfish recipes in the early summer months. It is an iconic Louisiana Cajun delicacy along with seafood boil and shrimp boil.

Friends and family usually gather around a large table covered with newspapers to feast on a big pot of crawfish boiled in a spice mix broth. It’s a social gathering where everyone can let loose, crack open some seafood, and enjoy good food with good company.

Eating it is a messy affair, with shells flying and juices dripping all over. But trust me, it’s all worth it!

Ingredients

• Crawfish – I prefer using live ones for the freshest taste, but frozen can also be used. Just keep in mind the difference in cooking time (see instructions below)
• Smoked sausage – you can use any kind, but Andouille sausage is the most traditional option
• Small red potatoes
• Corn
• Garlic
• Lemon – for added tang and freshness
• Louisiana Crawfish Shrimp and Crab Boil spice mix, which you can buy on Amazon
• Cajun seasoning
• Lemon and pepper seasoning
• Water

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.

How To Make Crawfish Boil

Outside of Louisiana, it’s easier than ever to find live crawfish these days, especially in California and the coastal cities.

Shopping Tip for Crawfish: let me share a secret, if you live close to any Vietnamese markets or Asian grocery stores, you will definitely find them in big buckets, alive and kickin’, especially when they are in season. If you manage to get your hands on some, here’s a step-by-step on how to make a traditional crawfish boil:

Step 1: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the Louisiana Crawfish Shrimp and Crab Boil spice mix, Cajun seasoning, and lemon pepper seasoning. Stir well to a rolling boil.

Step 2: Add the garlic, corn, potatoes, sausage, and lemon slices. Cover the pot and cook for 10 minutes. Taste the crawfish boil water. If it’s too salty, add more water. If it’s too bland, add more seasonings to taste.

Step 3: Transfer the crawfish to the pot and cook for 3-4 more minutes, with the lid covered. Turn off the heat and let the crawfish soak for 10 minutes. The longer they soak, the spicier they will be.

Pro tip: As soon as the shells turn red, the crawfish are done cooking. Don’t overcook them as they can become tough and chewy.

Step 4: Remove all the ingredients using a strainer and serve immediately. Discard the crawfish boil water.

How Long To Boil Crawfish

For live crawfish, it takes 3-4 minutes in hot boiling water, with the lid covering the pot. You can check for visual cues like the color turning red or bright red.

For frozen ones, thaw them at room temperature before boiling. Boil for 1 minute since they are already pre-cooked.

How Do You Eat Crawfish

I have to admit, the first time I tried this dish, it was far from an elegant experience. I had no idea what I was doing and ended up with more shells than actual meat.

Regardless of how you eat them, your hands will definitely get dirty. But that’s part of the charm of any crawfish recipe! Here’s how you can get the most out of this delicious seafood dish:

• First, pull off the head of the crawfish.
• Next, peel the shell off the tail, starting at the end farthest away from its tail. Peel on the side of the shell to expose the meat.
• Pull the tail out of the shell and enjoy!

The best part of this seafood is in its head! The yellow “fat” (which is actually a liver-like organ) is so creamy and delicious, and it certainly tastes like uni (sea urchin).

You may also eat the claws if they are big enough. Just crack the shell of the claws by gently biting down with your teeth. Remove the shell to expose the meat.

Pro Tip: You may wear a pair of disposable gloves to keep your hands clean!

Frequently Asked Questions

What To Serve With This Recipe

This meal is best served alone with an ice-cold beer. For a summer cookout, I recommend the following recipes:

I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore myRecipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to mynewsletterand following me onFacebook,Pinterest,andInstagramfor new updates.