To be honest, if the crawfish and lobster are prepared in the same way, it is almost impossible to tell the difference between the two – though, one could argue that the life of the lobster in salt water will make for a subtle difference. However, the biggest difference in flavor has little to do with the creature, and more to do with regional preparation. Lobster is usually boiled and steamed – and usually just the tails – then often dipped in butter. Crawfish are usually boiled whole in spicy Cajun seasoning and served whole in a pile with potatoes and corn. Just be sure to suck the heads.
The truth is, crawfish and the northeastern Maine lobster have much more in common than other creatures – including many that are actually called lobster. In fact, they are so close in taste that there was a recent incident in which a New York restaurant was using crawfish in place of lobster in their lobster salad – and no one noticed
And there you have it, the biggest differences and similarities between crawfish and lobsters. Both are quite delicious, so whether you are visiting the Northeast or the Southern states be sure to take advantage of the local cuisine. And if you would like to experience a little bit of Louisiana without the travel, we offer live, Louisiana crawfish delivered right to your door!
Down in Louisiana, we love our seafood. If it comes from the water and is edible, we will find a way to make it delicious and uniquely ours. While most people wouldn’t even consider something like alligator or turtle, Louisianans will not only eat it, but actually make it something others travel to our state just to try.
This is probably the biggest difference between the two crustaceans. Lobsters spend their lives in saltwater, including oceans and seas, while crawfish set up shelter in fresh water, such as streams, rivers, and ponds. However, despite the salinity difference the actual living habits of the two creatures in quite similar, with both living under rocks and in crevices. And both feed exclusively on anything they can find on the bottom of their water habitats.
New Zealand crayfish is famed for its delicate flavour, and we would argue that it tastes better than its North American counterpart. New Zealand crayfish has a mild taste, with a moreish sweetness that naturally balances its salty, oceanic flavours, with a more dense texture than lobster.
As it turns out, New Zealand crays, the gnarly, red, rock-loving sea creatures we know and love, are only called crayfish down under. The rest of the world knows the delicious yet spiky crustaceans as lobsters – the most common one being the Maine Lobster found in the Atlantic Ocean.
North American lobsters are loved for the juicy meat in their large front pincers, and in New Zealand crays, the most succulent meat is found in the tails.
The most distinctive difference between the northern hemisphere’s lobster and New Zealand’s crayfish is its large crushing pincers on their first pair of legs. New Zealand crayfish also have much longer antennae and one less pair of legs.
Cray or crayfish is a distinctly antipodean name for ocean-dwelling crustaceans. The term crayfish refers to freshwater crays (also known as crawfish in North America) and is technically incorrect when referring to marine lobsters throughout the rest of the world. To avoid confusion in overseas markets, New Zealand crayfish are marketed as rock lobsters and are particularly prized in the Chinese market.
The difference between crayfish and lobsters SIMPLIFIED
FAQ
Do crayfish taste like lobster?
Are crayfish similar to lobster?
Can you eat lobster like crawfish?
Can you substitute crawfish for lobster?
What is the difference between crayfish and lobster?
Crayfish and lobsters are close relatives. That’s why they look so much alike, and people seem to confuse the two. They may taste the same when cooked and look the same while alive, but several differences set them apart. Let’s check out the difference between both! Crayfish and lobsters may look identical to the untrained eye.
What is the difference between crawfish and lobster?
Crayfish and lobsters may look identical to the untrained eye. But each has characteristics that make it unique. Crayfish, also known as crawfish or crawdads, are part of the ‘small lobster’ invertebrate, arthropod family. They can reach a length of 6 inches, weigh about 8 lbs, and have a lifespan of 2 to 3 years.
Can crayfish be substituted for lobster?
Crayfish can be substituted for lobster in many recipes, but there are some differences in flavor and texture. Because crayfish meat is slightly more earthy in flavor and has a slightly firmer texture, it may not be the best choice for dishes that rely on the delicate sweetness and tenderness of lobster meat.
Are crayfish more expensive than lobsters?
Crayfish are generally more affordable than lobsters, ranging from $3 to $8 per pound. This price difference is partly due to the higher availability of crayfish in regions where they are commonly found. They are also often harvested in larger quantities, especially during the peak season, contributing to their lower price.