While many of us in South Louisiana don’t think twice about boiling crawfish, we forget that—for many people—the process can look a bit intimidating. From the crawfish boil equipment required to the handling and seasoning of a large sack of live crustaceans, it can easily appear overwhelming. But, with the right advice and proper planning, even the most inexperienced cook can conquer the boil as they shake out a seasoned pot of deliciously cooked crawdads for friends and family alike. Once you know what you’re doing, boiling crawfish is not only easy but fun too!
Follow the steps below for a step-by-step guide on how to correctly boil crawfish—the Cajun way!
Crawfish are usually the last thing you’ll add to an already boiling pot of seasonings, vegetables, and sausage. Since it’s easy to overcook crawfish, you only want to boil them for about 5 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the shells turn bright red and the tails pull out easily.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED BEFORE YOU GET STARTED
Don’t be a couillon! Check each of the following items off of your list before starting your successful crawfish boil:
Make sure to buy your crawfish live right before you plan to boil for the best-tasting crustaceans. You can even make it easy on yourself and purchase live crawfish directly from us and ship it throughout the United States!
Don’t Forget the Boil
A crawfish boil refers to the seasoning. We like to use our Cajun Bayou Blends Seafood Boil. It’s packed with spices that are found in the best Cajun cuisines such as chili powder, red pepper, and garlic.
How do you know when crawfish are done?
FAQ
How do I know if crawfish is cooked?
How long do you boil crawfish for?
Do crawfish float when done?
Can you overcook crawfish?
How do you know if crawfish is cooked?
Taste the crawfish every 5 minutes for the next 10-15 minutes until done. If the tail meat is rubbery, the crawfish is undercooked, if mushy and falling apart, it is overcooked. You are looking for a firm tail, juicy head and great spice. The crawfish will begin to sink. The sinking means they are ready to eat and have absorbed all of the flavor.
How long do you cook live crawfish?
Let it all cook for about 10-15 minutes. Add the live crawfish to the pot and stir everything together. Let it all cook for about 5-10 minutes or until the crawfish turn bright red. Turn off the heat and let the crawfish soak in the seasoning mixture for about 10-15 minutes. Drain the crawfish and vegetables, and serve hot with salt to taste.
How do you cook crawfish?
Here are the steps to prepare crawfish for cooking: Clean the crawfish: Rinse the crawfish thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Scrub the shells with a brush to remove any stubborn dirt or mud. Salt the crawfish: Add 1/3 cup of salt for every gallon of fresh water in a large container. Stir until the salt dissolves.
What does crawfish taste like?
Crawfish, also known as mudbugs, crawdads or crayfish, are freshwater crustaceans that are similar in taste to shrimp and crab. They are a popular delicacy in the Southern United States, especially in Louisiana where they are a staple in traditional Cajun and Creole cuisine.