Nothing screams “chill vibe” like a crawfish boil. Cutoffs. Flip-flops. Sunglasses. Sign me up! It’s the perfect backdrop for a darty: a sunny day, a table full of spicy, steaming crawfish, and all your favorite people sharing stories over a cold beer. Sounds amazing, right? Well, get ready! I’m about to guide you through throwing the ultimate crawfish boil.
First things first: the guest list. This type of party is not for everyone. Be sure to invite guests that don’t mind getting their hands dirty, won’t melt if it is hot, and won’t complain if their designer shoes get dirt on them. Invite your high-maintenance friends to your indoor dinner party.
The Basics: Kickstarting your Crawfish Boil
These little critters are the stars of the show, so you want to make sure you get them fresh.
Here’s a quick CHECKLIST to get you started:
- Crawfish: Source fresh, live crawfish from a reputable supplier. The fresher, the better.
- The Setup: You’ll need a large pot with a strainer, an outdoor cooker, and plenty of propane gas to keep things boiling. Find a suitable location for your crawfish boil setup, preferably with a flat surface. Many choose to set up near outdoor areas like patios or decks. If possible, choose a spot with easy access to an outdoor trash can. Additionally, place newspapers on the ground underneath the fryer to catch any spills or drips. We boil ours by our pool equipment, utilizing the concrete landing pad for stability and safety.
- Seasonings: Don’t skimp on the spices! Grab some Cajun seasoning (my fave is Tony Cachere’s), garlic, lemons, and anything else that tickles your fancy.
The Boil: What to Toss In
A crawfish boil is more than just crawfish. It’s a meal, so you may want to add in some extras. Here’s some suggestions:
Vegetables: Corn on the cob and red potatoes. If you want to mix it up- add mushrooms, and onions or even artichokes. These add substance and soak up all those spices.
Sausages: Throw in some smoked sausage for that extra kick of flavor. We use andouille sausage.
The Extras: Lemons, garlic, and bay leaves.
Here’s the simple but delicious CRAWFISH BOIL RECIPE we use.
Crawfish Boil
Ingredients
- 3 pounds crawfish
- 1 Zatarain’s Crawfish Shrimp & Crab Boil Bag
- 1/2 cup Zatarain’s Concentrated Shrimp and Crab Boil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 lemon halved
- 1/2 pound smoked sausage links cut into chunks
- 2 ears of fresh corn cut into thirds
- 1 pound new or small red potatoes
Instructions
- Fill your 80-quart boiling pot 3/4 of the way full with water and bring it to a rolling boil. If you’re using a smaller pot, you can divide the ingredients accordingly or boil in batches.
- Add the Zatarain’s seasoning bag, concentrated shrimp and crab boil, Cajun seasoning, cayenne, lemon halves, and cut sausage to the pot.
- Toss in the potatoes and let them boil for about 5 minutes, or until a knife easily pierces through them.
- Add the crawfish and corn to the pot and cook until the crawfish turn a vibrant red, approximately 5 minutes.
- Once everything is cooked to perfection, remove the crawfish and vegetables, draining them over a pot.
- Transfer the crawfish and veggies to a newspaper-lined surface and sprinkle with extra Cajun seasoning and salt if desired. If you don’t want to go as casual as newspaper lined tables. I often serve mine in galvanized serving trays, and use table linens. I just throw the linens in the wash immediately after.
Eating crawfish at a crawfish boil is a fun and social experience. But it can be very intimidating if you don’t know what you’re doing. Have someone in your family or a fellow host designated to teaching the novices. You could even print out a step-by-step guide and laminate it to have on hand.
Step-by-step guide to eating crawfish:
- Grab a Crawfish: Using your fingers, pick up a crawfish from the serving tray or table. Hold it by the tail with one hand and the body with the other hand.
- Twist and Pull: Twist the tail and the body in opposite directions. This should separate the tail from the body. Set the body aside for now.
- Peel the Tail: With your thumb, peel back the first few sections of the shell from the tail. You can discard these sections or set them aside if you plan to suck out the juices later.
- Pinch and Pull: Pinch the end of the tail where it meets the body and gently pull the meat out. The meat should slide out easily. Set the tail meat aside.
- Suck the Head (Optional): Some people enjoy sucking the flavorful juices from the crawfish head. To do this, hold the head with both hands and suck the juices out. Discard the head afterward or set it aside if you plan to discard them later.
- Repeat: Repeat the process with as many crawfish as you like. It’s common to eat several at a time, so feel free to indulge!
- Enjoy the Meat: Once you’ve removed the meat from the tail, dip it into your favorite sauce or seasoning, such as melted butter or Cajun seasoning, if desired.
- Discard the Shells: Once you’ve eaten the meat, discard the empty shells into a designated discard bowl or container.
Eating crawfish is not just about the taste; it’s also about the experience. Take your time, savor the flavors, and enjoy the company of those around you. If you don’t like crawfish, fill up on the potatoes, corn and sausage.
Remember, eating crawfish can be messy, so grab plenty of napkins or paper towels to have at the ready. Getting your hands dirty is all part of the fun!
Tips for Hosting the Perfect Crawfish Boil
Prep Early: Get your table set, condiments ready, and drinks chilled well before your guests arrive.
Serving Essentials: Have plenty of large platters and bowls ready for the crawfish and sides. This isn’t just practical; it’s part of the visual feast. The trays need sides, so the juices don’t spill over. I use big galvanized trays with either rope or copper handles. The industrial feel goes well with the theme.
Keep Drinks readily available. It’s key to keep your guests hydrated: Spicy crawfish and warm weather call for plenty of refreshments. Think cold beers, lemonade, or iced tea. Set up a beverage station or a spot for coolers.
Lemon Water Bowls: Bowls of lemon-infused water are a thoughtful touch for guests to clean their hands. It’s refreshing and keeps everyone comfortable.
Don’t forget the tunes: Music Matters! A good playlist can set the vibe for your boil. Or, if possible, hire a guitar player or ask a friend to play.
Put out plenty of outdoor trash cans.
Place napkins strategically in multiple areas. Mudbugs are messy!!!
Get a plan for your dog. You may want to crate them during the party. Crawfish shells and corncobs are bad for their digestive track. And the rascals can’t resist them!
Bug Prevention:
- Citronella candles or torches
- Bug spray
- Mesh food covers
- Remove standing water
- Outdoor fans
- Bug zappers
Serving Style: When it comes to serving your crawfish, you have a couple of options depending on your preference and setup. When using newspapers, you can pour the crawfish and other ingredients directly onto the table for serving. This creates a rustic and interactive dining experience, allowing guests to gather around and enjoy the feast together. If you opt for a buffet-style setup, you can use a tablecloth. You’ll want to transfer the cooked crawfish and sides onto serving platters or trays for easy access and safe serving.
Substitutions for Seafood Allergies:
For guests with seafood allergies who can’t partake in the crawfish boil, consider providing alternative options. A platter of fried chicken or other non-seafood dishes can cater to their dietary needs while still allowing them to enjoy the festivities. Be sure to clearly label allergy-friendly dishes to avoid any confusion.
Alternative Option: Salad
In addition to non-seafood dishes like fried chicken, consider serving a crisp and refreshing salad for guests with seafood allergies. A simple garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a tangy vinaigrette can provide a lighter option that complements the hearty flavors of the crawfish boil. Ensure that the salad is clearly labeled and placed alongside other allergy-friendly dishes for easy access.
Decor
There are several looks that go well with this theme: Rustic or Nautical. Don’t forget a few decorative elements that match your theme, like centerpieces that can withstand a bit of splashing.
Newspapers spread across tables is the most basic look and easiest to clean up. I’d use this method if the party was a last-minute gathering or just a bunch of my son’s frat brothers. If I am hosting a birthday or graduation party, I go with tablecloths.
Tablecloths: For a touch of style, mix in some colorful table linens that can handle a bit of mess. If you wash immediately after guests leave, your linens should come completely clean. I use inexpensive linens with a busy print on them, either the basic checkered or the Ikat Indian block print linens. If they stain, the pattern disguises it. You can go with a plastic tablecloth, but I’m not a huge fan of the plastic ones. They blow off the table easily and, honestly, I feel like they look like you’re hosting a little kid party.
Napkins: Disposable and linen! You can’t have too many napkins at a crawfish boil. Stock up on disposable napkins — lots of them. And paper towel rolls. Disperse them about. As far as linen napkins go, you could use bandanas or terrycloth hand towels for a fun, but casual touch.
Utensils: Plastic forks, knives, and spoons for dessert, if needed. Arrange them in a convenient wicker or galvanized caddy, or individually wrap them in napkins tied with raffia. Display them on a tray or in a bucket for easy access.
Plates: When it comes to plates for your crawfish boil, consider options that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Melamine plates are an excellent choice for outdoor gatherings due to their durability and resistance to breakage. Plus, they come in a variety of fun designs, like shellfish patterns, which can add to the festive atmosphere of your event. I was lucky enough to inherit my mother-in-law’s collection of melamine plates adorned with shellfish motifs, which not only serve as great decor but also provide a functional option for serving up your delicious crawfish feast. Another option is tin plates, which have a rustic charm and are also sturdy enough for outdoor use. Whichever plates you choose, make sure to have enough for all your guests, and consider adding extras like disposable paper plates for easy cleanup. Additionally, don’t forget to provide utensils and napkins for your guests’ convenience.
Centerpieces: Opt for simplicity over extravagance. Arrange flowers like sunflowers, daisies, marigolds, zinnias, or cosmos in mason jars or plain vases for a more organic feel. Consider using copper planters as vases for an industrial touch, which works exceptionally well for outdoor gatherings. Another cool option is to wrap small plants in burlap and tie them with raffia.
Candle Holders: Use mason jars as candle holders, filling them with sand or pebbles and placing tea light candles inside. These rustic accents can add warmth and ambiance to your tables, as well as keeping bugs at bay.
Galvanized Tubs: Utilize galvanized tubs or buckets filled with ice to keep drinks cold. You can also place extra bags of crawfish or condiments in these tubs for easy access.
Cajun Spice Station: Set up a spice station with an assortment of Cajun seasonings, hot sauces, and other condiments. Use chalkboard signs or small labels to indicate what each jar contains.
Fresh Citrus Display: Arrange bowls of fresh lemons, limes, and oranges as both decor and practical additions for seasoning and garnishing the crawfish.
Cafe Lights: Hang cafe lights above the seating area to provide soft, warm lighting as the day transitions into evening. These lights add a charming glow and create a cozy atmosphere for your guests to enjoy.
Paper Lanterns: Hang colorful paper lanterns in the colors of your theme to add pops of color to the outdoor space. These also fold flat for easy storage to reuse.
Nautical Flags: If you’re near the coast or want to embrace a nautical theme, consider incorporating nautical flags or banners as decorative accents.
Cocktails
Keep the drinks flowing with a selection of ice-cold beer, chilled wine, and a signature cocktail to spice things up. Consider setting up a keg for that authentic party vibe. For a refreshing twist, why not whip up a batch of margaritas?
Desserts
Serve up a platter of irresistible cookies and brownies, perfect for satisfying those post-crawfish cravings. For a taste of Southern comfort, don’t miss out on our creamy banana pudding served in small mason jars, dressed up with festive ribbon. Here’s our super easy Banana Pudding Recipe.
Boozy Banana Pudding
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs beaten
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 ripe bananas
- 1 box vanilla wafer cookies
- rum or bourbon optional, to taste
- whipped cream for topping
- mini mason jars
- pocket shots of rum or bourbon optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, flour, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Gradually whisk a small amount of the hot mixture into the beaten eggs to temper them. Then, slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly. Return to medium heat and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Layer the Pudding: In each mini mason jar, start with a layer of vanilla wafer cookies, followed by a layer of sliced bananas, and then a layer of the vanilla custard. Repeat the layers until the jars are filled, ending with a layer of custard.
- Chill: Cover the jars and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set.
- Serve: Before serving, you can add a splash of rum or bourbon directly into the jars if desired. Alternatively, provide pocket shots of rum or bourbon so guests can add their preferred amount. Top each jar with a dollop of whipped cream.
Wrapping up, hosting a crawfish boil is like throwing a backyard bash without the fuss of planning a fancy dinner or setting up a formal table. It’s all about keeping it chill and relaxed.
During our crawfish boils, we keep the fun going with rounds of cornhole—a perfect way to pass the time and enjoy some friendly competition! Check out our blog post on our family cornhole tournament for more on our favorite backyard pastime.
Feeling inspired? I sure hope so. If you’re planning your own crawfish boil or have tales from boils past, drop a comment below. I’d love to hear how it goes or share a laugh or two about those crawfish escapades.
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