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Boiled Crawfish
(Crawfish Boil)
The season of Lent before Easter means backyard crawfish boils in Louisiana. All that’s needed for this feast is a large pot and a heater, water, vegetables, seasoning, and crustaceans. The crawfish are typically placed in big strainers, then hosed down and washed before being placed in the pot with vegetables and fruits such as lemons, garlic, onions, celery, and potatoes, all cut in half, while frozen corn is added later in order to cool down the boil.
Sausages and mushrooms might also be added to the pot, depending on personal preferences. It is believed that the secret to a great crawfish boil is not in boiling the crustaceans, but poaching them in hot water, which allows them to soak up all the flavors as they finish cooking.
WHERE TO EAT The best Boiled Crawfish in the world (according to food experts)
1
Recommended by Alison Cook and 9 other food critics.
"Most exciting of all is an invigorating new crawfish iteration, in which the crustaceans swim in a buttery broth that bristles with ginger and lemongrass shards. It is a life-giving tonic."
2
Recommended by Scott Gold and 6 other food critics.
"A longtime favorite for BBQ shrimp and boiled seafood, Deanie’s has a serious reputation when it comes to crawfish served by the sack."
3
Recommended by Scott Gold and 6 other food critics.
"Like other spots in town, it’s a combo seafood market, restaurant, and caterer, giving you three ways to enjoy its amazing mudbugs."
4
Recommended by Scott Gold and 5 other food critics.
"Another local favorite recently reopened and lovingly renovated from the once-sketchy shack it used to be, Frankie & Johnny's is a great spot to get your crawfish on."
5
Recommended by Tabelog and 5 other food critics.
"If you need good eats on the cheap, head over to Cajun Seafood. This is a little spot that happens to have really good boiled crawfish by the pound without breaking the bank."
6
Recommended by Scott Gold and 4 other food critics.
"Though Seither’s is also known for its po-boys, as well as plenty of fried and blackened seafood, it’s worth a trip out to Harahan for its boiled craws."
7
Recommended by Scott Gold and 3 other food critics.
"Here are some of the finest spots in New Orleans boiling up some of the best crawfish in town: Rivershack Tavern - Located on River Rd right on the Mighty Mississippi, Rivershack is, you guessed it... a seafood shack on the river."
8
Recommended by Thrillist and 3 other food critics.
"If you’re looking for some downright delectable boiled crawfish, Tony’s has the hookup."
9
Recommended by Michael Herman and 2 other food critics.
"A review of New Orleans Cajun and Creole cuisine would not be complete without a mention of the crawfish boil at Maple Leaf Bar which I was told takes place every Sunday night. This bar serves hundreds of crawfish, boudin sausages, and other accompaniments strewn on fold-up tables in the middle of the bar."
10
Recommended by Jeremy Lai
"What they've done here is true New Orleans style seafood, juicy, spicy, full of flavour and totally delicious. I devour everything like a savage, pulling apart heads and claws, sucking out that sumptuous roe and meat from the shell. My hands are dripping with juices and I'm having such a good time"
Boiled Crawfish festivals
