A crawfish boil is the perfect way to enjoy a taste of Louisiana with your friends and family. Although having a crawfish boil can seem daunting, it's well worth the effort. So what do you need for a crawfish boil?
In short, you'll need a boiler, propane, a paddle, southern seasonings, vegetables, and, of course, crawfish.
Read on to learn more about what you need for a classic crawfish boil, from the food to the equipment.
Everything You Need for a Crawfish Boil
So it's crawfish season, and you're ready to have a boil. Whether it's your first time or your hundredth, we've got you covered with the supplies you need for a perfect crawfish boil.
A Boiler
We recommend a 60 gallon propane seafood or crawfish boiler. The large size means you can boil two full bags of crawfish in a single go, so you'll have plenty of food on the table sooner, no matter how large your gathering.
With the hinged metal basket, you won't have to worry about lifting that heavy inner basket out from your boiling pot as it drains. We've found that this helps the cooking process go more smoothly, as well.
If you don't have an all-in-one boiler, you can use a large stock pot, metal basket insert, and a propane burner.
Shop Crawfish Boilers at Great Prices
Propane
You'll also need a propane tank to power your boiler. Sounds simple, of course, but you really don't want to be caught without propane when you're preparing a crawfish feast!
A Paddle
You're going to need something to stir your crawfish with. You want something that allows you to keep your hands free of the boiling basket of crawfish. We recommend a paddle, as a spoon simply isn't going to be large enough.
Seasonings
Your seasonings make or break your crawfish boil. Everyone has their own favorites, but we think any of the following is a terrific choice for your crawfish boil seasoning.
Tony Chachere's Crawfish and Crab Boil
Tony Chachere is a staple spice for a reason! This classic and recognizable blend of spices will give your seafood a zesty flavor that's sure to be a real crowd pleaser and keep your guests coming back for more!
Swamp Fire Crawfish and Seafood Liquid Boil
Ready to take your crawfish boils to the next level? Swamp Fire boil is a great way to send your flavor through the roof! This delicious seasoning has great reviews so you can trust in the quality of its flavor.
Louisiana Fish Fry Crawfish, Shrimp & Crab Boil Seasoning
This delicious boil seasoning mix contains just the right amount of garlic, onion, paprika, and lemon. We find that this powdered cajun seasoning is the perfect way to elevate your cajun crawfish boil.
Louisiana Crawfish Boil Seasoning is where it's at! All you need to do is mix it with fresh water and you're good to go.
With seasoning mixes, it's easy to throw everything in a big pot and cook. You can follow the directions on the package or just add the desired amount, and you're well on your way to perfect seafood.
Crawfish
You can't have a crawfish boil without crawfish! Try to buy your crawfish as close to the boil date as possible for the freshest seafood. Live crawfish are your best choice. While you can substitute frozen crawfish for live, the flavor won't be quite as good.
A general rule of thumb is to get at least three pounds of crawfish per person, which amounts to about half a pound of tail meat each. If you and your kin are big crawfish fans who can really put it away, you might want to get closer to four to six pounds per person.
Sausage
Smoked sausage is a classic addition to any crawfish boil. We recommend andouille sausage, as it has a wonderful flavor that really compliments the other seasonings and ingredients.
Vegetables
For classic crawfish boils, we recommend boiling corn on the cob and red potatoes. Onions and garlic are also a staple. Some people also add other vegetables like bell peppers, chili peppers, green beans, mushrooms, or artichokes. You can add as many veggies as you’d like, depending on your preferences!
Lemons
Every crawfish boil needs a good squeeze of lemon! Not only does it add flavor, but it also makes for a beautiful presentation. The bright flavor of lemon is the perfect compliment to any seafood boil.
Crawfish Boil Supplies with Free Shipping for Orders Over $30
Louisiana Pantry offers the supplies you need for your next crawfish or seafood boil, all of which are delivered directly to your door, so you can get a taste of the South no matter where in the country you are. As an added bonus, shipping is free for orders over $30.
Once you have all the supplies and ingredients you need, it's time to get boiling!
Have a happy and safe crawfish season!
