Louisiana style crawfish boil (Printable)
Juicy crawfish, potatoes, corn, and sausage simmered with bold Cajun spices for a festive feast.
# What You Need:
→ Seafood
01 - 5 pounds live crawfish, thoroughly rinsed
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 pounds small red potatoes
03 - 6 ears corn, cut into thirds
04 - 2 large yellow onions, quartered
05 - 2 lemons, halved
06 - 1 head garlic, halved crosswise
→ Meats
07 - 2 pounds smoked Andouille sausage, sliced into 2-inch pieces
→ Spices & Seasonings
08 - 1/2 cup Cajun seasoning (plus extra for serving)
09 - 2 tablespoons kosher salt
10 - 2 tablespoons paprika
11 - 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
12 - 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
13 - 4 bay leaves
14 - 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional)
→ Other
15 - 4 gallons water
16 - 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
17 - 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Fill a large stockpot with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
02 - Add Cajun seasoning, kosher salt, paprika, cayenne, black peppercorns, bay leaves, onion, garlic, lemons, and hot sauce. Stir well and boil for 10 minutes to infuse flavors.
03 - Add potatoes and sausage; simmer for 10 minutes.
04 - Add corn and continue to cook for 5 minutes.
05 - Gently add the live crawfish. Return to a boil, then cook for 5-7 minutes until crawfish are bright red.
06 - Turn off the heat. Add butter and stir. Let everything soak for 15 minutes to absorb flavors.
07 - Drain the boil and transfer to a large serving tray or newspaper-lined table. Garnish with parsley and extra Cajun seasoning.
# Helpful Tips:
01 -
- The whole meal cooks in one pot, leaving you more time for conversation and cold drinks
- That spicy, buttery soak at the end makes every single ingredient taste like it's been bathed in pure Southern hospitality
02 -
- That 15-minute soak after turning off the heat is absolute magic—the difference between good and absolutely unforgettable
- Don't overcrowd your pot or everything will steam instead of boil, which makes for mushy potatoes and sad corn
03 -
- Throw a couple of halved artichokes or mushrooms into the boil if you want to impress people who've been to dozens of these
- Cold beer isn't just for drinking—have a few bottles ready to drop into the boil if it gets too spicy