# How to Host a Crawfish Boil: A Step-by-Step Guide - Made In Hosting a successful crawfish boil requires the right ingredients, technique, and, most importantly, a host who knows what they’re doing. Here’s what to know. Few gatherings capture the spirit of community and celebration quite like a crawfish boil. Whether you're in the heart of Louisiana or bringing the tradition to another part of the country, hosting a successful crawfish boil requires the right ingredients, technique, and, most importantly, a host who knows what they’re doing. Ben McBride, owner-operator of [Heritage Seafood](https://www.instagram.com/heritageseafood/?hl=en) and seafood purveyor to many of our favorite restaurants in Austin, was kind enough to stop by Made In HQ to answer our questions (and demonstrate how to host a successful boil). Here’s everything you need to know, from sourcing to serving. ```json { "_key": "8bfc9daae821", "_type": "tableOfContents" } ``` ## Sourcing the Best Crawfish ```json { "_key": "6f938f707f14", "_type": "medium", "ctas": null, "description": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": "A person wearing a blue shirt and black gloves is serving a mix of crawfish and potatoes from a cooler.", "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1.8, "height": 1000, "width": 1800 }, "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/13e8fceb901b57887c9e0ed6feef8f54b2874522-1800x1000.jpg" } }, "tags": null, "type": "image", "video": null } ``` The foundation of any great crawfish boil is high-quality, live crawfish. If you're in Louisiana or Texas, finding fresh crawfish is easy, but if you're hosting in another state, you’ll want to find a reputable seafood supplier. When buying crawfish, McBride recommends a plan for two to five pounds per person, depending on appetite and interest. Remember you’ll have add-ins like sausage, corn, and potatoes to help round out the meal. ## Handling the Crawfish ```json { "_key": "092c4c980fd4", "_type": "medium", "ctas": null, "description": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": "A large pot filled with boiling water and seasoned crawfish sits outside, partially covered by a metallic lid.", "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1.8, "height": 1000, "width": 1800 }, "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/2325b92442787ca29f5473639f076b521e241438-1800x1000.jpg" } }, "tags": null, "type": "image", "video": null } ``` Much like cooking lobster or crab, there’s a right (and humane) way to store, cook, and clean your crawfish before it’s time to eat. ### Storing Live Crawfish Proper storage is crucial to keeping your crawfish fresh and lively before cooking. Never submerge them in water, as they will suffocate. Instead, store them in a well-drained cooler with ice to keep them cool and damp without direct exposure to airflow, which can dry them out. A good seafood purveyor will help ensure you get a fresh batch ready for boiling. ### Cleaning and Purging While some believe in purging crawfish with salt, McBride explains that this is a myth and can actually harm the crawfish. If you want to purge them properly, rinse them in fresh, aerated water for 18-24 hours before boiling. However, it is not necessary to purge crawfish before cooking, it’s a matter of personal preference. Regardless, you should rinse them well with fresh water before cooking to remove any dirt or impurities. ## Prepping Additional Ingredients ```json { "_key": "403b7b609024", "_type": "medium", "ctas": null, "description": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": "A person is holding a bowl filled with crawfish, corn, and potatoes, surrounded by a larger pile of the same ingredients.", "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1.6363636363636365, "height": 1100, "width": 1800 }, "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/c3090c1e78f5aca3dcda7c25c5a790fec09e0965-1800x1100.jpg" } }, "tags": null, "type": "image", "video": null } ``` A classic crawfish boil isn’t just about the crawfish. You’ll need a mix of vegetables, sausage, and seasonings to build out the meal. Here’s a guide for ingredient ratios when cooking a 30-pound sack of crawfish: - **Corn:** About Roughly 2–3 ears per every 5-6 pounds crawfish - **Potatoes and Sausage:** Roughly one pound per every 5-6 pounds crawfish - **Extras (optional):** Artichokes, garlic, mushrooms, onions, and shrimp to diversify the spread A well-balanced boil ensures everyone gets a satisfying mix of flavors while making the crawfish go further. ## Cooking the Crawfish: Step-by-Step Process ```json { "_key": "1e3a43e96ef6", "_type": "medium", "ctas": null, "description": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": "A person is holding a large pot filled with a spicy crawfish boil.", "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1.8, "height": 1000, "width": 1800 }, "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/0e38b36096d399feeee2e65523d6bf3478414d96-1800x1000.jpg" } }, "tags": null, "type": "image", "video": null } ``` Cooking crawfish is all about timing and layering flavors. Here’s how to do it right: 1. **Start with a rolling boil: **Lightly season the boiling water with salt and a mild seasoning blend. 2. **Cook the potatoes first: **These take the longest to soften. Then follow with remaining ingredients (sausage, corn, and any extras). 3. **Boil the crawfish for exactly 7 minutes: **This ensures they cook through without becoming tough. 4. **Transfer the crawfish to a second pot filled with a highly seasoned soaking liquid** **(heated to about 115–120F):** This allows the crawfish to absorb seasoning without becoming overcooked. 5. **Let them steep before serving:** The longer everything sits in the seasoning, the more flavorful the boil becomes. ## Common Mistakes to Avoid ```json { "_key": "66a48556b4ef", "_type": "medium", "ctas": null, "description": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": "A hand is reaching for a boiled crawfish among a spread of seafood, potatoes, and corn laid out on newspaper.", "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1.6363636363636365, "height": 1100, "width": 1800 }, "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/6375baca4c7eadbfae76b59a9d26b6e87a47af59-1800x1100.jpg" } }, "tags": null, "type": "image", "video": null } ``` Avoid these pitfalls to ensure a perfect crawfish boil: - **Improper storage**: Never store crawfish in sealed coolers or submerged in water. - **Overcrowding the pot**: Cooking too many ingredients or crawfish at once lowers the water temperature, leading to uneven cooking. - **Over-seasoning too early**: Using a two-pot method ensures you get bold flavor without overwhelming spice. - **Boiling dead crawfish**: Always check to make sure your crawfish are alive before cooking. ## Serving and Enjoying ```json { "_key": "7a351bf7be6b", "_type": "medium", "ctas": null, "description": null, "image": { "asset": { "altText": "A vibrant spread of boiled crawfish, potatoes, corn, and sausage arranged on newspaper.", "metadata": { "dimensions": { "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions", "aspectRatio": 1.8, "height": 1000, "width": 1800 }, "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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" }, "url": "https://cdn.sanity.io/images/fr9flhkd/main/f8d23a1a888184bba0e808efd063ce146af8776b-1800x1000.jpg" } }, "tags": null, "type": "image", "video": null } ``` The best part of a crawfish boil is the communal experience. Once the crawfish are ready, serve them by dumping them onto a table covered in newspaper for a classic presentation. Encourage guests to peel and eat with their hands, enjoying the full sensory experience. Pair your boil with cold beer, plenty of bowls for the discards, and a few fresh lemons. If your guests are new to crawfish, take a moment to show them the best way to peel and eat efficiently (and don’t forget to suck the heads). A little guidance goes a long way in making sure everyone enjoys the meal. ## Ready to Cook? Hosting a crawfish boil is about more than just cooking—it’s about bringing people together over great food and conversation. With the right ingredients, technique, and a little patience, you’ll be serving up a Louisiana-style feast in no time. Grab your biggest pot, gather your friends, and get boiling. Looking for the right cookware for your boil? Our Chef-Sized Stainless Clad 32QT Stock Pot—which we put to the test for our office boil—can hold up to 30 pounds of crawfish. --- URL: https://madeincookware.com/blogs/crawfish-boil