Traditional Southern Crawfish Boil Recipe

Enjoy a Southern crawfish boil with perfectly seasoned crawfish, corn, potatoes, and sausage. Ideal for family gatherings and hearty meals.
A seafood boil spread featuring whole lobsters, corn on the cob, potatoes, sausage, and lemon wedges is arranged on plates and a cutting board, reminiscent of a Southern Crawfish Boil.
A pot of freshly boiled crawfish, sausage slices, corn on the cob, and potato halves on a gray surface with a white cloth beside it—perfect for a traditional Southern Crawfish Boil.

Traditional Southern Crawfish Boil Recipe

A man in an apron smiling in a kitchen.Carlos Gomez
A traditional Southern crawfish boil, perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Meal Type Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Cajun, Southern American
Servings 4
Calories 566 kcal
Difficulty Medium
Ingredient Cost $31.50
Shopping Cost$40

Equipment

  • Large stockpot
  • Strainer
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Ingredients
 
 

  • 4 pounds crawfish live
  • 4 ears corn cut into thirds
  • 1 pound red potatoes small
  • 1 pound andouille sausage cut into chunks
  • 1 large onion quartered
  • 2 lemons halved
  • ¼ cup Old Bay seasoning
  • ¼ cup Cajun seasoning
  • 4 cloves garlic smashed
  • 4 bay leaves
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ingredients:

  • Rinse the crawfish thoroughly.
    4 pounds crawfish
  • Cut the corn, potatoes, and sausage into appropriate sizes.
    4 ears corn, 1 pound red potatoes, 1 pound andouille sausage

Boil the Water:

  • Fill a large stockpot with water and bring to a boil.
  • Add Old Bay seasoning, Cajun seasoning, smashed garlic, bay leaves, onion quarters, and halved lemons. Let it boil for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
    1 large onion, 1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning, 1/4 cup Cajun seasoning, 4 cloves garlic, 4 bay leaves, 2 lemons

Cook the Ingredients:

  • Add the potatoes and cook for 15 minutes.
  • Add the corn and sausage, and cook for another 10 minutes.
  • Finally, add the crawfish and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they turn bright red.

Drain and Serve:

  • Drain the water using a strainer and pour the crawfish boil onto a large serving platter or directly onto a covered table for a traditional experience.
  • Serve hot with melted butter and additional seasoning if desired.
    Salt to taste

Notes

Ensure the crawfish are alive before cooking. Discard any dead ones.
Adjust the seasoning based on your spice preference.

Nutrition

Calories: 566kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 35gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 172mgSodium: 1005mgPotassium: 1372mgFiber: 7gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 3738IUVitamin C: 43mgCalcium: 141mgIron: 6mg
Keyword Crawfish Boil, Family Gathering, Hearty Meal, Southern Cuisine

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

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A traditional Southern crawfish boil is a vibrant and communal dish that brings family and friends together. This lively recipe features perfectly seasoned crawfish, corn, potatoes, and sausage, creating a delightful medley of flavors. The process of boiling the ingredients together allows the spices to infuse each item, resulting in a hearty and satisfying meal that is bursting with taste. A crawfish boil is not just about the food; it’s an experience that encourages laughter, conversation, and connection among loved ones. Perfect for casual gatherings or celebrations, this dish embodies the spirit of Southern hospitality and the joy of sharing a meal. Simple yet flavorful, a crawfish boil offers a taste of home and a reminder of the importance of coming together to unwind and enjoy each other’s company.

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