How to boil crawfish: step-by-step Louisiana Cajun crawfish boil tutorial

In this tutorial video, we show you all of the steps necessary for a successful crawfish boil. Being from New Orleans, this is something that we do pretty frequently. From cutting up the vegetables, to pealing and eating the little critters, everything is included in this video. We combine our mushrooms, onions, garlic, lemons, potatoes, corn, and smoked venison sausage with crawfish to make a feast fit for all of your friends and family. In the boil we used standard Zatarains seasoning and even show you hot to peel the crawfish at the end (even though the guy in the video makes himself look like an amateur by not sucking the head!)
Supplies:
100 Qt bayou classic pot: www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-...
(Note, you can get the pot much cheaper at most sporting goods and hardware stores)
Jet burner: www.amazon.com/dp/B001FTS32W/...
awesome cooler: www.bisoncoolers.com/collecti...
Zatarain's seasoning: www.walmart.com/ip/Zatarain-s...
sexy apron: www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/st...
paddle: www.homedepot.com/p/King-Kook...

[@chasehaynie879]

Salt is pointless and leads to higher dead count like he mentions. It takes roughly 18-24 hours in running water to truly purge. If you aren't doing that then, just rinsing then til the water is clean is the way to go. Good vid man

[@robertodom1145]

That's the best I've ever ever saw anyone boil crawfish and the cleanest. That was great pointer's.

[@davidaguilar22788]

Im a newby when it come to crawfish but ive been hooked ever since i tried them & ur tips in this video just made them even better for anyone out there trying to do there own thing at home i know i will thanks for sharing bro!

[@freshhands5054]

Thanks David! Like anything, it takes trial and error to get them just the way you like them! I personally don't like them super salty or spicy so I adjust accordingly! Glad we could help! We'll be doing crabs and shrimp soon! Those videos will be fun, because we will take you all down on a day trip plane ride to New Orleans to pick up the seafood! Thank you very much for watching!!

[@dorrisduncan3880]

We really enjoyed your cooking lessons ,never seen it cooked in a bag before maybe we’ll try it next time thanks for sharing...

[@TROYCOOKS]

I've been itching to do a Crawfish boil this year and now my itch is a lot worse thanks to you!!! Great looking cook and fantastic job explaining the process. Keep up the great work brother!!! Cheers from Austin!!!

[@freshhands5054]

Thanks for the compliments T-Roy! Be careful! It's just as addictive as BBQ! We've done 3 boils this year! Hopefully one day our videos will be as good as yours!!

[@carpediem4887]

T-ROY COOKS I love when you video your annual crawfish boil Troy....I am about to eat some in 5 min!

[@TROYCOOKS]

Yeah, I do need to do one this year!!! I bet yours were really tasty!

[@MrBundy15]

T-ROY COOKS I’m stationed in Germany now. Believe it or not they have live crawfish and I’ll be doing one tomorrow in the cold. If they turn out good I’ll make a video next time

[@TheAnnew101]

Great video! I hadn't done this in a while and needed a refresher! Thanks - really enjoyed it and it was straightforward and easy!!

[@jamesvitale2291]

The crawfish look like they came out perfectly, always a nice choice for seafood.

[@calebpeterson1060]

Really liked this video very accurate as well , just make sure you clean your crawfish well and you will have a good boil. And it only takes 5 minutes to cook crawfish when u get it to a boil, which I was a little skeptical about at first but perfect texture. Thanks so much for this video great crawfish boil and hopefully many more to come.

[@freshhands5054]

Thanks Caleb! Yes, cleaning is key!!!

[@xxxsniperxxx5357]

Hey, thanks for the help this video helped me out alot, this is my first time cooking crawfish so this video pretty much helped me alot so thanks for the help man and keep making them awesome videos

[@halstang6419]

Sign me up. I haven’t done a boil in years 👍well done

[@goleft4088]

There's a bunch of haters in the comments. But also aimed positive responses. I hope he sees this comment because he's doin just fine! Happy days yall !

[@LukerativeLion]

Can't wait to try this, thanks for making this tutorial! Very enjoyable

[@freshhands5054]

enjoy!

[@smirk_beats]

It's mid summer and I wish it was April now!! Great job man!

[@noelybarra1769]

You made this look super easy man thanks, going to try this tonight for my birthday! South Texas btw never made this.

[@BabyBackManiac]

You are such a natural at this, Alex. I predict good things for your channel.

[@freshhands5054]

Thanks for the vote of confidence Justin! Hopefully we'll be as good as you one day!!

[@nunubratt7339]

First Video I Watched , Honestly Fell Inlove With Him NEW SUBBIE

[@virginiastarr2475]

I will follow your recipe! It sounds easy and delicious! It will be my first time to cook CRAWFISH, so wish me good luck! LOL

[@AtoZTableTalk]

Thank you! This was a great video with detailed steps.

[@andyestrada229]

Thanks for sharing Bro, I pretty much do it the same way but since I only do it once a year I need a refresher.

[@dnjdowning]

Love it! Awesome video

[@freshhands5054]

Thank you dnjdowning!!

[@ajsironworks3937]

Going to try this. Thanks man

[@chris92660]

Lol. “Louisiana Style” that’s an argument and a fist fight waiting to happen.

[@neliac1314]

Good job

[@unseen1231]

I love southern food culture. See ya Chicago

[@acrobaticjesus6416]

Yousef Ahmad shut up, Mohammed was a phedophile

[@deetraanderson6837]

Good job!!

[@arliciawalker]

Okay nice@ I like as well as love this video!!

[@travonyayoung4569]

New sub here. I watched the whole video,.you did good.

[@jknow7269]

Thanks for the video well done.

[@freshhands5054]

thanks so much, Jay!

[@earlkyat8092]

Imma about to get me some of those and some head on shrimp

[@freshhands5054]

That sounds pretty awesome Earl!

[@ELT90]

Midnight cravings yall should collab on a seafood boil

[@felixkhang]

Yooo nice vid

[@tommymack8916]

Just a few tips: Start boiling your potatoes before you pour the crawfish in. That way people won’t have to wait for them to be done. Definitely, buy a table. It helps to put stuff on instead of the ground and you can just pour the crawfish on the table when ready. Squeeze the juice out of the lemons into the water then throw the lemons in the basket. Leave the veggies in the pot during the entire process. My favorite thing out of the pit other than the crawfish are the onions.

[@changinglifestylewithnette5580]

I love crawfish I can eat it every day and all day

[@liliajenkins7887]

You put the bag of vedgies on the ground..and then stuck it back in the POT! Everything was great up until that point😱

[@SportscardLyle_onIG]

That boil kills everything

[@squiddleswooooshesjokes1678]

Lyle Luquette including the crawfish

[@freshhands5054]

At least we don't have a dog :)

[@chefbrett2269]

"Veggies"

[@sschevmale24]

Where do you think veggies come from lol

[@fmilton20]

I have been to Fischers Meats in Muenster Tx. Place is awesome.

[@rudert56]

Amen!

[@shannonzaretz7477]

I'm so curious to no what u use for ur seasoning??? This is a really great video!

[@joshpittman6021]

It’s a how too video.! Some of you are confused. Key board cooks shouldn’t watch if they know everything already 😉

[@Only_jessica91]

JOSH Pittman some people shouldn’t do how to videos like this guy.

[@mhurricane266]

JessicaB. He hasn’t said anything different from all the other people doing the how to videos though so.... 🤷

[@davisx2002]

good job

[@ericgordon4746]

I like how you kept it separate. Where did you get that bag?

[@diegofianza3525]

Merci!

[@g.ritchardlittle8588]

where you from NYC?

[@sheilam3385]

Does frozen crawfish taste the same? Also, do you clean frozen craw fish the way you clean none frozen?

[@Lopezromantic]

How long do you boil your vegetables ?? And at what time do you put your corn in ??

[@jcroas50xl]

So if you were too cook veggies first would you add onions garlic and lemons in with that or when you bring water back up to a boil for the crawfish?

[@freshhands5054]

You can do it either way. In your situation, I would do the onions and garlic with the vegetables. Then, I would actually add the lemons (squeezed) once I cut the fire off on the crawfish. It's a bit of a new way of thinking about the boil, but it comes out great!

[@mr1bienvenu1]

I'm from St.Martinville, dead center cajun country. NEVER saw anyone do it like this.

[@freshhands5054]

Funny...all of my family is from Mamou and we do it like this...

[@rreasons64]

The onions and the garlic I always puree it and I also add a couple of stalks of celery and puree it... When you puree it soaks into the Crawfish much better and also soaks into the BABY BELLA mushrooms much better

[@candicemeyers7743]

Ray Reasons That is a good idea!

[@devinthomas4866]

you are 100% correct

[@skylarrmyles2577]

Omg😭it looks so good! And everybody in the comments most likely ate a little dirt as a kid so stfu

[@KevinParnella]

Do you know how Pappadeux and some other places where they ads a mystery ingredient to thicken thr water in the boil so you can dip French bread in it as part of the boil?

[@freshhands5054]

Some people use butter. We don't like the grease that it produces though! Other than that, guess it is a secret!!! :)

[@suzanneminter9757]

Question... you don't take the skin off the onions @?

[@vman318]

You really need to invest in a table bro.

[@freshhands5054]

Great idea!!!

[@jonblack4195]

What type of bag did you use for the corn potatoes ect

[@suzanneminter9757]

I should have watched the whole video... I 👀 the process now

[@drdrew3]

Can you explain the purpose of putting food in mesh bags? Twice? I’ve always just spiced the water then added ingredients in order of cook time needed. Add shellfish last. Turn off heat. Then ice whole thing down and rest for 20 minutes. Bags are a lot more steps but I’ll try it if you can please explain the benefits

[@freshhands5054]

It's not that bad. It helps you keep everything separate when serving. Some people like to fish out only certain ancillaries.

[@lorasharpe758]

Look,look soooooo good..god bless..😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇

[@freshhands5054]

thanks Lora!!

[@Tinacreolebabydoll]

Hey sugar this Cat from Nola enjoyed your vid you kno we git down in Nawlins you did us proud my baby....

[@dionneh1924]

Where did you get the mesh bag from?

[@jkillest4032]

If I were to cook a 2nd pot of crawfish, how much more seasoning would I need to add

[@freshhands5054]

Depends honestly. I usually add 20-30% more seasoning and they taste fine!

[@leenickells3118]

Just curious how many quarts is your stock pot. Been pricing and trying to get the most for my money

[@freshhands5054]

Hey Lee! The one that we are cooking in for this video is a 100 QT pot made by Bayou Classic. I would say that this is the best all around pot to have for doing boils. However, I also have a 60 QT that belonged to my grandfather, and we boiled in that thing for years with no problem! We just had to spend more time cooking the food in multiple batches.

[@tombremer7008]

I am in North Texas too, where do you get your crawfish? Bayou Market in Louisville is the only place we know of.

[@freshhands5054]

shoot me an email at [e-mail] and I will send you some information.

[@needthebaggage]

When we eat are crawfish down in Louisiana we get down

[@pandorasbox6607]

FACTS!!!!!

[@chefmonsieur8607]

Woww yummy Yummy chef 😋 thanks for sharing, I subscribe already your KZbin channel

[@MrJames1111111111]

When did he put the sack back in? Did i miss that part?

[@alangrantham4189]

I've always purged my crawfish in salt water you'll be surprised how much cleaner they get. It stuns them but does not kill them

[@dontaylor2965]

Yeah that's been proven to be an old wives tale. LSU even did a scientific study on it and concurred it doesn't do anymore than plain ole tap water.

[@timmatthews6420]

Nice video! My brother and I are attempting our first ever in a bit. He got mushrooms too! I'm sure it'll take a time or two to perfect it

[@cayogator]

Abita Beer !! he put a good "berl" on dem !

[@epicskillzz6175]

Where i come from we cook all that stuff together. this is the first time I have seen someone cook the craw fish and then the other fixings. But if it works for you GG

[@freshhands5054]

It really depends on your preference. I have seen it done both ways, but prefer to do the veggies afterwards. I know some people who actually cook the "ancillaries" first and then serve as appetizers while the crawfish cook and soak.

[@travisrector6768]

Nice vid man! I would just advise get a table...put the potatoes in first, cook the crawdaddys, then add the (corn, sausage, shrimp, and mushrooms) after the initial boil but everyone does it differently..i'm sure they all tasted amazing regardless! Much love!

[@freshhands5054]

Thanks, Travis!!

[@marcusvela6077]

Is that the same sack from the crawfish?

[@ChristopherMolinaVA]

Do you, or anyone, recommend a boiler/pot set up to purchase?

[@Gatekept524]

Christopher Molina outdoor gourmet with double jet burner. Should be able to order from any Academy Outdoors location if you aren’t physically in Louisiana.

[@32sheek]

Where can i get a bag like that?

[@brentwall6324]

I need that cooler

[@jasontovar3116]

Coool

[@vika-br8sh]

Don’t this crawfish need cleaned internally? That food and poop line? Like we do for shrimp?

[@aravindaothgamuwa2542]

Poop are the best part of the crawfish ...

[@aaliyahfurqan4748]

The poop adds to the flavor.

[@winterbutterfly9096]

Aren't you supposed to purge them first?

[@damiancadiere2676]

That's what he did!!!

[@marcuslyons7233]

Not if they are from a farm

[@southernbelle2478]

He literally talked about that in the video

[@candicemeyers7743]

I didn’t see him purge. I saw him rinse

[@SPCBOE]

@@candicemeyers7743 he kept the water running until it was clear water. When you get clear water the crawfish have purged out everything. Keep in mind he fast-forwarded that process (he didn't just rinse them off).

[@djgslimm]

what is the proper name of the sack you used to put the veggies in and where can I find it?

[@ohhhthatsrachelle1625]

looks like a laundry sack.

[@freshhands5054]

They sell them at Academy, Amazon, etc. "Crawfish boil bags" is what I searched for on Amazon. You can also use a laundry bag if you can't find a "real" one!!

[@traceywaddell4996]

If I am cooking 2 sacks of crawfish, do I add another whole bag of seasonings for the second cook or just a couple cups more? Also, can I cook the veggies (potatoes, mushrooms, sausage, then corn) first and then cook my crawfish?

[@freshhands5054]

Hey Tracey! Thanks for watching the video! I generally add between 1/2 and 3/4 of my original seasoning back into the boil for the next round. However, I know alot of folks who feel that it is really hard to get the right flavor profile when doing a second batch. Therefore, they will just start with fresh water. I am not really a fan of this approach. Yes, you can definitely cook the veggies first. I know many people who do this for several reasons. First, they like to have food for the guests to snack on while they wait for the crawfish/shrimp/crabs to be ready. Second, some believe that the veggies come out tasting like seafood if done after the crawfish. I have never noticed this. My reason for cooking the crawfish first is that I want my crawfish to get the majority of the original seasoning since they are the stars of the show!

[@pdelcher]

I like to cook the veggie first because I have some adults and many kids who don't like it so spicy since the veggies absorb so much. Then I add more spices and the heat for the crawfish. Great overall vid. def one of the best ones on youtube.

[@freshhands5054]

That's a great approach pdelcher! Thank you for watching and the compliments!

[@jimjohn1002]

😊

[@Bigdaddy078]

Where do you buy your crawfish

[@marvinallen8935]

How long do you cook the grass?

[@roxannewilliams8926]

Marvin Allen grass?

[@marvinallen8935]

Roxanne Williams yes grass! Put the lid, and the bags on the yard and back on/in the pot! I hope your not treating the grass with fertilizer!

[@frankhipes8868]

Chilax--oooophhh

[@stanleykeith6969]

What does a 33lb to 36lb sack cost $$$$$ ? Most of the boil's that I have scene on you tube have more of a RED color to it. Maybe not enough Zatarains seasoning in it.

[@RtSimp]

Fischers! Hell yeah From: Texas

[@1900Yungin]

Blue Collar Blues what part?

[@Jeffreykum]

Were in Savannah GA can you get some?

[@kitcherylacour5411]

In Louisiana we put our veggies in the pot we don't put ice in them we like me fresh out the pot the crawfish and ice killed it all and we add butter and more seasoning when the crawfish are done

[@freshhands5054]

Sounds like a North LA thing (seen that done in Monroe area and not necessarily a fan)...grew up cooking with real cajuns and we never put seasoning and butter on the outside...

[@DanielHernandez-ss9rs]

Those gloves look dirty af 😂😂

[@fartsponge6680]

LMAO

[@dogsdroolllquinavancepasre6756]

Yummy!!!🦞🦞🦞🦞🦐🦐 Where's the liquid crawfish boil seasoning?

[@freshhands5054]

thanks for watching! I personally don't use the liquid boil very frequently. Just a personal preference...

[@jimoxkman3605]

We started buying frozen corn, and putting that in, in place of the ice.

[@dusthue]

Beer how could I forget that dang it pfft.

[@johnsimon8457]

I like how you use one spice mix, lots of other boil vids put everything on the store shelf in the pot. Just a waste.

[@freshhands5054]

Yea, no sense in making it too complicated. I don't mess around with different spices too much.

[@yato9565]

Mine taste like dirt 😃👍

[@tiarastewart9017]

Also we usually cook the potatoes and corn and meat 1st then do the crawfish last

[@jonvonmatlock9672]

What size pot did you use???

[@freshhands5054]

That's a 120 quart pot . You can definitely get away with something much smaller if necessary.

[@jonvonmatlock9672]

Thanks

[@MadMike78]

I like the ice idea but I feel like it waters dilutes the seasoning mixture since you're adding more water to the pot.

[@freshhands5054]

There is plenty of seasoning in there. Water does not have any significant dillution effect.

[@MadMike78]

@@freshhands5054 My new thing is to make a 16oz or bigger half orange and lemon juice. I freeze them. Then throw them in the pot at the end.

[@devinthomas4866]

I don't use ice, add frozen corn and spray with a hose to 145-150 degrees, soak 25 minutes.

[@gregshroyer2942]

I'm interested in the idea that you don't clean the onion or garlic of the skin. Is this typical?

[@arisevvv2411]

The skin releases more flavor typically more for either stock or broth never peel. Makes soups healthier rich in antioxidants.

[@MikeJones-ci7tz]

I'd like to try this but have a few questions: 1) Do I have to wear a crawfish shirt for this to turn out right? If so, can it be red instead of blue. 2) What do you look for while shopping for potatoes to avoid the dangerous ones? 3) Can I smoke weed instead of drinking an adult beverage? Thanks in advance for your responses

[@freshhands5054]

Mike, here are our thoughts: 1) Not required, but is cool!!! Sure, go red, if that is what works for you!!! 2)We buy as much as we can at Costco, assuming theirs are "safe"!! 3)You do you, based on your local laws!! ;-) Thanks for watching and Cheers!!!

[@MikeJones-ci7tz]

Love it! Killer video

[@cheriemartin9080]

What kind of bag is that?

[@freshhands5054]

Hey Cherie! it's basically a laundry bag. However, you can buy the exact bag here: www.academy.com/shop/pdp/outdoor-gourmet-crawfish-bag

[@tbar1047]

Most people cook everything together

[@candicemeyers7743]

Did he put that sack of veggies in the grass 😳

[@ryanklingman8120]

save me some

What is the purpose of icing them. Seems counter-intuitive.

[@freshhands5054]

Hi Solar Clapson! Thanks for watching and great question! Essentially, you want to bring down the water temperature as quickly as possible in order to stop the crawfish from cooking. When crawfish are overcooked, the shells tend to stick to the meat and the meat shrinks up and gets a mushy texture. Bringing the water temperature down also allows the crawfish to absorb the spices that you have put into the boil.

[@carpediem4887]

solar clapson yep...what he said

[@solisoutdoors2219]

@@freshhands5054*You're right about the ICE bringing down the temperature to prevent the crawfish from overcooking.. The last paragraph is incorrect regarding the water temp down to allow the spices to be absorbed all depends on how long you let it soak there.. it has nothing to do with the low temperature. Like any other food, letting it soaked longer than usual, will absorb any spices you put in the water. hope that makes sense.*

[@MrLemaire1]

Solis Outdoors I think he may have just mis-worded the reason. But I’m sure he meant that the reason is a 2 part answer... 1. To bring the temperature down so the crawfish don’t over cook, and 2. It allows the crawfish to be able to soak longer, thus letting it absorb the spices. ✌🏼

[@xproquo]

Shellfish starts to absorb seasoning at 120 degrees