Spicy Cajun Crawfish Boil (Printable)
A festive Southern classic featuring tender crawfish, smoky sausage, and vegetables infused with bold Cajun spices—perfect for a crowd.
# What You'll Need:
→ Seafood
01 - 4 pounds live crawfish, rinsed and purged
→ Meats
02 - 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
→ Vegetables
03 - 4 ears corn, cut into thirds
04 - 1 pound baby red potatoes, halved if large
05 - 1 large yellow onion, quartered
06 - 1 head garlic, halved crosswise
07 - 2 lemons, halved
→ Seasonings & Spices
08 - 1/2 cup Cajun seasoning blend
09 - 2 tablespoons kosher salt
10 - 2 tablespoons paprika
11 - 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
12 - 2 bay leaves
13 - 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
→ Other
14 - 6 quarts water
15 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter (optional, for tossing after boiling)
16 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
# How To Make:
01 - In a large stockpot (at least 10-quart capacity), combine water, Cajun seasoning, salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, bay leaves, black peppercorns, onions, garlic, and lemons. Squeeze the lemons into the water before adding the halved lemons. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
02 - Add the baby red potatoes to the vigorously boiling water. Cook for 10 minutes.
03 - Introduce the sliced andouille sausage and corn pieces to the pot; continue boiling for an additional 10 minutes.
04 - Gently add the live crawfish to the pot. Stir carefully, cover the pot, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the crawfish turn bright red.
05 - Turn off the heat. Allow all ingredients to soak in the seasoned water for 10 to 15 minutes to maximize flavor absorption.
06 - Carefully drain the contents of the pot and transfer them to a large serving platter or a clean table lined with parchment paper. If desired, toss with melted butter and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
07 - Serve immediately, providing extra Cajun seasoning and lemon wedges on the side for individual preference.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that turns any gathering into an unforgettable party.
- The vibrant spices and fresh ingredients come together for a flavor explosion you’ll crave again and again.
02 -
- I once overcooked the crawfish, and they became rubbery; timing is everything for that perfect tender texture.
- Using a quality Cajun seasoning blend can elevate your boil from good to absolutely unforgettable.
03 -
- To get the fullest flavor, ensure your crawfish are actively purged in clean water for at least 20-30 minutes before boiling.
- Letting the boil soak off the heat is the secret to deeply infusing all the ingredients with that incredible Cajun spice.