A bowl of crispy boiled whole crayfish garnished with herbs

Crispy Boiled Whole Crayfish Delight

Name: Crispy Boiled Whole Crayfish Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients: 1 kg Fresh whole crayfish; 2 tbsp Sea salt; 3 pieces Bay leaves; 1 tbsp Black peppercorns; 4 pieces Garlic cloves, crushed; 1 piece Lemon, sliced; a handful n/a Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish; 2 tbsp Olive oil (for crisping)

Home Page / Boiling Recipes / How to Boil Crayfish

easy

10 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs8gram

Fat10gram

Protein30gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Fresh whole crayfish1 kg
Sea salt2 tbsp
Bay leaves3 pieces
Black peppercorns1 tbsp
Garlic cloves, crushed4 pieces
Lemon, sliced1 piece
Fresh dill or parsley, for garnisha handful n/a
Olive oil (for crisping)2 tbsp

This recipe guides you through boiling whole crayfish to achieve a wonderfully crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside. Perfect for seafood lovers seeking a simple yet flavorful dish to impress family and friends. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $20 (USD), €18 (EUR), £15 (GBP), and ₹1600 (INR). The dish contains about 350 calories per serving, making it a satisfying option. It is gluten-free and suitable for a pescatarian diet. Difficulty is easy to medium, and total cooking time is around 30 minutes, ideal for home cooks looking for a quick seafood meal.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the boiling water

1Fill a large pot with water to accommodate the crayfish. Add sea salt, bay leaves, black peppercorns, crushed garlic, and lemon slices to the water. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. This seasoned water will infuse flavor into the crayfish.

Clean and rinse crayfish

2While the water is heating, rinse the crayfish well under cold running water to remove any dirt or sand. Inspect and discard any crayfish that do not appear lively, ensuring food safety.

Boil the crayfish

3Once the water is boiling, gently add the whole crayfish to the pot. Boil for 5 to 7 minutes until they turn a bright red color, indicating they are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 70°C (158°F) to ensure safety. Use a food thermometer if available.

Drain and cool briefly

4Use a slotted spoon to remove the crayfish from the pot. Drain and allow them to cool slightly, about 3 minutes. This helps prevent burns when handling and initiates the drying process for crisping.

Crisp the crayfish

5Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the boiled crayfish and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally until the exterior turns crispy and slightly golden. This step gives a delightful texture contrast.

Serve and garnish

6Transfer the crispy crayfish to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for added freshness. Enjoy your tasty and safely prepared crispy boiled crayfish!

Cooking Tips

1To avoid cross-contamination, use separate utensils and cutting boards for raw crayfish and cooked food.

2If fresh crayfish are unavailable, frozen crayfish can be used; thaw them fully before cooking.

3Do not overcook the crayfish to prevent tough, rubbery meat; bright red color and a firm texture indicate doneness.

4Ensure hands and all surfaces are clean before and after handling raw seafood to maintain food safety.

Equipment Needed

Large pot for boiling
Slotted spoon
Large skillet or frying pan
Tongs or cooking chopsticks
Food thermometer (optional but recommended)
Cutting board
Knife

Shopping List

[ ] Fresh whole crayfish (1 kg) - Approx. $15. Choose lively, fresh crayfish with hard shells.
[ ] Sea salt (2 tbsp) - Approx. $0.50. Use sea salt or kosher salt for best flavor.
[ ] Bay leaves (3 pieces) - Approx. $0.30. Look for whole, unbroken leaves.
[ ] Black peppercorns (1 tbsp) - Approx. $0.20. Fresh peppercorns provide more aroma.
[ ] Garlic cloves (4 pieces) - Approx. $0.40. Select firm and unblemished cloves.
[ ] Lemon (1 piece) - Approx. $0.50. Choose firm lemons with smooth skin.
[ ] Fresh dill or parsley (a handful) - Approx. $1.00. Pick bright green, fragrant herbs.
[ ] Olive oil (2 tbsp) - Approx. $2.00 (for partial use; a bottle lasts longer).

Total Approximate Cost: $20.90

FAQ

How do I know when crayfish are fully cooked?

Crayfish turn bright red when cooked. Their meat becomes firm and opaque. The internal temperature should reach 70°C (158°F) or higher to ensure safety.