Grilled whole crayfish served with lemon wedges on a plate

Succulent Grilled Whole Crayfish with Zesty Lemon

Name: Succulent Grilled Whole Crayfish with Zesty Lemon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 piece Whole live crayfish (fresh) – look for lively, firm shells and avoid any with a strong fishy smell; 2 piece Fresh lemons – use bright, firm lemons without blemishes; 2 tbsp Olive oil – choose extra virgin for best flavor; 3 clove Garlic cloves – pick firm, plump cloves; 1 tsp Sea salt – use fine sea salt for even seasoning; 1/2 tsp Freshly ground black pepper – freshly grind for best taste

Home Page / Grilling Recipes / How to Grill Crayfish: A Step-by-Step Guide

medium

15 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories250kcal

Carbs2gram

Fat4gram

Protein25gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Whole live crayfish (fresh) – look for lively, firm shells and avoid any with a strong fishy smell8 piece
Fresh lemons – use bright, firm lemons without blemishes2 piece
Olive oil – choose extra virgin for best flavor2 tbsp
Garlic cloves – pick firm, plump cloves3 clove
Sea salt – use fine sea salt for even seasoning1 tsp
Freshly ground black pepper – freshly grind for best taste1/2 tsp

This easy and flavorful recipe shows you how to grill whole crayfish with a bright lemon twist. Perfect for those new to grilling seafood, this dish brings a smoky, citrusy delight to your table and impresses guests with minimal effort. Ingredients cost is approximately $15 USD / €14 / £12 / ₹1200. Per serving, this recipe contains about 250 kcal and is perfect for pescatarian diets. The cooking complexity is medium due to handling whole crustaceans carefully, and the total time needed is about 30 minutes.

Preparation instructions

Clean the Crayfish

1Rinse the crayfish under cold running water to remove any dirt or sand. Do not soak them. Pat them dry with paper towels. This helps prepare them for even cooking.

Preheat the Grill

2Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 200-220°C (390-430°F). This ensures a good sear without overcooking.

Prepare Lemon Garlic Marinade

3In a small bowl, mix olive oil, juice of one lemon, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. This marinade will add flavor and help keep the crayfish juicy.

Marinate Crayfish

4Brush the crayfish generously with the lemon garlic marinade. Let them sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors — a simple marination that enhances taste.

Grill the Crayfish

5Place the crayfish directly on the grill grates shell side down. Grill for about 4-5 minutes, then flip and grill the other side another 4-5 minutes, until shells turn bright red and the meat is opaque and firm.

Check for Doneness

6Ensure the internal temperature of crayfish meat reaches at least 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption. Flesh should be opaque and firm, not translucent.

Serve with Lemon Wedges

7Remove crayfish from grill and serve immediately with lemon wedges sliced from the second lemon. Squeezing fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor wonderfully.

Cooking Tips

-Avoid cross-contamination: Use separate utensils and plates for raw and cooked crayfish to keep bacteria away.

-If you don’t have a grill, you can broil crayfish in the oven for similar results.

-Do not overcook crayfish; it will become rubbery. Check frequently near end of cooking time.

-Fresh crayfish should smell like the sea — avoid any with strong or unpleasant odors.

Equipment Needed

Grill or grill pan
Tongs
Small mixing bowl
Basting brush
Meat thermometer
Knife and cutting board

Shopping List

[ ] Whole live crayfish (8 pieces) – Around $12 – Choose crayfish with firm, undamaged shells and lively movement.
[ ] Fresh lemons (2 pieces) – Around $1 – Select bright yellow lemons without soft spots.
[ ] Olive oil (2 tbsp) – Around $0.30 – Use extra virgin for the best flavor.
[ ] Garlic cloves (3 cloves) – Around $0.20 – Pick firm and plump cloves.
[ ] Sea salt (1 tsp) – Around $0.05 – Use fine sea salt for even seasoning.
[ ] Black pepper (1/2 tsp) – Around $0.10 – Freshly ground black pepper is best.

Estimated total cost: $13.65

FAQ

Can I use frozen crayfish for this recipe?

Fresh crayfish are best for grilling whole. If using frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator and pat dry before grilling to avoid excess moisture.

How do I know when crayfish are fully cooked?

The shell will turn bright red, and the meat should be opaque and firm. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) to ensure safety.