Seven Crawfish Recipes To Make the Most of Mudbug Season
Does anything say springtime more than a crawfish boil? We think not. While mudbug season runs from November to July, we all know that spring and early summer is the best time for gathering with our family and friends around a newspaper-topped picnic table for a few pounds of crawfish fun. Crawfish boils are a quintessential way to enjoy the crustacean, but we've also rounded up a few other crawfish recipes that are sure to delight a hungry crowd. Crawfish cakes double as appetizers and main-dish sliders and crawfish etouffée is exactly what we want on a rainy night. Plus, we've got variations on the boil, from the Texas twist to Viet-Cajun with oranges and lemongrass. What are you waiting for? Run out and buy some (or, should we say, a lot of) crawfish—alive, of course—invite the neighbors, and fire up the stockpot. We'll be right over.
Crawfish Boil
Recipe: Crawfish Boil
Nothing says springtime quite like a crawfish boil. Load up on pounds of these mudbugs and invite all your friends for some finger-licking fun. Do not, we repeat, do not skimp on seasoning.
1 of 7
Crawfish Étouffée
Recipe: Crawfish Étouffée
You'll need a big pot of rice for this creamy crawfish dish. Succulent crawfish are seasoned with onions, celery, bell peppers, and hot sauce; heavy cream ties it all together in a decadent gravy.
2 of 7
Dao Family Crawfish Boil
Recipe: Dao Family Crawfish Boil
If you love a good crawfish cookout, you'll want to try the Dao Family Crawfish Boil recipe. After boiling the crawfish in your preferred seasoning, you'll dump them in an ice chest with the Dao Family Crawfish Sauce (the orange peels are the zingy twist you didn't know you needed), let them sit, and then dig in.
3 of 7
Crawfish Dip
Recipe: Crawfish Dip
We guarantee you need this dip at your next party. Cream cheese, heavy cream, and extra-sharp Cheddar ensure that this is the dreamiest dip of them all, and we don't skimp on the seasoning, either. Cayenne, Creole mustard, and hot sauce all find their way into the mix. Serve with some crusty baguette.
4 of 7
Viet-Cajun Crawfish Boil
Recipe: Viet-Cajun Crawfish Boil
It's the crawfish seasoning you know and love with the addition of fish sauce, lemongrass, and cilantro. Get the pot going; we're on our way.
5 of 7
Crawfish Boil with a Texas Twist
Recipe: Crawfish Boil with a Texas Twist
What exactly is the Texas twist? It's all in the fixings. Boil your crawfish the way you like, but serve up with a side of Blue Cheese Coleslaw, pitchers of margaritas, and a little tequila.
6 of 7
Crawfish Cakes
Recipe: Crawfish Cakes
Succulent crawfish, crispy breadcrumbs, and plenty of flavoring (read: Cajun seasoning, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce) make these crawfish cakes a delectable appetizer. You could even repurpose them as a main dish in the form of sliders.