How to Reheat Leftover Boiled Crawfish and Enjoy Them Like New

Crawfish boils are a beloved tradition here in Louisiana. The joy of peeling back those bright red shells and feasting on the sweet meat inside is an experience like no other. But what happens when you have leftover boiled crawfish from a backyard boil or restaurant outing? Don’t worry – with proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy boiled crawfish for days after they’re cooked.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to reheat leftover boiled crawfish so you can keep the party going. We’ll cover:

• What crawfish are and why they’re so delicious
• How to properly cook and store boiled crawfish
• A foolproof method for reheating leftover boiled crawfish
• Tips to make reheated crawfish taste fresh and flavorful

Let’s get cracking!

What Are Crawfish?

Crawfish, also known as crayfish or crawdads, are freshwater crustaceans that resemble small lobsters. They have a hard outer shell, two large front claws, and a long tail. Crawfish are typically 3-6 inches in length and come in a reddish color after they’re cooked.

These mini lobsters are commonly found in the lakes, rivers, streams, and swamps of the American South and Midwest. Louisiana in particular is famous for its abundant crawfish harvests and spicy crawfish boils.

The taste of crawfish has been described as reminiscent of crab and shrimp, but with a richer, meatier flavor. The claws and tails contain the most coveted meat, while the legs offer additional morsels for crawfish lovers. When seasoned with Cajun spices and boiled in water, the shellfish take on a distinctly bold, zesty flavor.

How to Boil Crawfish Like a Pro

The traditional method of cooking crawfish is to boil them in heavily seasoned water. Here is a simple process to prepare perfectly boiled crawfish:

1. Fill a large pot about halfway with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Add a few tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and/or other favorite spices to the water.
3. Once the liquid returns to a boil, add the live crawfish to a mesh strainer or steaming basket.
4. Submerge the crawfish in the boiling, seasoned water and cover the pot.
5. Boil for 10-15 minutes, then turn off the heat and allow the crawfish to soak for another 10-15 minutes.
6. Drain the crawfish and pour them onto a newspaper-covered table for peeling and eating.

The key is to cook the crawfish just long enough that the shells turn bright red and the meat is tender. Avoid overcooking, which can make the meat chewy.

Storing Leftover Boiled Crawfish

Boiled crawfish taste best when freshly cooked. But if you have leftovers, proper storage is important for preserving flavor and texture.

First, drain any excess water from the crawfish. Allow them to cool slightly, then transfer the crawfish to a sealable container or freezer bag.

To freeze leftover boiled crawfish:

• Make sure the crawfish are placed in an airtight freezer container.
• Press out excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze crawfish as quickly as possible to maintain freshness.

For short term storage of 2-3 days, keep boiled crawfish refrigerated. Reheating will be easier if you leave the shells on until ready to eat.

How to Reheat Boiled Crawfish

When you’re ready for round two with your leftover crawfish, reheating them is simple. Here is a foolproof method for reheating boiled crawfish so they taste freshly cooked:

What You’ll Need:

• Pot with lid
• Steamer basket or strainer
• Tongs

Instructions:

1. Fill a pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
2. Add your leftover crawfish to a steamer basket or strainer.
3. Position the basket in the pot, making sure the water level is below the bottom of the basket.
4. Cover the pot with a lid to contain the steam.
5. Steam the crawfish for 5-7 minutes, until hot throughout.
6. Use tongs to transfer the reheated crawfish to a serving plate.
7. Peel, eat, and enjoy!

Steaming is a gentle reheating method that preserves the texture of the crawfish meat. Just be careful not to overcook them.

Tips for Delicious Reheated Crawfish

Follow these tips and tricks to make reheated boiled crawfish taste as scrumptious as the original batch:

• Add a dash of Cajun seasoning and lemon juice to the reheating water for extra flavor.
• Don’t reheat more than once – crawfish flesh toughens with repeated heating.
• Check for doneness frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Use within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
• Peel and eat the tails while hot – the cooled shells can hold in moisture.

Spice Up Your Next Crawfish Boil

A crawfish boil with family and friends is one of life’s great pleasures here in Cajun Country. Thanks to proper storage and reheating, you can stretch the celebration out over several days of crawfish-peeling fun.

The next time you’re left with extra boiled crawfish, follow this guide for reheating them to tender, juicy perfection. Now go enjoy those spicy crawdads!