Five Irresistible Reasons To Experience a New Orleans Crawfish Boil

April and May are the top months for crawfish boils in New Orleans, and you’ll likely see many of them popping up all over the place. But what exactly is this popular crustacean-centered event and why should you check it out when you’re in the Big Easy?

What Is A Crawfish Boil?

A crawfish boil refers to the cooking method and the event where the cooking takes place. When you hear the term anywhere near New Orleans, it’s a good bet people are referring to the latter. Crawfish boils are big to-dos in the south and some of the most anticipated social gatherings during the spring.

So if someone asks you if you want to go to a crawfish boil, should you go? The easy answer is, yes. What if you don’t like crawfish? Gasp! Well, you should still go, because crawfish boils aren’t just about the crawdads.

Five Reasons You Need To Attend A Crawfish Boil

If you’re asking yourself whether or not to add a crawfish boil to your NOLA itinerary, check out these reasons why it’s a good idea.

1. Creative Crawfish Cooking

If you’ve never been to a crawfish boil, it’s easy to assume a bunch of crawfish gets thrown into a pot, end of story. But there’s a reason there are crawfish cook-offs throughout the city to crown crawfish champions. 

You’ll discover many creative ways to prepare crawfish, including putting Tang (yes, the drink mix) in the pot to add some citrus zing. Other additions include mushrooms, potatoes, garlic cloves, lemons, corn, and even whole eggs in the shell. Folks say the latter results in a spicy, quite delicious, hard-boiled egg.

2. The Social Aspect

Ask diehard crawfish lovers about their favorite part of a crawfish boil and many will tell you it’s the social aspect. Some compare it to a BBQ, where the main idea is to gather with friends and family over food, drinks, and great conversation.

3. Tasty Sides

Crawfish boils aren’t just about the food you throw into the pot. People make their own crawfish bread (a Jazz Fest food favorite), cole slaw, hush puppies, cheddar biscuits, macaroni salad, and jambalaya. Many crawfish boils are pot-luck style, with the host handling the crawfish and guests bringing fun side dishes, drinks, and snacks.

4. Refreshing Beverages

Beer, soft drinks, creative cocktails — anything goes when it comes to what to drink at a crawfish boil. However, alcoholic beverages are certainly the highlight. Although you can whip up frosty, frozen concoctions, the drink of choice at most crawfish boils is ice-cold beer.

5. Showing Off Your Crawfish-Eating (Or Peeling) Skills

If you’re a pro at peeling crawfish and pride yourself on downing several pounds of the little critters, you might view a crawfish boil as a place to practice and show off your skills. During crawfish season there are numerous crawfish-peeling and crawfish-eating contests. Many participants consider crawfish boils a fun social event, but also essential training.

New Orleans is a seafood haven, and with National Shrimp Day in May and crawfish season in full swing, spring is a great time to enjoy crustaceans of all kinds. Check out a crawfish boil (or several) while staying in NOLA, and make sure to bring a big appetite.