While not as popular as lobster and shrimp, crawfish is a pretty good seafood choice that is popular in many circles. In Louisiana for instance, crawfish boils are a staple at family gatherings and other major events. Its unique flavor is a combination of crab and shrimp, which makes it a favorite for many.
Now you are here because you are wondering, should I toss that leftover crawfish from dinner or can I reheat it?
We answer that question by highlighting the best reheating methods below.
Continue reading to learn how
Can You Reheat Crawfish?
Yes, you absolutely can reheat crawfish, however, you should not expect the taste to be as good as it was for the freshly cooked version. Depending on the method you used to reheat as well, it might be a bit tougher or chewier than freshly cooked crawfish.
Check out the best options for warming up your left-over crawfish below.
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Best Way to Reheat Crawfish
Crawfish can be reheated using a variety of methods.
- The stove using the hot water method
- In the oven or using a microwave.
Each method has its pros and cons, however. Ultimately, the method you choose will depend on the mode of preparation in the initial stage.
For the popular crawfish boil, reheating on a stovetop by boiling, steaming, or sautéing are the best methods.
We will look at these foolproof methods in more details below.
How to Reheat Crawfish by Boiling?
You will need a pot of water that is filled to the point where the crawfish will be fully submerged. You will also need salt and seasoning similar to what was used to prepare the crawfish initially.
Steps
- Bring the water to a boil and add in seasonings.
- Gently add in your crawfish and gently boil on low heat for about 5 minutes.
- Once the five minutes has elapsed, check the crawfish to see if it is hot enough. If it’s not, allow it to steam for another minute or two until it reaches the desired level of warmness.
- Once heated, remove from pot, allow to cool and serve.
Be careful not to overcook as crawfish becomes tough and extremely chewy if overcrowded.
How to Reheat Crawfish by Sautéing?
Another way to reheat crawfish is by sautéing it. For this method, you will need your preferred oil or butter.
Steps
- Lightly coat the bottom of the pan, before adding in your seasoning of choice, along with garlic and onions if so desired.
- Place oil on the stove on medium heat, then place the crawfish into the pan in a single layer.
- Cover the pan and allow the crawfish to sauté for three to four minutes on each side until desired level of warmness is achieved.
- Once heated, remove from the pan and serve.
If you are feeling fancy, you can add a tablespoon of white wine to the mix.
How to Reheat Crawfish by Steaming?
To reheat by steaming, you will need to use a large pot that can easily fit a steamer on the inside.
Steps
- The first step will be to add a small amount of water to your pot. The water should sit well below where the base of your steamer will be.
- Next, add your favorite blend of seasoning to the water, before inserting your steamer. It is important to ensure that the steamer is not sitting in the water.
- You will then need to bring the seasoned water to a boil before placing your crawfish on top of the steamer and covering the pot with a lid.
- Five to ten minutes should be sufficient to efficiently steam and warm the crawfish. Check for doneness before removing the crawfish from the steamer.
- If not warm enough, add another minute or two checking the heat level as you go along.
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Wrapping it up
While the methods above might seem like a lot of work when you are in a rush, they are the best ways to secure the flavor and texture of crawfish.
While you may be tempted to just pop your crawfish into the microwave, this is a definite no. Microwaved crawfish is tough and chewy, and not at all enjoyable.
In addition, the smell from microwaved crawfish is not very pleasant and is very difficult to get rid of. So, do yourself a favor and avoid the microwave altogether.
