I grew up in the South, so you can probably imagine the importance of a crawfish boil in the summer for my family. It is an annual tradition, something no one could imagine missing out on. Summer is the perfect time to gather friends and family for this quintessential Southern occurrence, so, let me introduce you to the ultimate guide to hosting a summer crawfish boil.
Whether you have hosted many of these in your time, or this is your first one, I can guarantee your crawfish boil will be a fantastic way to celebrate the season with delicious food, great company, and a fun, casual atmosphere. Here is the plan:
- Setting the Scene
Choosing a spacious outdoor area for the party is an essential part of the perfect boil. Backyards, parks, or even a beachside spot can work wonderfully. You should decorate with classic choices like checkered tablecloths, string lights, mason jar candles, and other Southern summer essentials. Don’t forget to also set up plenty of tables and chairs for seating in shaded areas to beat the heat.
- The Star of the Show: Crawfish
Get your crawfish in advance either from a reputable supplier or a local merchant. The best rule to follow when thinking about quantity is to have about 3-5 pounds per person. Additionally, having a large enough pot is obviously another component to consider. Usually, big box stores will sell full boil kits, and when in doubt, order online. Alongside crawfish, you should add other boil staples like corn on the cob, potatoes, sausage, and onions. Make sure to season accordingly for a full-fledged flavor profile that will pack a big punch.
- Seasoning and Cooking
Seasoning is crucial to getting the crawfish boil to not only be tasty, but truly memorable. A blend of spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and lemon is the usual. Consider a classic creole seasoning to supplement the other spices as well. Let everything soak for at least 20-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serving and Eating
The easiest way to serve a crawfish boil is to cover a long table in butcher paper and spread it out with all the fixings. Provide plenty of napkins, plates, wet wipes, and bowls for discarded shells.
These plates are the perfect addition to any boil.
- Entertainment
Keep it simple with a well-curated playlist of summer hits, yard games, and lots of cold drinks.
Let the good times roll and have yourself a great boil. Make sure to come by Party Place for all party supplies and service ware.
