Spring is here! The flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, and the sun is shining; it is the perfect time to visit the outdoors and go for a nice swim at the beach. You know what that means—it’s crawfish season! Finally, the time has come to enjoy this delicious seafood boiled and soaked in cajun spices and seasonings during your outdoor gatherings.
Health Benefits of Crawfish
These small crustaceans look like tiny lobsters and are usually three to six inches long. They can be found in freshwater lakes and streams. This seafood tastes like a combination of lobster, crab, and shrimp—but is just a bit sweeter than any of them. Crawfish are not only delicious, but they also have numerous health benefits!
Crawfish are a low-calorie food that’s low in fat and high in protein. They are also an excellent source of vitamin B12, niacin, iron, copper, and selenium. You can incorporate crawfish into your diet by substituting them for shrimp, including them in soup, salad, and pasta recipes, and adding them to omelets, dips, and more.
A Southern Staple
In the South, crawfish is regarded as a springtime centerpiece—you will find it in almost every birthday party, graduation celebration, and family gatherings. Once spring arrives, you can expect the whole state to smell like Cajun spices and seasonings. Spring is the best time to have this seafood, but many restaurants also offer crawfish specials in Houston during the off-season.
Crawdads are simply part of Southerner’s culinary identity. When you visit the state during March and April, you’re sure to see countless festivals dedicated to their beloved freshwater seafood. Some of the crawfish festivals and events you can look forward to being in include:
- Pinch A Palooza Festival
- Louisiana Crawfish Festival
- Slidell's Annual Crawfish Cook-Off
- World Championship Crawfish Étouffée Cook-off
- The Original Downtown Lake Charles Crawfish Festival
Crawfish in Different Countries
Crawfish may be synonymous with Southern cooking, but it is not exclusive to them. The majority of the world’s crawfish supply does come from America—but that’s not the only place you can find it. Many other countries have their own supply, and they have also developed unique recipes influenced by their cultures and traditions.
Besides the Cajun crawfish boil Southerners know and love, there are many other ways to cook these beloved tiny crustaceans:
Australia
When it comes to crawfish, people like to keep it simple down under. Most Australians agree that the best way to eat this freshwater seafood is when it’s whole and steamed.
Instead of excessive garnishes and complicated preparation, they just let the crawfish’s subtle flavor do the work. They also use the meat to make sandwiches, salads, soups, risottos, and many other dishes.
Sweden
Crawfish is also a sought-after delicacy in Nordic countries such as Sweden. A traditional Nordic crawfish party is held outdoors. You eat crawfish cold with your fingers in Sweden crawfish parties, partnered with a strong cheese like Västerbotten on the side. Beer and schnapps perfectly complement the flavor of the seafood.
China
Crawfish has been one of the most popular dishes in China since its boom in the 90s. To cook Beijing’s Sichuan Ma La, you add dried chilis, garlic, peppercorns, and ginger together with the crawfish in a wok. Although Houston and Chinese crawfish are both spicy, the Chinese version has a different flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Crawfish is a global delicacy beloved by all! Whatever way you may cook or boil your crawfish, what’s important is that you enjoy it with great company. Choose the best places to get crawfish in Houston so that you can cook up the perfect feast for your friends and family this spring!
Have you been searching for the best crawfish restaurant in Houston? We at the Crawfish Cafe have just what you’ve been looking for! We’re known for and have been voted to be the best in Houston, serving Viet-Cajun crawfish and seafood. Order online today!