The Absolute Best Way To Reheat Crawfish

Whether you name them crawfish, crawdads, mudbugs, or crayfish, these tiny freshwater crustaceans are a seasonal treat for many. According to Brittanica, crawfish resemble miniature red lobsters because they come from the same freshwater crustacean family. Arcadia Crawfish, Co., tells us that crawfish is a treat enjoyed by people worldwide, and according to The Seafood Source, 90% of them come from Louisiana. Crawfish season starts in November and can last until July, according to Acadia Crawfish, Co. During this time, crawfish are most readily available for farming.

The Cajun Grocer says that backyard crawfish and seafood boils are very popular in the south, where these tiny crustaceans are most prominent. Whether you have a crawfish boil or eat them at a restaurant, leftovers usually follow suit. So, here's our advice on the absolute best way to reheat crawfish so you can enjoy them again after the crawfish boil is over.

Steaming your leftover crawfish is a simple way to get a bold flavor and great taste from day-old crawfish. According to Recipe Marker, you'll need four essential kitchen items and around five minutes of reheating time for the steaming method. Gather your leftover crawfish seasoning spices, a pair of tongs, a steamer basket, and a pot with a lid to begin.

The seasoning spices are optional for reheating crawfish but choosing to add them gives your crustaceans flavor they may lose during the steaming process, says Recipe Marker. First, sprinkle the spices at the bottom of the pot, then add water. Place the steamer basket in the pot and ensure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the steamer. Bring the water to a boil, gently place the crawfish into the basket, and cover the pot with the lid. Allow the crawfish to steam for about five minutes, then take a peek to see if they are warm enough. If not, Recipe Marker suggests allowing the "bugs" to steam for 45-minutes longer or until they reach the desired temperature. Carefully remove the crawfish from the pot with the tongs, and enjoy!

Top Chef celeb Isaac Toups' favorite way to reheat crawfish is in the microwave, according to Southern Living. So, here's how to do it: According to Foods Fact, lay the crawfish out in a microwave-safe dish or Tupperware and add unsalted butter to coat. Cover the Tupperware with a lid and leave a small opening for the steam to escape. Microwave on medium-high heat for two minutes, shake to incorporate the butter, and continue microwaving in one-minute intervals, stirring after each minute, until the crawfish are heated to your preference.

Foods Fact says that microwaving crawfish isn't the best option for reheating because this method may cause the crawfish to dry out and lead to lingering seafood odors. You can avoid crawfish dehydration by microwaving in small batches. While the option is left up to you, First For Women also suggests that it's best to avoid the microwave method altogether.

Sautéing leftover crawfish is another excellent method for reheating. Cooking Chew suggests coating the bottom of a skillet or deep pan in olive oil to help the crawfish maintain their flavor and adding minced onion, garlic, and leftover crawfish seasonings and spices to the skillet. The source recommends turning the heat on the skillet to medium until the oil warms up enough to become transparent and glossy. Then, carefully place the crawfish into the skillet in a single layer and cook for three to four minutes. During this time, turn the crawfish with the tongs to ensure even heating and coating of the spices and oil. After the allotted cooking time, remove the skillet from the flame and cover it with a lid. 

Allow the crawfish to rest in the hot, covered skillet for three to five minutes. This ensures that the heat evenly disburses across the crawfish, so they do not become dry. Remove the crawfish with tongs and enjoy, per Cooking Chew.