How to Eat Crawfish

Key Takeaways

• Remove the head. Suck the head, if desired.
• Peel a few shell rings to expose the meat.
• Pinch the tail and slide the meat out of the shell.
• Snap the small part of the claw to remove the claw meat.
  

Digging into a pile of boiled crawfish and fixin’s is a rite of passage for Louisianans. Whether you’re a local first-timer or embracing this classic Southern tradition from afar, knowing how to peel crawfish and scarf ‘em down is a must!

While everyone has their own approach, there are tried-and-true techniques that’ll help you fit right in with the seasoned boilers around the newspaper-lined table. Here’s how to eat crawfish, step by step.

1. Remove the Head

• Grasp the thickest part of the tail in one hand and the head in the other.
• In one smooth motion, twist the head and tail in opposite directions while pulling them apart.
  

2. Suck the Head (Optional)

Skip this step if you’re squeamish, but we recommend trying it at least once! The head soaks up flavorful seasonings, creating a rich burst of flavor with a buttery texture.

Squeeze the head together, and then suck from the open end, if desired. Squeezing the head helps to suck out only the juice and not other elements.

3. Peel the Shell

You’ll need to remove some of the shell to access the meat within. This is a key part of how to eat crawfish, so work carefully.

• Where the head used to be, you’ll see segments (rings).
• Peel a few shell rings away to expose the meat, similar to peeling a hard-boiled egg.
  

Note: This is not needed if properly boiled.

4. Extract the Meat

• Simply grab the end of the meat between your teeth, and then pinch the tail.
• The meat should pull out easily.
  

5. Finish With the Claws

Don’t forget the claws as you learn how to peel crawfish!

• Bend the small part of the claw away from the large part until it snaps.
• Pull the small part away to remove the meat.
  

Get Your Seafood Boil Supplies Here

We hope this step-by-step guide on how to eat crawfish is helpful. Prepare perfectly cooked seafood with the industry’s best shrimp, crab, and crawfish cookers. Get your boiling pot and outdoor burner at High Performance Cookers, and enjoy an authentic Louisiana crawfish boil!