In a nutshell: There are three ways to reheat crawfish: steaming, boiling, and air frying. Each way has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of preserving the flavor and texture of the crawfish.
You are a very lucky person if you have more crawfish leftovers after lunch or dinner. It doesn’t often happen as this boiled treat really pulls you to eat the last piece on your plate as well.
But, if by some miracle you really have a considerable amount of crawfish or as they are still called crawdad, then you quickly need to learn how to reheat them properly. You don’t want to let such a good meal go to the waist, do you?
Reheating Boiled Crawfish Through Steaming Technique
The stove will be the best solution if you’re up to reheating crawfish. It’s the perfect way to preserve their flavor and keep their juiciness.
If you have frozen crawfish, you don’t have to defrost them first if you plan to reheat them on a stove. Here are some tricks to make the result as tasty as possible.
Step 1: Prepare the Spices and Water
Using a larger cooking pot, put leftover spices you have in it or add some spices of your choice. You can also add some corn, too. Then, add a little water and put the container on the fire to boil the water.
Step 2: Place the Steamer Basket, then Add the Crawfish
Place the steam net in the pot, making sure the bottom does not touch the water. When the water has boiled, put the leftover boiled crawfish in the basket.
Step 3: Cook for about 6 Minutes
When you put the crawfish in the steamer basket, cover it. Leave to steam for about 6 to 7 minutes. Take out the crawfish and make sure it is warm enough. If not, leave a little more, but be sure to check every half-minute, as it will be done quickly.
You can also put crawfish directly in boiling water to heat them, but a slightly better result is still by steaming. Besides, if you had a little spice on them, most will remain in it. When you put crawfish directly in the water, you simply rinse all the spices they had.
Is There Another Way To Reheat Crawfish?
There are many reheating methods for any food with as many appliances as you have in the kitchen. But in the case of crawfish delicacy, any choice other than the recommended steaming could disrupt the wonderful delicate flavor and texture.
However, if steaming does not seem like the desired method, here are some quick tips on other techniques. In any case, a microwave is an appliance we recommend avoiding in a wide range.
Step 1: Boiling
If you are looking for an alternative way to reheat leftover boiled crawfish instead of steam, then boiling is the closest to it and is definitely recommended.
The principle is almost the same, except that you leave out the net in which you put the crawfish and put it directly in the water.
Boil crawfish for 6 to 8 minutes until thoroughly heated. You can add spices to the water, and certainly, when you take the crawfish out on the plate, season it with fresh lemon juice.
Step 2: Air Fryer
If you want to reheat boiled crawfish without boiling water, choose an air fryer instead of a microwave. Although the taste will change, the dish will not be destroyed like when you nuke it.
Place leftover crawfish on the air fryer basket and cook for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, turning it occasionally so that everything is heated evenly.
FAQs
Can I reheat crawfish in the microwave?
Sadly, no. The microwave will do you no good when it comes to reheating leftover crawfish. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t seem to work well with fish or seafood in general. So if you planned to nuke the crawfish leftovers quickly, we suggest you turn to some other methods instead.
Can you put cooked crawfish in the refrigerator?
Crawfish are very delicate and sensitive food. It should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible after you have finished eating. You can leave them whole or take off the top, where the head is, which you don’t eat anyway.
How long are crawfish good in the refrigerator?
Since crawfish are seafood, you have to be very careful not to consume them spoiled. They will generally last up to 3 days in the fridge if you have stored them properly. But, trust your instinct and nose. If anything smells suspicious to you, throw it away not to get food poisoning.
Can you freeze cooked crayfish?
It is advisable to freeze leftover crawfish if you are not eating them for the next two days. You can freeze them whole along with the shell, or you can leave only the meat. Store them in a plastic container and expel as much air as possible before sealing it. In the freezer, crawfish will last for several months.
Can I reheat crawfish twice?
Please don’t. Seafood is sensitive enough, and you have to be careful while preparing it. Always watch for that fishy smell or something that doesn’t look right. Reheat crawfish once and it will be quite enough. Rather don’t eat leftover crawfish than risk yourself of food poisoning.
Can you eat leftover crawfish cold?
Yes, you can eat leftover crawfish cold if it has been properly refrigerated and stored. Cold leftover crawfish can be tasty as a chilled seafood dish or in salads, provided it is consumed within a safe timeframe (within 3-4 days of the original cooking date).
Conclusion
Crawfish, crawdad, or crayfish, whatever you like to call them, I’m sure you adore eating them. They are quite a treat, and you don’t miss out on a chance to enjoy them whenever there’s an opportunity.
Although having leftovers rarely happens, it seems possible at times. Place your crayfish leftovers in a fridge right away and reheat them tomorrow. The only proper way to reheat them is on the stove using boiled water. It’s best to steam them, although you can also cook them if you want.
Tanja is great lover of healthy eating and lifestyle, she has been editing TV series about nutrition and health for years. She also engaged in food production in the family business, mainly focused on fruit processing without destroying vitamins and minerals. She believes that quality nutrition is one of the key ingredients of a happy and healthy life.
