Can you freeze boiled crawfish? It’s hard to resist eating them all fresh from the pot.
But what if you want to save some for later?
The answer is yes; you can freeze boiled crawfish! In this blog post, we'll show you how to do it.
Crawfish can be put in the freezer and do very well when frozen. Either the whole crawfish or just the tail can be frozen. To keep their taste and texture, getting them ready to be frozen is important.
What Is Crawfish?
Crawfish are small crustaceans that live in freshwater. They taste a lot like shrimp and boiled lobster.
Almost all of the crawfish eaten in the United States come from Louisiana, but they are popular worldwide.
This common crustacean can be found worldwide, crawling around in lakes, swamps, and rivers.
Can You Freeze Boiled Crawfish?
Boiled crawfish don’t last long and go bad quickly, especially when it’s hot outside.
So, as soon as everyone has finished eating, it should be in the fridge or freezer. Crawfish can be frozen with their whole bodies or just their tails.
Here are steps to follow when freezing boiled crawfish,
Step#1. Allow It To Cool
Make sure that the boiled crawfish is cool. Put all of your crawfish in a colander and let it sit for at least 20 minutes.
This will help your crawfish stay dry and healthy so they can be frozen.
It is important to wait until the boiling crawfish has cooled since the steam will fill the container with water, causing the crawfish to deteriorate quicker.
Furthermore, the hot boiled crawfish may temporarily modify the freezer’s temperature, causing food placed within to defrost and deteriorate partially.
Step#2. Check Whether the Crawfish Tail is Straight
The tail flesh is the most delectable part of the crawfish. Before you freeze your leftover boiled crawfish, ensure the tail is straight.
If the tail is straight, you should discard the crawfish since it is no longer safe to consume.
The tail meat hardens and freezes easily when the crawfish is cooked. However, the crawfish tail may be frozen and kept in the freezer.
Step#3. Portioning
Place whole crawfish or crawfish tails in separate freezer bags from serving-size containers.
Saving freezer space by freezing the cooked crawfish in parts. You may store up to 7 times as much in the same-size freezer bag.
This enables you to thaw just the quantity you need. The methods outlined here may be used by you to conceal your boiled crawfish.
Vacuum Packer
The use of a vacuum packer is the most efficient method for storing crawfish that have been cooked.
This restricts the passage of oxygen and moisture into space.
This will prevent the rich and tasty crawfish from getting burned in the freezer while preserving its texture, color, and taste.
Wrap each slice individually in a vacuum-sealed bag.
After that, cover the whole surface with an additional layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
Because of this, no light will be able to penetrate, which will hasten the process of degradation.
Using a Plastic Container
Plastic containers are another excellent and risk-free option for cold storage.
It should be applied immediately to the cooked crawfish after being allowed to cool down a little bit.
Afterward, a snug covering of heavy-duty aluminum foil should be placed on top of each piece.
Last but not least, transfer the crawfish from the plastic container into a ziplock bag.
Remove as much air as you can from the bag, then close it and write the date that it should be frozen under on it.
Tip: Make sure to leave an inch of room space at the top so that you can properly seal it. Squeeze each bag well before closing it to ensure that it is airtight.
Step#4. Label and Freeze
Label each bag, so you know what’s inside and when it was frozen. Allow it to freeze at a controlled temperature of 0°F to maintain its quality.
However, as time passes, the quality continues to deteriorate.
Take great notice of the storage date to use the boiled crawfish within a month for the best quality.
How to Defrost Frozen Boiled Crawfish
There are three primary methods of defrosting boiled crawfish: in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.
Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
Refrigerate
In general, frozen crawfish may be defrosted by placing it in the refrigerator.
Place the full bag of frozen crawfish in the refrigerator overnight to defrost.
This thawing technique is time-consuming, but it maximizes texture and taste retention.
Cold water
If you’re in a hurry, place the frozen crawfish in a large bowl of cold water.
Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure that it stays cold. This method should take about two hours.
Microwave
Crawfish can also be defrosted using a microwave oven, but this is not recommended as it may cause the meat to become tough.
To defrost in the microwave, place the frozen crawfish on a plate and cook on the defrost setting for two to three minutes.
Let it sit for a minute before cooking it any further.
Tips to Consider When Freezing Boiled Crawfish
Check temperature regularly: To ensure your food is safe, check the temperature regularly with a food thermometer.
Cook thoroughly: To kill any harmful bacteria or toxins, cook the boiled crawfish. If the boiled crawfish is not cooked properly, it can cause botulism.
Store in clean containers: Make sure to store the boiled crawfish in clean containers. Bacteria can quickly grow in dirty containers.
Consume within two days: If you’re not going to eat the boiled crawfish within two days, make sure to freeze it. Freezing will help keep the food fresh and prevent bacteria from growing.
How Long Can Boiled Crawfish Be Stored in the Freezer?
Can you freeze cooked crawfish? Cooked crawfish can keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
They’ll still be safe to consume after that, but the quality will decrease. The taste will get blander the longer they are kept in the freezer.
They normally keep their freshness for three months in a freezer bag or an airtight container.
Crawfish should be kept in a vacuum seal bag if you want them to last even longer.
All surplus air in the bag will be removed by vacuum sealing the crawfish.
The less air in the bag, the less likely the crawfish will acquire freezer burn.
The crustaceans will have an additional 4 to 5 months in the freezer if stored in a vacuum-sealed bag.
FAQs About Freezing Boiled Crawfish
Do you have any other questions on can you freeze crawfish after they are boiled?
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about crawfish.
What Causes Crawfish to Turn Black?
Crawfish become black when they reach adulthood. As a result, they no longer need to molt out of their shell, and it darkens.
The shell will be considerably harder and more difficult to remove.
How Long Does It Take to Boil Crawfish?
It takes about three to four minutes to boil a live crawfish. If you are boiling frozen crawfish, it will take about five minutes.
What is the Best Way to Store Live Crawfish?
The best way to store live crawfish is in a cooler with ice.
Place them in the cooler as soon as you get them home from the store. Keep them cool, and do not let them sit in the sun.
Final Verdict.
Can you freeze boiled crawfish? Yes, If done correctly, the crawfish will retain their flavor and texture and can be enjoyed at a later time.
When freezing boiled crawfish, it is important to let them cool completely.
Then, place them in a freezer-safe container with enough space for expansion. Be sure to seal the container tightly and label it with the date.
Crawfish can be frozen for up to six months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw the crawfish in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them on the stove.
Enjoy!