Introduction
Enjoy the bold flavors of Louisiana with this Cajun-Spiced Grilled Crawfish recipe. The Arteflame grill gives these fresh crawfish a perfectly smoky and spicy sear while keeping them juicy and tender. Say goodbye to the traditional boil and hello to a new way of grilling crawfish that locks in incredible flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh crawfish
- 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill
- Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the grill.
- Stack firewood over the napkins and carefully light the paper.
- Allow the fire to burn for about 20 minutes until the grill reaches the ideal grilling temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the crawfish
- Rinse the crawfish thoroughly under cold water to remove any grit.
- In a large bowl, toss the crawfish with melted butter, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Grill the crawfish
- Place the seasoned crawfish on the flat cooktop of the Arteflame grill.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shells turn bright red and the flesh is opaque, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Finish and serve
- Remove the crawfish from the grill and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips
- Use high-quality firewood for the best smoky flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning based on your spice preference.
- Always cook the crawfish on the hot but not-too-intense section of the griddle for even cooking.
- If some crawfish finish cooking faster, move them to a cooler section of the grill to prevent overcooking.
Variations
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Garlic Butter Crawfish: Replace Cajun seasoning with extra garlic and a pinch of Old Bay seasoning for a rich butter-garlic flavor.
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Spicy Creole Crawfish: Add a splash of Louisiana hot sauce and extra red pepper flakes for a fiery twist.
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Herb-Infused Crawfish: Mix in fresh thyme and rosemary for a fragrant, earthy taste.
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Citrus Zest Crawfish: Add orange and lime zest to the seasoning mix for a bright, zesty flavor.
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Smoked Paprika Crawfish: Increase the smoked paprika for a deep, smoky barbecue-style flavor.
Best pairings
- Corn on the cob grilled with butter and Cajun seasoning
- Grilled garlic bread for soaking up the delicious crawfish juices
- A crisp, cold lager or a classic Louisiana Hurricane cocktail
- Fresh coleslaw with a tangy dressing
Conclusion
Grilled crawfish take on a whole new dimension of flavor on the Arteflame grill. The spicy Cajun seasoning, smoky grill sear, and buttery finish create a dish that’s perfect for any outdoor feast. Enjoy these Louisiana-style grilled crawfish with family and friends!