Bring a taste of the Gulf Coast of Florida and Alabama to your table with this authentic crawfish boil recipe. Learn how to prepare it like a local, plus insider tips on where to buy the freshest seafood and how to enjoy this coastal tradition during your beach vacation.
Crawfish season is a highlight across the Gulf Coast, from Pensacola to Gulf Shores, where friends and families gather around steaming pots filled with fresh shellfish, vegetables, and spices. A crawfish boil isn't just a meal; it's a Gulf Coast tradition and a social event, best enjoyed with plenty of laughter, newspaper-lined tables, and sticky fingers.
If you're visiting the Gulf Coast of Florida or Alabama, cooking one yourself is a way to step into the rhythm of local life.
This experience is made possible if you stay in one of our vacation rentals with fully equipped kitchens.
In this blog post, we'll bring you a Crawfish Boil recipe so you can enjoy your time on the Gulf Coast like a local.
Crawfish Boil Recipe
Ingredients
- 30 lbs live crawfish (about 1–3 lbs per person for an appetizer, 3–5 lbs for a main course)
- 1 large 60-quart pot with a gas burner
- 1 sack of seasoning (Cajun boil seasoning blends are popular)
- 6–8 ears of corn, halved
- 2–3 lbs small red potatoes
- 2 lbs smoked sausage, cut into pieces
- Optional extras: onions, mushrooms, garlic cloves
Steps
- Source your crawfish.
The key is freshness. Local fish markets along the Gulf Coast are your best bet—Maria's Seafood in Pensacola is a favorite spot for live sacks of crawfish. - Clean them well.
Crawfish are mud dwellers, so rinsing them several times in cool water is essential before cooking. - Prepare the boil.
Fill your pot halfway with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add your seasoning mix and let it steep. - Cook the sides first.
Add potatoes and sausage to the pot, cooking for about 10–12 minutes. Then add corn and any extras like onions or mushrooms. - Add the crawfish.
Toss in the live crawfish, cover the pot, and let boil for 3–5 minutes. Turn off the heat, then let the crawfish soak in the seasoned water for 20–30 minutes. This step is what gives them that rich, spicy flavor. - Serve and enjoy.
Drain the pot, spread everything over a table lined with paper, and dig in. Don't forget napkins, cold drinks, and plenty of company.
Local Tip: Markets & Shortcuts
If hauling a 60-quart pot sounds ambitious while you're on vacation, you don't have to miss out. Shopping local not only ensures fresher seafood but also helps visitors feel part of the Gulf Coast community.
CUBS CRAWFISH
This casual favorite takes the work out of a crawfish boil by serving it hot and ready. It's the perfect stop when you want authentic flavor without hours of prep.
- Ready-made crawfish boils with corn, potatoes, and sausage
- Cajun-seasoned and cooked to perfection
- Easy takeout option so you can skip the prep
MARIA'S SEAFOOD, PENSACOLA
A family-run market and local landmark, Maria's is known for offering some of the freshest seafood in the region. It's a must-visit if you want to cook like a local in your rental kitchen.
- Live crawfish by the sack during the season
- Wide variety of fresh Gulf shrimp, oysters, and grouper
- Family-run market known for quality and service
The Joy of Cooking in Your Vacation Rental
Part of the delight of staying in a vacation rental along the Gulf Coast is the freedom to cook and share meals with family and friends. Spacious kitchens, outdoor decks, and fully equipped rentals make it easy to host your own crawfish boil after a day at the beach. It's a chance to bring the flavors of the Gulf into your holiday home—creating memories that linger long after the season ends.
Vacation Rentals with Kitchens Made for Cooking
One of the best parts of staying in a vacation rental is having the space and tools to truly make the most of your Gulf Coast getaway. A fully equipped kitchen means you're not just limited to restaurant dining—you can bring back fresh seafood from the market and prepare it exactly the way you like.
Here are a few vacation rentals with amazing kitchens that will let you cook this crawfish boil—and many more Gulf-inspired recipes—while enjoying time with family and friends:
THE LAZY FISH – VIVIANA #3
Perdido Key beachfront house with a chef's kitchen
Set right on the Gulf, The Lazy Fish (formerly Viviana #3) is built to host families who want space, style, and serious cooking ability. The chef's kitchen with a wet bar, wine cooler, ice maker, and stainless-steel appliances gives you everything you need to pull together a full crawfish boil. With room for up to 14, it's ideal for big pots, long tables, and shared meals where everyone pitches in.
- Chef's kitchen fully outfitted (stove, oven, ample cookware & utensils)
- Large dining area adjacent to the kitchen, great for gathering and serving family-style
- Outdoor grill & saltwater pool deck let you cook outside after the boil
- Multiple bedrooms with en-suite baths—everyone has their space
INDIGO WEST 1502
Beachfront condo retreat with all the indoor comforts
Indigo West 1502 feels like being in your own coastal clubhouse, with bright ocean views and a kitchen that works hard so your vacation feels luxurious and comfortable. It's perfect for guests who want to cook a shared seafood feast: the kitchen has enough prep space, essential cookware, and modern appliances to support rolling out a boil. It sleeps eight so everybody's included—kids, friends, grandparents.
- Fully equipped kitchen with cookware, dishes, utensils for group cooking
- Dining table that's spacious enough for gathering after boating or beach walks
- Oceanfront balcony views make even kitchen clean-up pleasant
- Shared resort amenities (pool, fitness, tennis courts) to balance the cooking days
BEACH COLONY TOWER 5B
Oceanfront condo steps from the sand
Beach Colony Tower 5B is quieter, cozy, and perfect for smaller family groups wanting both beach proximity and a kitchen that delivers. It's a two-bedroom condo with views and enough kitchen gear to pull off a small boil: pots, pans, utensils, and a layout that keeps everyone involved. After cooking, step out to the balcony or dip in the onsite pool or hot tub.
- Well-stocked kitchen (stove, oven, fridge, enough dishes & tools for family meals)
- Expansive Gulf front balcony—great for steaming pots or dining outdoors
- Steps away from white sandy beaches so you can fetch fresh seafood easily
- Lounge, pool, hot tub, and beach access let you relax post-cooking
At a Glance: Your Crawfish Boil Recipe
|
Ingredients |
Steps |
|
30 lbs live crawfish (1–3 lbs pp appetizer / 3–5 lbs pp main) |
1. Source your crawfish – Buy live sacks from a trusted local market like Maria's Seafood in Pensacola. |
|
1 large 60-quart pot with a gas burner |
2. Clean them well – Rinse several times in cool water to remove mud. |
|
1 sack of Cajun boil seasoning |
3. Prepare the boil – Fill pot halfway, bring to a rolling boil, and add seasoning. |
|
6–8 ears of corn, halved |
4. Cook the sides first – Add potatoes and sausage for 10–12 min; then add corn and extras. |
|
2–3 lbs small red potatoes |
5. Add the crawfish – Boil 3–5 min, then let soak 20–30 min in seasoned water. |
|
2 lbs smoked sausage, cut into pieces |
6. Serve and enjoy – Drain, spread over a paper-lined table, and dig in with friends. |
|
Optional: onions, mushrooms, garlic cloves |
|
Best Family Place to Stay in Gulf Shores & More
Looking for an extra idea to make the most of your vacation on the stunning Gulf Coast? Booking your stay with Luxury Coastal Vacations. We offer the finest selection of luxury rentals on the Gulf Coast, spanning Alabama and Florida.
When you choose to stay in one of our homes or condos, you can anticipate a 5-star experience that you'll cherish forever. Browse through our options and discover what awaits you on the beautiful Gulf Coast.
