Crab boil facts for kids
A crab boil is a special mix of spices used to make water taste amazing when you're cooking crabs or other seafood. But a crab boil isn't just about the spices! It's also a super fun party or gathering where people get together to eat delicious boiled crabs. Think of it like a big seafood feast!
In some parts of Louisiana, especially around Ville Platte, these events are sometimes called "dome lobster boils." This is because crabs look a bit like a lobster with a round, dome-shaped shell. One of the biggest crab boil parties is the Crayon d'Orange festival in Evangeline Parish, which means 'Orange Pencil' in French.
Contents
Spicy Seafood in Louisiana
Seafood cooked in southern Louisiana is often known for being extra spicy! People there love to add a lot of flavor to their boiled seafood.
Homemade Crab Boil Spices
When people make their own crab boil spice mix at home, they often use lots of ingredients. These can include hot sauce, cayenne pepper (which is very spicy!), salt, bay leaf, fresh lemon, and garlic. Some popular additions are mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and allspice.
Many cooks start with a store-bought crab boil mix and then add even more pepper to make it extra zesty.
Popular Crab Boil Products
One of the most famous brands for crab boil is Zatarain's. It comes in two main types:
- A small mesh bag filled with spices that you put directly into the boiling water. The spices soak into the water, giving it flavor.
- A liquid concentrate that you pour right into the water. This liquid can also be used to add flavor to soups.
Other well-known crab boil companies in the region include Tony Chachere's and Rex Crab Boil. Even when boiling shrimp or crawfish, many recipes suggest adding these "crab boil" spice packets for great taste.
Maryland Crab Steaming
In Maryland, crabs are prepared a bit differently. Instead of boiling them in water, they are usually steamed.
Steaming with Old Bay
Maryland crabs are seasoned generously with a special mix called Old Bay. Then, they are steamed over water that often has vinegar or even beer added to it. The crabs are cooked by the steam, not directly in the water. This method helps keep the crab meat tender and flavorful.
Carolina Seafood Boils
The Carolinas have their own versions of seafood boils, which are similar to crab boils. These are often called Lowcountry boil, Tidewater boil, or Frogmore Stew.
Flavor Choices in the Carolinas
In North and South Carolina, recipes for these seafood boils can be influenced by either the Louisiana style or the Maryland style. Some recipes might use the spicier Zatarain's mix, while others prefer the classic Old Bay seasoning. A few recipes even suggest using both for a unique flavor!
