Seafood
raw wild crayfish.
VegetarianVeganGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freePeanut-freeSoy-freeEgg-freeShellfish-freeHoney-freeAlcohol-freeKosher
ALSO KNOWN AS
wild crayfish
SERVING
CALORIES
77
PROTEIN
16g
CARBS
0g
FAT
0.95g
FIBER
0g
NUTRITION PROFILE · per 100 g
Everything in this ingredient.
MACRONUTRIENTS
Calories77kcal—
Protein16g32%
Carbohydrates0g0%
Fiber0g0%
Sugar0g0%
Total fat0.95g1%
Saturated fat0.16g1%
Cholesterol114mg38%
Water82.2g—
MINERALS
Sodium58mg3%
Potassium302mg6%
Calcium27mg2%
Iron0.84mg5%
Magnesium27mg6%
Phosphorus256mg20%
Zinc1.3mg12%
Copper0.42mg47%
Manganese0.23mg10%
Selenium31.6µg57%
VITAMINS
Vitamin A16µg2%
Vitamin C1.2mg1%
Vitamin D0µg0%
Vitamin E2.9mg19%
Vitamin K0.10µg0%
Thiamin (B1)0.07mg6%
Riboflavin (B2)0.03mg2%
Niacin (B3)2.2mg14%
Pantothenic acid (B5)0.55mg11%
Vitamin B60.11mg6%
Folate (B9)37µg9%
Vitamin B122.0µg83%
%DV based on a 2,000 cal diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central. A dash in the %DV column means there’s no established Daily Value for that nutrient.
MEASUREMENT CONVERSIONS
How much is what.
1 oz28.4g
1 lb453.6g
1 piece25g
HEALTH BENEFITS
Why eat it.
- ✓Excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- ✓Rich in B vitamins, particularly B12, which supports nerve function and red blood cell formation.
- ✓Provides important minerals like selenium, a powerful antioxidant, and phosphorus, crucial for bone health.
- ✓Low in fat and calories, making it a healthy choice for weight management.
COOKING TIPS
In the kitchen.
- 1Before cooking, 'purge' live crayfish by soaking them in salted water for 30-60 minutes to clean their digestive tracts.
- 2Crayfish cook very quickly. Boil or steam for 3-5 minutes, or until they turn bright red and the tail meat is firm and opaque. Overcooking will result in tough meat.
- 3The yellow 'fat' in the head is actually the hepatopancreas and is considered a delicacy, adding rich flavor to stocks, bisques, and sauces.
- 4For classic boils, season the cooking water heavily with spices like cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic, and bay leaves before adding the crayfish.
STORAGE
Keep it fresh.
- Live crayfish should be kept cool and moist, ideally in a cooler with a damp cloth, and cooked within 24-48 hours. Do not store them submerged in a sealed container of water.
- Cooked crayfish meat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Is raw wild crayfish healthy?
Yes, raw wild crayfish is highly nutritious. It is an excellent source of lean protein, low in calories, and rich in essential nutrients like Vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus, which support nerve function and bone health.
How much protein is in crayfish?
Crayfish is a high-protein food, providing approximately 15.97g of protein per 100g serving. This makes it an ideal choice for muscle repair, growth, and maintaining satiety.
Is crayfish good for weight loss?
Absolutely. With only 77 calories and less than 1 gram of fat per 100g, crayfish is a nutrient-dense, low-calorie option that fits well into weight management and calorie-controlled diets.
Is crayfish keto-friendly?
Yes, crayfish is perfectly keto-friendly as it contains 0g of carbohydrates. It is a pure protein and fat source that can be easily integrated into ketogenic or low-carb lifestyles.
Is raw wild crayfish gluten-free?
In its natural state, raw wild crayfish is 100% gluten-free. However, always check the ingredients in spice rubs, boils, or sauces used during the cooking process, as these may contain gluten.
Can you eat crayfish raw?
It is strongly recommended to avoid eating wild crayfish raw. They can carry parasites, such as lung flukes, which are only destroyed through proper cooking to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
How do you cook raw wild crayfish?
The most popular method is boiling them in seasoned water for 3 to 5 minutes until the shells turn bright red and the meat is opaque. They can also be steamed, sautéed, or added to soups and bisques.
What does crayfish taste like?
Crayfish has a unique flavor profile often described as a combination of shrimp and lobster. It is slightly sweet, mild, and has a firm yet tender texture when not overcooked.
How do you store raw wild crayfish?
Live crayfish should be kept in a cool, humid environment like a ventilated cooler with damp burlap or ice, but never submerged in standing water. If already cleaned and raw, store them in the coldest part of the refrigerator for no more than 1-2 days.
How can you tell if crayfish is fresh?
Live crayfish should be active and moving their legs and tails. If purchasing raw tails, the meat should be translucent and firm with a mild sea-like scent; avoid any that smell overly 'fishy' or have slimy textures.
