Honey Garlic Crawfish Skewers

Name: Honey Garlic Crawfish Skewers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup honey; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 pound crawfish tails, peeled and deveined; Wooden or metal skewers

Highlighted under: World Food Recipes

I absolutely love these Honey Garlic Crawfish Skewers because they perfectly blend savory and sweet flavors. The combination of honey and garlic creates a mouthwatering glaze that enhances the natural sweetness of the crawfish. Grilling them adds a smoky touch that rounds out the dish beautifully. Whenever friends gather, these skewers quickly become the star of the show. They're not only quick to prepare but also make for an impressive appetizer or main course that everyone enjoys. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be making them again and again!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-04T17:45:27.841Z

This recipe for Honey Garlic Crawfish Skewers is one that I developed after experimenting with several marinades. I found that a mix of honey and garlic not only matches the flavor of the crawfish but also caramelizes beautifully on the grill. The first time I had them, I was taken aback by the contrast of the sweetness against the slight char from grilling.

While preparing the skewers, I recommend marinating the crawfish for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. If you can let them sit a bit longer, you’ll be rewarded with an even bolder taste. Everyone I serve these to has raved about them, and I can’t wait for you to try and love them, too!

Why You'll Love These Skewers
The delightful combination of sweet honey and aromatic garlic.
Unique flavor that makes crawfish shine in a new light.
Perfectly grilled for that delicious smoky flavor with every bite.

Marinade Magic

The marinade for these Honey Garlic Crawfish Skewers not only infuses the seafood with rich flavors but also plays an essential role in tenderizing the crawfish. Honey serves as a natural tenderizer thanks to its small amount of acidity, while the minced garlic adds aromatic depth. Ensure you whisk the marinade until it is thoroughly combined, creating a glossy mixture that will cling beautifully to the crawfish tails and help enhance the smoky finish from the grill.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the crushed red pepper flakes can be adjusted according to your taste. If you want to scale back on spiciness or are serving a crowd, consider omitting them entirely or substituting with a milder spice, like smoked paprika. This adjustment allows you to still achieve a delicious flavor profile without overwhelming the delicate sweetness of the honey and the natural taste of the crawfish.

Grilling Techniques

When it comes to grilling these skewers, preheating the grill to medium-high heat is crucial. This ensures an immediate sizzle when the skewers hit the grates, which locks in juices and helps prevent sticking. Aim for a grill temperature around 375°F to 400°F; you can gauge this by holding your hand about 6 inches above the grill. If you can only hold it there for 3-4 seconds, you’re at the right temperature.

To achieve that characteristic smoky flavor, avoid overcrowding the grill. Too many skewers at once can trap steam and prevent proper grilling. Ideally, you should grill in batches, maintaining enough space to allow for airflow. To check for doneness, look for the crawfish tails to turn opaque and firm; this usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side unless they're exceptionally large. Brushing extra marinade while grilling enhances that caramelized glaze and adds depth to the flavor.

Ingredients

For the Honey Garlic Marinade

1/2 cup honey
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Skewers

1 pound crawfish tails, peeled and deveined
Wooden or metal skewers

Make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if using to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, and red pepper flakes until well combined.

Marinate the Crawfish

Add the crawfish tails to the marinade and let them sit for at least 15 minutes, or longer if you have time.

Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Assemble the Skewers

Thread the marinated crawfish onto the skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each tail for even cooking.

Grill the Skewers

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, brushing with extra marinade if desired, until the crawfish are opaque and cooked through.

Let the skewers rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Pro Tips

For a twist, try adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini on the skewers for added flavor and color.

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftovers after your gathering, these skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, it’s best to use a grill or skillet over medium heat to preserve the tender texture of the crawfish. Place the skewers on the grill for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until heated through. Avoid the microwave, as it can lead to rubbery crawfish due to uneven heating.

For longer storage, consider freezing the skewers before grilling. After marinating, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to cook, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and grill them as directed. This makes for a quick and delicious weeknight meal that brings the flavors of your last get-together to your dinner table.

Serving Suggestions

These Honey Garlic Crawfish Skewers can be served as an impressive appetizer or a main dish. For a more elaborate serving style, consider plating them on a bed of fresh greens or with a side of grilled vegetables for added color and texture contrast. A drizzle of extra honey or a squeeze of fresh lime can also elevate the presentation while adding another layer of flavor that complements the sweetness of the glaze.

If you're looking to cater to diverse dietary preferences, you can easily adapt this recipe by swapping crawfish for shrimp or cubed chicken breast, both of which will absorb the marinade well. This scalability allows you to cater to different tastes without losing the essence of the dish, making it a versatile addition to any gathering!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen crawfish tails?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before marinating.

→ What can I serve with these skewers?

They pair wonderfully with rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables.

→ Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the marinade a day ahead and store it in the fridge.

→ How can I make these skewers spicier?

Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the marinade.