---
title: 'Berlin Boil'
slug: 'berlin-crayfish-boil'
kind: 'recipe'
revision: 1
source: 'import'
created: '2026-09-04T14:13:55.955Z'
url: 'https://noble-notations.ryanjnoble.dev/recipes/berlin-crayfish-boil'
---

# Berlin Boil

_Louisiana-style crayfish boil for fifty, using Berlin’s invasive crayfish_

A crayfish boil scaled for 50 people, built around the Louisiana crayfish that have become invasive in Berlin’s waterways. Includes where to actually get them.

## Why this revision

Transcribed from the archive as originally written.

## Categories

- **Technique**: Boiling
- **Cuisine**: Cajun, German
- **Course**: Main
- **Occasion**: Party
- **Equipment**: Propane burner, Stockpot
- **Season**: Summer

## Ingredients

- 50–60 kg Crayfish, live
- 10 kg Red potatoes, halved
- 20 ear Corn, cut into thirds
- 5 kg Smoked sausage, cut into 5 cm pieces
- 5 kg Onion, quartered
- 10 head Garlic, halved crosswise
- 10 piece Lemon, halved
- 500 g Butter, melted, for serving

### Boil

- 500 g Salt
- 250 g Old Bay seasoning
- 100 g Cayenne pepper
- 10 leaf Bay leaf
- 5 bottle Dark beer

## Method

1. Fill each pot two-thirds with water. Divide the salt, Old Bay, cayenne, bay leaves and beer proportionally between them and bring to a boil. _(Boiling)_
2. Add the potatoes and cook for 10 minutes. _(10 min)_
3. Add the corn, sausage, onions, garlic and lemons. Cook 5 minutes more. _(5 min)_
4. Add the crayfish and cook 3–5 minutes, until bright red. _(3 min)_
5. Off the heat, let everything soak 15–20 minutes to take on the seasoning. _(15 min)_
6. Drain and tip out onto newspaper-covered tables with melted butter for dipping.

## Notes

### Where to buy crayfish in Berlin _(research)_

**Restaurants and markets**

- **Fisch Frank**, Spandau — Louisiana crawfish caught from Berlin waterways, served as a starter. Owner Olaf Pelz.
- **Markthalle IX**, Kreuzberg — occasional Louisiana-style boils; the 25 Teiche stand sells crayfish by the kilo (~€29/kg).
- **Frische Paradies**, Moritzplatz — fresh and frozen, availability varies.
- **Rogacki**, Wilmersdorfer Straße — historic deli, seasonal crayfish.

**Wholesalers**

- Pescaderia en Berlin, Seafood Transfer, Deutsche See — all supply restaurants and may source for larger orders.

**Direct**

- **Klaus Hidde** — licensed fisherman catching the invasive population; seasonal stand at Zitadelle Spandau during summer concerts.
- **Berliner Anglerverband e.V.** — can point toward local fishermen and spots.

Availability is inconsistent because it depends on catching an invasive species. Call ahead.

### Season _(observation)_

Crayfish are most abundant in Berlin waters from late spring through early autumn.

### Harvest responsibly _(warning)_

Removal of the invasive population is encouraged, but buy from licensed sources or fish with a permit — the rules still apply.

### Local adjustments _(idea)_

Berlin palates may want less heat than a Southern boil. Pretzels or sauerkraut alongside work better than they have any right to.