Crawfish vs. Shrimp — What's the Difference?

Regarded as a staple in Cajun and Creole cuisine.

Commonly served shelled and deveined.

Freshwater crustacean, similar to lobsters but smaller.

Available in various sizes and types globally.

Used in various Southern dishes, known for its sweet meat.

A small, decapod crustacean, widely found in marine and freshwater.

Often eaten boiled in a spicy mix of seasonings.

Known for its firm texture and versatility in dishes.

Can be farmed or wild-caught in freshwater areas.

Essential in many global cuisines, from Asian to Mediterranean.

Variant of crayfish.

Shrimp are decapod crustaceans with elongated bodies and a primarily swimming mode of locomotion – most commonly Caridea and Dendrobranchiata. More narrow definitions may be restricted to Caridea, to smaller species of either group or to only the marine species.

To withdraw from an undertaking.

Any of various small, chiefly marine, often edible decapod crustaceans that have a laterally compressed, elongated body with long antennae and long legs used for swimming. The shrimps include species belonging to the superfamily Penaeoidea of the suborder Dendrobranchiata and to the infraorder Caridea of the suborder Pleocyemata.

Various freshwater crustaceans, crayfish.

The flesh of one of these crustaceans, used as food.

(South Africa) Various marine crustaceans, rock lobster; especially Jasus lalandii, the Cape crawfish.

Any of various similar crustaceans, such as a fairy shrimp.

A slur against Anglo-Canadians used in some corners of Quebec (including the Gaspé).

Derogatory Slang A person who is small in stature.

To backpedal, desert or withdraw (also used with out).

To fish for shrimp.

Any decapod crustacean of the family Astacidæ (genera Cambarus and Cambarus), resembling the lobster, but smaller, and found in fresh waters. Crawfishes are esteemed very delicate food both in Europe and America. The North American species are numerous and mostly belong to the genus Cambarus. The blind crawfish of the Mammoth Cave is Cambarus pellucidus. The common European species is Astacus fluviatilis.

Any of many swimming, often edible, crustaceans, chiefly of the infraorder Caridea or the suborder Dendrobranchiata, with slender legs, long whiskers and a long abdomen.

Tiny lobsterlike crustaceans usually boiled briefly.

(uncountable) The flesh of such crustaceans.

A large edible marine crustacean having a spiny carapace but lacking the large pincers of true lobsters.

(slang) A small, puny or unimportant person.

To back out in a humilating manner; as, We'll have to crawfish out from meeting with him.

Synonym of butterface: a person with an attractive body but unattractive face.

Tiny lobster-like crustaceans usually boiled briefly

(intransitive) To fish for shrimp.

Small freshwater decapod crustacean that resembles a lobster

To contract; to shrink.

Large edible marine crustacean having a spiny carapace but lacking the large pincers of true lobsters

To contract; to shrink.

Make a retreat from an earlier commitment or activity;

Any one of numerous species of macruran Crustacea belonging to Crangon and various allied genera, having a slender body and long legs. Many of them are used as food. The larger kinds are called also prawns. See Illust. of Decapoda.

Figuratively, a little wrinkled man; a dwarf; - in contempt.

Disparaging terms for small people

Any of various edible decapod crustaceans

Small slender-bodied chiefly marine decapod crustaceans with a long tail and single pair of pincers; many species are edible

Fish for shrimp

Crawfish are primarily found in freshwater, while shrimp inhabit saltwater environments.

Crawfish usually grow to about 3 to 6 inches, while shrimp can range from small to jumbo sizes.

Crawfish are famous for crawfish boils and étouffée, while shrimp are versatile in dishes like shrimp cocktails and stir-fries.

Crawfish have a sweeter, more tender meat, whereas shrimp are brinier with a firmer texture.

Crawfish are often cooked whole in seasoned broths, whereas shrimp are typically shelled and deveined.

Shrimp are beneficial due to their high protein content and essential nutrients like vitamin B12.

Shrimp can be cooked in many ways, including boiling, frying, and grilling.

While they can sometimes be substituted for each other, their distinct flavors and textures might affect the dish differently.

Shrimp are more prevalent globally, used in a wide array of international dishes.

Both are high in protein and low in calories, but shrimp have higher levels of selenium and vitamin B12.

Both have environmental impacts, but sustainable practices can minimize their ecological footprint.

Cooking crawfish in a spicy boil with plenty of seasoning is popular for enhancing their flavor.

Shrimp are harvested in coastal waters all around the world.

Crawfish are not just food but a cultural icon in the Southern U.S., especially in Louisiana.

Yes, crawfish are low in fat and high in protein and iron.