Crawfish season in Pearland: what to know
Texas crawfish season runs roughly January through June. Here is what we serve, why our Thai Basil pot sells out first, how much to order, and when to call ahead.
In this article
Texas crawfish season runs roughly January through June, and the back half of spring is the busiest stretch of the year for us. If you have only ordered crawfish a couple of times, the season can be confusing. Prices move, sizes change, and the good pots sell out. Here is the practical guide to ordering at Boiling Dragon during the rush, from someone standing over the pot.
A quick word on how the season works
Crawfish is a live, seasonal product, not a frozen one. Early in the season the bugs tend to be smaller and the price per pound is higher because supply is tight. As spring warms up, the crawfish get bigger and the price usually settles. By late spring you are in the sweet spot of size and value, which is also when everyone else figures that out and shows up. Weather on the Gulf Coast moves all of this around week to week, so the smartest move is to ask us what is looking good the day you come in.
What we run in season
- Thai Basil Crawfish. A two pound pot tossed in fragrant Thai basil, lemongrass, and our aromatic spice blend, at 32.99. This is the pot people drive across town for, and it usually sells out by 8pm on Friday and Saturday.
- Crawfish with your choice of sauce. Take that same two pound pot and swap to Garlic Butter, Lemon Pepper, Cajun, Saigon, or our signature Dragon Sauce, whichever your table fights over.
- Crawfish Fries at 16.99 and the Crawfish Po-Boy at 16.99, for when you want the flavor without the shell work.
You can always check the current menu for the day’s lineup, since seasonal items come and go.
Sizes and what they feed
A two pound pot feeds one person who is serious about crawfish, or two people sharing alongside other dishes. For a group, the Dragon Platter at 89.99, which brings two pounds of snow crab, two pounds of shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn in our housemade garlic butter, is the centerpiece. Add a side of Thai Basil Crawfish for the table and you have a spread.
A rough way to plan a group order:
- One Dragon Platter for every three to four people as the anchor.
- One Thai Basil Crawfish pot for the crawfish devotees.
- A couple of Munchies, like Crawfish Fries or the Dragon Bowl, so nobody goes quiet between rounds.
Why Thai Basil sells out first
Thai basil holds its volatile aromatic oils for only a few hours after we pick it. To keep that fresh, bright flavor, we cook the Thai Basil Crawfish in small batches a few times a night rather than all at once. So if we tell you we are out of Thai Basil mid-service, it does not mean the night is over. It means the next batch is already on the burner, usually about twenty minutes out. It is worth the wait.
Calling ahead during the rush
Friday and Saturday during peak season, the wait gets long after 6pm. If you are a party of four or more, call (832) 328-5123 when you leave the house. We will have your order ready when you walk in, instead of you standing in line while the kitchen runs flat out. If you cannot get away to pick up, both DoorDash and Uber Eats carry the full crawfish menu, and you can start an order online.
We are at 11625 W. Broadway Blvd., Suite 135 in Pearland, open every day except Sunday. Hours and directions are on the visit page.
Good to know
When does crawfish season start and end?
Roughly January through June in Texas. Early season runs smaller and pricier, late spring is the value window.
Can I get crawfish in Dragon Sauce?
Yes. Take the two pound pot and choose Dragon Sauce, or any of our other sauces. It is one of the most requested pairings of the season.
What if you sell out the night I come?
Thai Basil cooks in small batches, so a sellout is usually temporary. Ask us when the next batch lands, and order a few Munchies while you wait.
