Authentic Crawfish Etouffee Recipe that will transport you to Louisiana

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Authentic Crawfish Etouffee Recipe that will transport you to Louisiana
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Total Time:
65mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on August 27, 2023

This authentic Crawfish Etouffee recipe is a classic Louisiana dish that will transport you straight to the heart of Cajun country. Made with plump and juicy crawfish tails, smothered in a rich and flavorful roux, and served over a bed of fluffy rice, this dish is a true taste of the South. With the perfect combination of spices and a touch of heat, this Crawfish Etouffee is sure to become a family favorite. Whip up a batch and enjoy a little taste of Louisiana right in your own home.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups seafood or chicken stock
  • 2 pounds crawfish tails, peeled and deveined
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Cooked rice, for serving

Directions

  1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the flour to the melted butter and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a dark golden brown (about 15-20 minutes).
  3. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
  4. Stir in the paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to toast the spices.
  5. Gradually whisk in the seafood or chicken stock, making sure to scrape any bits off the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
  6. Add the crawfish tails to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the crawfish tails are heated through.
  7. Serve the Crawfish Etouffee over a bed of cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions and fresh parsley.

Interesting Facts

  • The word 'etouffee' comes from the French verb 'étouffer', which means 'to smother'. This refers to the technique of cooking the crawfish tails in a rich sauce until they are tender and flavorful.
  • Crawfish, also known as crayfish or crawdads, are freshwater crustaceans that are a popular ingredient in Cajun and Creole cuisine.
  • Crawfish Etouffee is traditionally served over rice, which helps to soak up the delicious sauce.