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
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the flour to the melted butter and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a dark golden brown (about 15-20 minutes).
- 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).
- Stir in the paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to toast the spices.
- 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.
- Add the crawfish tails to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the crawfish tails are heated through.
- 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.