Regional > Louisiana > Seafood

Louisiana Étouffée Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken or seafood stock
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb crawfish tails
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Cooked rice for serving

Special equipment needed: None

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and stir constantly for about 10-15 minutes, until the roux turns a dark caramel color.
3. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the pot and stir well.
4. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are soft.
5. Add the chicken or seafood stock, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20-30 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
7. Add the shrimp and crawfish tails to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the seafood is cooked through.
8. Stir in the chopped parsley and green onions.
9. Serve the étouffée over cooked rice.

Prep time is about 15 minutes and cooking time is about 1 hour.
Temperature: Cook over medium heat and then reduce to low heat.
Serving size: This recipe serves about 6-8 people.

Nutritional information: Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 20g fat, 20g carbohydrates, 25g protein, and 2g fiber.

Substitutions for ingredients: You can use vegetable stock instead of chicken or seafood stock. You can also use chicken, sausage, or other seafood instead of shrimp and crawfish.

Variations: You can add okra, bell pepper, or other vegetables to the étouffée. You can also use different spices or hot sauces to adjust the flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to stir the roux constantly to prevent burning.
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper to your taste.
- Serve with crusty bread or cornbread.

Storage instructions: Store leftover étouffée in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions: Reheat the étouffée in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Presentation ideas: Serve the étouffée in a large bowl or on individual plates, garnished with chopped parsley and green onions.

Garnishes: Chopped parsley and green onions.

Pairings: Serve with a crisp salad and a glass of white wine.

Suggested side dishes: Cornbread, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables.

Troubleshooting advice: If the roux burns, start over with a fresh batch. If the sauce is too thick, add more stock or water to thin it out.

Food safety advice: Make sure to cook the seafood to an internal temperature of 145°F to prevent foodborne illness.

Food history: Étouffée is a Cajun and Creole dish that originated in Louisiana in the 1920s.

Flavor profiles: Spicy, savory, and rich.

Serving suggestions: Serve the étouffée as a main dish for lunch or dinner.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: American

Taste: Spicy, Savory, Buttery, Rich, Tangy, Aromatic