Description
Authentic Louisiana Crawfish Étouffée is a rich, flavorful Cajun and Creole dish featuring tender crawfish tails smothered in a seasoned roux-based sauce. Served over white rice, this comforting Southern classic is perfect for family dinners and special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb crawfish tails (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken or seafood stock
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
Seasoning & Flavor
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp hot sauce (or to taste)
Garnish & Serving
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 4–6 servings cooked white rice
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Roux
- Melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Gradually whisk in flour, stirring constantly until it turns a golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
Step 2: Sauté the Holy Trinity
- Add onions, celery, and bell pepper to the roux. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
- Stir in tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf. Mix well.
Step 4: Add the Stock
- Slowly pour in chicken or seafood stock, stirring constantly.
- Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Add the Crawfish
- Stir in crawfish tails and let simmer for 5-10 minutes to absorb flavors.
Step 6: Final Touches & Serve
- Stir in green onions, parsley, lemon juice, and hot sauce. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot over white rice, garnished with extra parsley and green onions.
Notes
- Shrimp Étouffée – Swap crawfish for shrimp for a different seafood twist.
- Chicken or Sausage Étouffée – Use smoked sausage or chicken instead.
- Spicier Version – Increase Cajun seasoning and hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Étouffée – Substitute mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth.
- Creamy Étouffée – Stir in a splash of heavy cream for richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, seafood
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Keywords: Crawfish Étouffée, Louisiana Étouffée, Cajun Seafood Recipe, Southern Comfort Food, Creole Étouffée