Y’all, let me tell you about a Louisiana recipe that’s been making folks weak in the knees at my family gatherings! This Cajun Shrimp and Crawfish Étouffée is the kind of dish that’ll have your guests thinking you’ve been cooking in New Orleans your whole life. Trust me, honey, I’ve perfected this recipe through years of taste-testing (and maybe a few happy accidents 😉).
First things first, grab these ingredients (and don’t you dare skip anything!):
– 2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 lb crawfish tails
– 1 stick butter (yes, a whole stick – we’re not counting calories today!)
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups seafood stock
– 2 bay leaves
– Cajun seasoning (I’m heavy-handed with this, y’all)
– Green onions and parsley for garnish
Now, let me walk you through this magical process, sugar!
Start by making your roux – melt that butter in a large pot over medium heat and gradually whisk in the flour. Keep stirring until it turns a beautiful golden brown (about the color of peanut butter). This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, and don’t you dare leave it unattended! Trust me, I learned this the hard way when I got distracted by a phone call once. 🤦♀️
(If you’re loving this recipe so far, make sure to follow me on NewsBreak for daily doses of Southern cooking magic! I’ve got so many more family secrets to share!)
Add your holy trinity (that’s the onion, celery, and bell pepper, for those who aren’t familiar with Louisiana cooking), and let it cook until softened. Throw in that garlic and let it work its aromatic magic for about a minute.
Now comes the fun part! Add your seafood stock slowly, stirring constantly. Pop in those bay leaves and Cajun seasoning. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes until it starts thickening up like a proper étouffée should.
Add your shrimp and crawfish, cooking just until they turn pink – about 5 minutes. Don’t overcook them, or I’ll have to come to your kitchen and give you a talking-to! 😤
Serve this beauty over a bed of fluffy white rice, garnish with green onions and parsley, and watch your dinner guests fall in love!
Y’all, this dish is pure Louisiana love in a bowl. It’s perfect for Sunday dinners, special occasions, or just when you’re feeling fancy on a Wednesday night. Every time I make this, my kitchen smells like my grandmother’s house during the holidays, and isn’t that just the best feeling?
If this recipe made your mouth water (I know it did!), don’t forget to follow me on NewsBreak for more delicious Southern recipes that’ll make your taste buds dance! Drop a comment below and let me know how yours turned out – I love hearing your cooking adventures, and I always respond to comments. Maybe share your own twist on this classic? We’re all family here in this kitchen! 💕
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a date with my leftovers and a glass of sweet tea! 😘
