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Crawfish Étouffée Recipe

4.7 from 66 reviews

A classic Southern dish, Crawfish Étouffée is a flavorful, hearty stew made with tender crawfish tails simmered in a rich, buttery vegetable base seasoned with Cajun spices. Served over fluffy white rice, this dish offers a comforting blend of spices and seafood perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 1 pound crawfish tails

Vegetables

  • 1 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1 cup bell pepper, finely chopped

Seasonings & Fats

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetable base: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper, and cook until the vegetables are soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add crawfish and seasoning: Stir the crawfish tails into the vegetables, then sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Mix well to combine all the flavors evenly.
  3. Simmer the étouffée: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Serve: Spoon the crawfish étouffée over cooked white rice and serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
  • For a thicker étouffée, you can make a roux with flour and butter before adding vegetables.
  • Serve with crusty French bread for a full Southern meal experience.
  • Ensure crawfish tails are thawed completely if using frozen.

Keywords: Crawfish Étouffée, Cajun seafood stew, Southern cooking, Louisiana recipe, crawfish recipe, creole cuisine