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Crawfish Étouffée served with white rice and green onions in a bowl

The Best Crawfish Etouffee Recipe Taste Amazing

Wondering what’s missing from your Cajun cooking? This Crawfish Etouffee Recipe has the answer. Discover the difference.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun, Creole
Servings 6
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 2 celery stalks finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups seafood stock chicken stock can be substituted
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon thyme dried
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 pounds crawfish tails peeled and cleaned
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup green onions chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • Hot sauce to taste optional

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Holy Trinity
    ◉ Chop onion, bell pepper, and celery finely and uniformly (aim for 1/4-inch pieces)
    ◉ Mince garlic into fine pieces and set aside separately from other vegetables
    ◉ Measure all remaining ingredients and organize them in small bowls by cooking stage
    ◉ If using frozen crawfish, thoroughly drain and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture
    Step 2: Make the Roux – The Foundation of Great Crawfish Etouffee
    ◉ Melt butter in your heavy pot over medium heat until it stops foaming
    ◉ Add flour gradually while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps
    ◉ Cook the mixture, stirring continuously in a figure-eight motion to prevent hot spots
    ◉ Watch as the roux transforms from white to blonde to peanut butter color (about 5-7 minutes)
    ◉ Maintain consistent medium heat – too hot will burn the roux, too low won’t develop proper flavor
    Step 3: Add Vegetables – Building Flavor Layers
    ◉ To craft a genuine Crawfish Etouffee Recipe, one must focus on details and use the correct methods.
    ◉ The vegetables will sizzle vigorously – this is perfect for caramelizing their natural sugars
    ◉ Prepare until the vegetables become tender and the onions turn translucent (approximately 5-7 minutes).
    ◉ Add garlic and cook for exactly 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned
    ◉ Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper to start building flavors.
    Step 4: Build the Sauce – Creating the Perfect Etouffee Base
    ◉ Slowly whisk in seafood stock 1/2 cup at a time, fully incorporating each addition
    ◉ This gradual method prevents lumps that would ruin your Crawfish Etouffee Recipe’s texture
    ◉ Add Cajun seasoning, thyme, and bay leaves once all stock is incorporated
    ◉ Heat gently until it simmers (small bubbles form around the edges) and then lower the heat.
    ◉ Heat gently until it simmers (small bubbles form around the edges) and then lower the heat.
    ◉ The sauce needs to cover the back of a spoon when it’s done.
    Step 5: Add Crawfish – The Star of Your Etouffee
    ◉ Gently fold in crawfish tails using a wooden spoon, not a whisk
    ◉ Add Worcestershire sauce and stir delicately to preserve the integrity of the crawfish meat
    ◉ Cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes until the crawfish is warmed up (avoid boiling the crawfish!)
    ◉ Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and Cajun spice
    ◉ This is your final opportunity to perfect your Crawfish Etouffee Recipe’s flavor profile
    Step 6: Final Touches – Perfecting Your Dish
    ◉ Take out bay leaves – tally them to confirm all are collected.
    ◉ Stir in green onions (reserve some for garnish) and parsley for fresh flavor
    ◉ Add hot sauce if desired – start with a few drops and adjust according to taste
    ◉ Let the completed Crawfish Etouffee Recipe rest for 5 minutes off heat to allow flavors to marry
    ◉ This resting period is crucial for the most authentic flavor development

Notes

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Cholesterol: 185mg
Keyword crawfish, etouffee, Cajun recipe, Creole dish, Mardi Gras, Southern food, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner, seafood stew