Cajun Crawfish and Shrimp Étouffée
Description
An authentic Louisiana recipe with a rich and spicy fresh tomato based roux with fresh garlic, bell peppers, celery and onions mixed with crawfish and shrimp. A little time consuming but well worth it!! Serve over steamed rice with hushpuppies and/or crackers on the side.
Ingredients
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1/3 cup vegetable oil
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1 small green bell pepper, diced
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 stalks celery, diced
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2 medium fresh tomatoes, chopped
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2 tablespoons Louisiana-style hot sauce
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1/3 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
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2 tablespoons seafood seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1 cup fish stock
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1 pound crawfish tails
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1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
Directions
1
Heat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Gradually stir in flour, and stir constantly until the mixture turns 'peanut butter' brown or darker, at least 15 or 20 minutes. I use a large fork with the flat side to the bottom of the pan in a side to side motion. This is your base sauce or 'roux'. It is very important to stir this constantly. If by chance the roux burns, discard and start over.
2
Once the roux is browned, add the onions, garlic, celery and bell pepper to the skillet, and saute for about 5 minutes to soften. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and fish stock, and season with the seafood seasoning. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3
Season the sauce with hot pepper sauce and cayenne pepper (if using), and add the crawfish and shrimp. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque.