Kevin'S Crawfish Etouffee
Kevin's Crawfish Etouffee is a rich, flavorful Louisiana-style dish featuring tender crawfish tails simmered in a savory, seasoned tomato-based sauce, perfect for seafood lovers and special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 stick butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 bunches shallots, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper, chopped fine
- 1 small can tomato sauce (8 oz.) ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cooking sherry ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. dried parsley
- 1 Tbsp. white wine Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 heaping Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 2 lb. crawfish tails ⓘ
- red pepper to taste
- black pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped shallots and chopped bell pepper; sauté until wilted and clear.
- Pour in water and heat until hot.
- Add crawfish tails along with their fat; rinse if in a bag or with a little water.
- Stir in tomato sauce, minced garlic, garlic powder, dried parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and cooking sherry.
- Cook the mixture uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Dissolve cornstarch in a cup of water and add to the pot.
- Cook until the mixture thickens, adding more cornstarch if needed.
- Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve the etouffee over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dish. If you can't find crawfish tails, shrimp or crab can be great substitutes. Using fresh herbs instead of dried can enhance the taste significantly. To save time, prep your vegetables in advance, and remember to taste as you go to adjust the seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the etouffee over fluffy white rice for a classic presentation. For a complete meal, pair it with a fresh green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It also complements well with a side of Creole Baked Fish for a seafood feast. Don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley for added color.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover etouffee can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up as needed. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kevin'S Crawfish Etouffee contains roughly 1158 calories, with 4g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 119g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1105mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the etouffee a day in advance. Just let it cool completely before storing it in the fridge. The flavors will meld and deepen overnight, enhancing the dish. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving, and it will taste just as delicious.
What if I don't have shallots?
If you don't have shallots, you can substitute them with equal parts of finely chopped onions or green onions. They will provide a similar flavor profile, although the dish may taste slightly different. Experimenting with different onion varieties can add your personal touch to the recipe.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level of the etouffee can be adjusted based on your preference. The recipe allows for red and black pepper to taste, so you can start with a small amount and gradually increase it if you like more heat. For a milder version, use less of these seasonings or opt for sweet bell peppers.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).