Cajun Ninja Crawfish Etouffee Recipe

Chef Nora Benson

8 Jun, 2023

This Cajun Ninja Crawfish Etouffee recipe is bursting with flavor and is sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, it's easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Don't miss out on this tasty treat - give it a try today!

Cajun Ninja Crawfish Etouffee

Publisher: Lofty Recipes
Cuisine: American
Category: Main Dish
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 529 calories

About this recipe

Cajun Ninja Crawfish Etouffee is a classic Cajun dish that's popular in Louisiana and other parts of the Southern United States. It's a thick and creamy stew that's made with crawfish tails, a roux (a mixture of butter and flour), and a flavorful blend of vegetables and spices.

To make the dish, you start by cooking the roux over medium heat until it turns a deep golden brown. This can take some time and requires a bit of patience, but it's important to develop the flavor and texture of the dish.

Once the roux is ready, you add in a combination of chopped onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. These vegetables form the base of the dish and add a ton of flavor and texture to the final product.

Next, you add the crawfish tails and a blend of spices, including Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. The crawfish tails are usually precooked and can be found in most supermarkets or seafood markets. They add a deliciously sweet and slightly briny flavor to the dish.

After the crawfish and spices have been added, you pour in some seafood or chicken broth and let the mixture simmer for a bit. This helps to meld all the flavors together and thicken the stew. Finally, you stir in some chopped parsley and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Cajun Ninja Crawfish Etouffee is traditionally served over a bed of cooked white rice, which helps to soak up all the delicious sauce. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering with friends and family.

And while it may seem a bit intimidating to make at first, it's actually a fairly simple and straightforward recipe that anyone can master with a bit of practice.

Recipe origin and background

Crawfish etouffee is a traditional Cajun dish that originated in Louisiana, a state in the southern United States with a strong French and Creole influence. "Etouffee" is French for "smothered," which refers to the technique of cooking the crawfish tails and vegetables in a thick and flavorful sauce until they are coated and cooked through.

The Cajun Ninja Crawfish Etouffee recipe is a modern take on this classic dish, popularized by the Cajun Ninja, a social media personality and Louisiana native who shares his recipes and cooking tips with a large following on platforms like Facebook and YouTube.

The Cajun Ninja's recipe features a blend of traditional Cajun flavors and techniques, with a few twists and shortcuts to make it more accessible to home cooks.

Why try this Cajun Ninja Crawfish Etouffee recipe?

Delicious and satisfying flavor: This dish has a rich, bold flavor that's unique to Cajun cuisine. The combination of savory crawfish, earthy roux, and aromatic vegetables creates a deeply satisfying and delicious stew that's perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a festive gathering with friends and family.
Easy to make: Despite its complex flavors, this recipe is actually quite simple and straightforward to make. It requires only a few basic ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, making it accessible to both experienced and novice cooks.
Perfect for special occasions: Crawfish etouffee is a classic dish that's often served at special occasions and celebrations in Louisiana, such as Mardi Gras and other festive events. By making this dish at home, you can recreate that festive atmosphere and enjoy a taste of the Cajun culture from the comfort of your own home.
Nutritious and satisfying: This recipe is packed with nutritious ingredients like crawfish, vegetables, and seafood or chicken broth. It's also high in protein and fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer.

What does Cajun Ninja Crawfish Etouffee taste like?

Cajun Ninja Crawfish Etouffee is a dish that's packed with bold and flavorful ingredients, so its taste is complex and multifaceted.

The dish has a slightly spicy, savory, and earthy flavor that's characteristic of Cajun cuisine, with a touch of sweetness and brininess from the crawfish tails.

The roux adds a nutty and slightly caramelized flavor, while the blend of vegetables, including onions, celery, and bell peppers, contributes a savory and slightly sweet taste that complements the other flavors in the dish.

The Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper add a touch of heat to the dish, which can be adjusted to taste depending on your preference for spiciness. Finally, the parsley adds a fresh and herbaceous note that helps to brighten up the flavors and add a pop of color to the dish.

What is in Cajun Ninja Crawfish Etouffee?

Crawfish tails: Crawfish tails are the star of this dish and provide a sweet and briny flavor that's characteristic of Cajun cuisine. They can be found frozen or fresh at many grocery stores.
Butter: Butter is used to make the roux, which adds a nutty and slightly caramelized flavor to the dish.
Flour: Flour is used to thicken the roux and create a thick and flavorful base for the stew.
Onion, celery, and bell pepper: These aromatic vegetables are sautéed and provide a savory and slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients in the dish.
Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent and slightly spicy flavor that's essential to many Cajun dishes.
Seafood or chicken broth: Broth adds depth of flavor and moisture to the dish. Seafood broth is preferred, but chicken broth can be used as well.
Cajun seasoning: Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices that includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and other seasonings. It adds a spicy and aromatic flavor that's characteristic of Cajun cuisine.
Cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a touch of heat to the dish, which can be adjusted to taste.
Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
Hot sauce: Hot sauce adds a spicy and acidic kick to the dish, which can be adjusted to taste.
Parsley: Parsley is used as a garnish and adds a fresh and herbaceous note to the dish.

Equipment required for this recipe

Large pot or Dutch oven: A large pot or Dutch oven is needed to cook the etouffee. If you don't have a large pot or Dutch oven, you can use a large skillet or sauté pan.
Wooden spoon or whisk: A wooden spoon or whisk is needed to stir the roux and prevent it from burning. If you don't have a wooden spoon or whisk, you can use a silicone or metal spoon or whisk.
Cutting board and knife: A cutting board and knife are needed to chop the vegetables. If you don't have a cutting board or knife, you can use a plate and a sharp kitchen knife.
Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are needed to measure the ingredients accurately. If you don't have measuring cups and spoons, you can use a kitchen scale to measure the ingredients by weight.
Serving dish: A serving dish is needed to serve the etouffee. You can use a large platter or individual serving bowls.
Optional: Rice cooker or pot to cook rice, if you plan to serve the etouffee with rice.

How to make Cajun Ninja Crawfish Etouffee

Try this delicious Cajun Ninja Crawfish Etouffee recipe that's easy to make and bursting with authentic Cajun flavor. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 large onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 pounds crawfish tails, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups seafood or chicken broth
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a deep golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
Add the chopped onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the crawfish tails, Cajun seasoning, and cayenne pepper to the pot, and stir well to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the crawfish are heated through and well-coated in the seasoned butter.
Pour in the seafood or chicken broth, and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the chopped parsley, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve the etouffee over cooked white rice, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!

How to serve Cajun Ninja Crawfish Etouffee

First, prepare a serving of cooked rice. You can use a rice cooker or pot to cook the rice, following the instructions on the package.
Once the etouffee is finished cooking, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
To serve, spoon a generous portion of the etouffee over a bed of rice. Make sure to scoop up plenty of the flavorful sauce, along with some of the tender crawfish tails and vegetables.
Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.
Serve hot, and enjoy! The combination of savory crawfish and aromatic vegetables, smothered in a rich and flavorful roux-based sauce, is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling full and satisfied.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 653 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Cajun Ninja Crawfish Etouffee, Cajun Ninja Crawfish Etouffee Recipe, Recipe, Top rated

What to serve Cajun Ninja Crawfish Etouffee with

Cajun Ninja Crawfish Etouffee is a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions for what to serve with it:

Rice: Rice is a traditional accompaniment to etouffee and is perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce. Serve the etouffee over a bed of cooked white or brown rice.
Cornbread: Cornbread is a classic Southern side dish that pairs well with etouffee. Serve warm, buttery cornbread on the side for a delicious contrast of sweet and savory flavors.
Green salad: A crisp, fresh green salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the etouffee. Toss together your favorite greens, such as lettuce or spinach, along with sliced vegetables, such as cucumbers or tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Steamed vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots, are a healthy and flavorful side dish that complements the rich and savory flavors of the etouffee.
Crusty bread: A crusty baguette or loaf of bread is perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce from the dish.
Beer or wine: A cold beer or glass of chilled white wine pairs well with the spicy flavors of Cajun cuisine and can help cool down the heat of the dish.

My recommendations and tips

Use fresh crawfish: Fresh crawfish is the star ingredient of this dish, so it's important to use high-quality, fresh crawfish if possible. Look for crawfish that are firm and free of any off-odors or discoloration.
Prepare your ingredients in advance: This dish comes together quickly, so it's important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Chop your vegetables, measure out your ingredients, and have everything within arm's reach.
Cook the roux low and slow: The roux is the foundation of the dish and should be cooked low and slow to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, silky texture. Be patient and stir constantly to avoid any lumps or burning.
Adjust the heat to your liking: Cajun cuisine is known for its spicy flavors, but you can adjust the heat level of this dish to your personal taste. If you prefer a milder dish, use less cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
Serve it hot: This dish is best served hot, so make sure to keep it warm until you're ready to serve. If you're serving it at a party or gathering, consider using a slow cooker or chafing dish to keep it warm.
Experiment with the recipe: Cajun cuisine is all about bold flavors and experimentation, so feel free to experiment with the recipe to make it your own. Try adding different spices or vegetables, or swap out the crawfish for shrimp or another seafood.
Enjoy with friends and family: Cajun Ninja Crawfish Etouffee is a dish that's meant to be shared and enjoyed with friends and family. Invite some loved ones over and enjoy a delicious and memorable meal together.

Potential ingredients substitutes

Crawfish: If you can't find fresh or frozen crawfish, you can substitute with other types of seafood such as shrimp, crab meat or even diced chicken. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the dish may vary depending on the substitute.
Holy Trinity: The traditional "holy trinity" of onion, celery, and bell pepper can be substituted with other vegetables, such as leeks, shallots, or even fennel.
Cajun seasoning: If you don't have cajun seasoning on hand, you can make your own by combining spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano. Adjust the amount of spices to your liking.
Butter: If you're looking for a dairy-free substitute for butter, you can use coconut oil or olive oil instead.
All-purpose flour: You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or other types of flour such as almond flour or cornstarch, although the texture and thickness of the sauce may be slightly different.

What else?

Here are a few additional things you may want to know about Cajun Ninja Crawfish Etouffee:

Etouffee is a Cajun and Creole dish that originated in Louisiana. It typically consists of seafood, vegetables, and a roux-based sauce served over rice.
Crawfish is a staple of Cajun cuisine and is often used in dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and etouffee. It has a slightly sweet and slightly nutty flavor, similar to lobster or shrimp.
Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices commonly used in Cajun cuisine. It typically includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano. You can buy pre-made Cajun seasoning or make your own.
Roux is a mixture of flour and fat (usually butter) that is used to thicken sauces and soups. In Cajun and Creole cuisine, roux is a key ingredient in dishes like gumbo and etouffee. The longer the roux is cooked, the darker and richer it becomes.
When cooking the etouffee, it's important to stir the pot constantly to prevent the roux from burning and to ensure a smooth, silky texture.
Etouffee is typically served over rice and garnished with green onions or parsley. Some people also like to serve it with crusty French bread or cornbread to sop up the sauce.

Remarks

In conclusion, Cajun Ninja Crawfish Etouffee is a delicious and authentic Cajun dish that's easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. So don't hesitate - give it a try and discover the flavors of Cajun cuisine today!