The Best Homemade Etouffee Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Homemade Etouffee recipe is packed with flavor and easy to make, perfect for a cozy night in or impressing your guests. You’ll love how it brings comfort and warmth to your table.
- It uses simple ingredients you likely already have, saving you time and effort.
- The rich, creamy sauce pairs perfectly with tender shrimp or chicken.
- It’s customizable, so you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Recipe

Etouffee is a classic Cajun dish featuring a rich, flavorful sauce smothering tender shrimp or crawfish. This recipe delivers authentic taste with a buttery roux and the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking—bell peppers, onions, and celery.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups seafood or chicken stock
- 1 lb shrimp or crawfish tails, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add flour and stir continuously to make a roux. Cook until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until softened (5 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and stock. Bring to a simmer.
- Add Cajun seasoning and hot sauce (if using). Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in shrimp or crawfish. Cook until seafood is opaque (3-5 minutes).
- Garnish with green onions and parsley. Serve over rice.
Notes:
- For a thicker sauce, simmer longer. For thinner, add more stock.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste.
Equipment:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Cuisine:
– Cajun
Serving:
– 4-6 servings
Nutrition
This homemade etouffee recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 850mg |
What To Serve With It
When I serve homemade etouffee, I love pairing it with classic side dishes like fluffy white rice or warm, crusty French bread. For something lighter, I’ll toss together a fresh salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette. These sides balance the rich flavors perfectly, making the meal feel complete.
Classic Side Dishes
Since etouffee’s rich, flavorful base steals the show, I like to pair it with sides that complement without overpowering. A buttery cornbread muffin is my go-to—its slight sweetness balances the spice. Steamed white rice soaks up the sauce perfectly, while crispy French bread adds a satisfying crunch. For something lighter, sautéed green beans with garlic keep things fresh. If I’m craving comfort, creamy mashed potatoes round out the meal. Each side brings its own charm, letting the etouffee shine. Stick with simple, hearty choices, and you’ll have a meal that feels complete without competing flavors.
Fresh Salad Options
If you’re looking for a fresh contrast to rich etouffee, a crisp salad can be just the thing—it lightens the meal without stealing the spotlight. I love tossing together mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a tangy vinaigrette. Sometimes, I’ll add avocado for creaminess or toasted almonds for crunch. A classic Caesar salad works too, with its bold flavors standing up to the etouffee nicely. For something zesty, try a citrus salad with orange segments and red onion. These salads balance the meal, making every bite feel satisfying yet not too heavy. Give them a try!