Crab and Shrimp Étouffée Recipe

Crab and Shrimp Étouffée Recipe

  • ½ cup (1 stick) butter
  • 1/3 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 cup chopped yellow onions
  • 1 rib celery chopped
  • 2 large garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1/3 cup seeded and chopped red bell peppers
  • 1/3 cup seeded and chopped green bell peppers
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 pounds medium-size shrimp, peeled and devined
  • 1¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon Tabasco brand garlic pepper sauce
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions green and white parts
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • 2 pounds jumbo lump crabmeat, picked over for shells and cartilage
  • Hot cooked long grain white rice
  1. In a large, heavy pot, over medium-low heat, melt the butter, then add the flour. Stirring often, cook until the foam subsides and the mixture turns a golden color, like sandpaper, 10 to 12 minutes (see Eula Mae’s advice on making a roux). Add the yellow onions, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until soft and golden, about 15 minutes.
  2. Add the bell peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add the water and stir to blend until the mixture thickens. Add the shrimp and stir to mix. Cook, stirring occasionally until the shrimp turn pink, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the salt, Tabasco, and black pepper and continue to cook for 5 to 7 minutes longer. Add the green onions, parsley, and crabmeat. Don’t stir or you’ll break up the crabmeat. Gently shake the pot, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Turn off the heat and let it rest (with the lid on the pot) for about 5 minutes.
  4. Serve over the rice in soup or gumbo bowls.