Cajun Seafood Au Gratin Recipe
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Category: Seafood, Cajun, Crab
Keywords: Crawfish, Cajun, Less than 60 Minutes, Easy, Seafood
Description:
This rich and indulgent Cajun Seafood Au Gratin comes straight from Alex Patout’s Seafood Kitchen, offering a tantalizing, creamy seafood dish with bold flavors. Perfect for serving to guests or as a family favorite, this dish pairs wonderfully with a crusty loaf of bread, rice, or pasta. The recipe is a quick and simple one that can easily be doubled for larger gatherings. It’s a great dish for either an appetizer or a main course, and its smooth blend of shrimp, crawfish, and crab is absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re serving this dish to guests or enjoying it with family, it’s sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Fresh basil | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh thyme | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Ground black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| White pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Green onion | 1, chopped |
| Fresh parsley | 1 tablespoon |
| Medium shrimp | 1 ½ cups |
| Crayfish tail | 1 cup |
| Lump crabmeat | 1 cup |
| White crab meat | ½ cup |
| Cheese (your choice) | 1 ½ cups |
| Parmesan cheese | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 497.2 kcal |
| Total Fat | 38.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 23.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 255 mg |
| Sodium | 1334.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 8.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g |
| Sugars | 0.6 g |
| Protein | 30.4 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cream Base
Begin by pouring the heavy cream into a large, heavy skillet or saucepan and place it over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally as the cream heats to prevent it from boiling over. -
Simmer the Cream
Once the cream begins to simmer and rise, stir it to maintain control over the temperature and prevent any overflow. Continue to simmer for about 7-8 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken. -
Add Herbs and Seasonings
Stir in the fresh and dried basil, thyme, salt, ground black pepper, white pepper, chopped green onions, and fresh parsley. Continue simmering to infuse the cream with the aromatic flavors, stirring occasionally. -
Cook the Shrimp and Crawfish
Add the shrimp to the simmering cream mixture and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to turn pink and tender. Then, add the crawfish to the skillet and mix well, letting the seafood cook for another 2-3 minutes. -
Add the Crab Meat
Carefully fold in the lump crabmeat and white crab meat. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the delicate crab chunks. Allow the mixture to cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the seafood is heated through and evenly distributed. -
Melt the Cheese
Add 1 ½ cups of cheese (such as mozzarella or your preferred melting cheese) to the seafood mixture. Stir gently until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. -
Preheat the Broiler
While the cheese is melting, preheat your oven’s broiler to high. This will be used to create a golden, bubbly top for your seafood au gratin. -
Assemble and Broil
Pour the hot seafood mixture into a large ovenproof dish or divide it among individual ramekins for individual servings. Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese for an added depth of flavor. Place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, just until the top is golden brown and bubbly. -
Serve and Enjoy
Remove the dish from the oven and serve immediately. This dish can be paired with rice, pasta, or a crusty loaf of bread, which is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Additional Notes:
- Fresh is Best: This dish is best when prepared fresh. Its rich, creamy texture and bold flavors are best enjoyed right away.
- Flexible Ingredients: If you’re not able to find all three types of seafood, feel free to adjust the recipe. You can substitute with more of one type, or choose different seafood according to what’s available in your area.
- Doubling the Recipe: This recipe can be easily doubled for a crowd. Just be mindful that it will yield a larger quantity, but it works wonderfully for larger gatherings, ensuring everyone gets their fill of this delightful dish.
Whether you’re preparing it for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this Cajun Seafood Au Gratin will be a dish to remember. The combination of seafood, cheese, and creamy sauce creates a savory indulgence that’s sure to satisfy. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy enough to make for any occasion. Enjoy the delightful mix of textures and flavors in every bite!
