When it comes to New Orleans staples, Etouffee is definitely at the top of the list. This buttery, spicy, and delicious dish can be made with seafood, chicken or pork and served over rice.
Etouffee is a classic Cajun dish from Louisiana that features shellfish or chicken smothered in a roux-based sauce with vegetables and spices.
It’s a deliciously satisfying meal on its own, but it becomes even more delicious when served with the right sides. But the question arises what to serve with etouffee?
Finding the perfect side dishes can be a daunting task, but we’ve got you covered. In this post, we will introduce you to some quick and amazing side dishes that will complement and enhance the flavors of your etouffee.
These dishes are easy to prepare, tasty, and will complete your meal perfectly. So, get ready to take your etouffee game to the next level!
What is etouffee? What does Etouffee taste like?
Etouffee is a Cajun dish native to Louisiana, USA.
It usually consists of shellfish or other seafood served in a thick and flavorful sauce made from butter, onions, garlic, and spices such as cayenne pepper and paprika.
The taste is savory, with notes of spiciness depending on the ingredients used to make the sauce. Etouffee is traditionally served over steamed white rice.
Best Sides to serve with etouffee
1. Cornbread
Cornbread is the perfect side dish for etouffee. Its sweet, savory, and slightly crumbly texture pairs well with the spicy flavors of the dish.
You can bake the cornbread a day ahead, and it will still taste great.
2. Collard Greens
There’s nothing quite like collard greens to add some freshness and color to your etouffee.
Cooked with a bit of bacon or ham hock, these greens will be the perfect complement to the savory taste of your etouffee.
3. Red Beans and Rice
This dish is a classic in Louisiana cuisine and pairs perfectly with etouffee.
The flavors of the red beans and the rice blend well with the spices in the etouffee, making it a filling and delicious meal.
4. Fried Okra
Who doesn’t love a good fried okra? This classic southern dish goes perfectly with any meal, but it goes particularly well with Etouffee.
The crispy texture and the fresh taste of the okra will make your taste buds dance.
Discover More: What to Serve with Fried Okra| 25 Delicious and Easy Side Dishes to Try
5. Macaroni and Cheese
Mac and cheese are the ultimate comfort food, and it’s the perfect side dish for etouffee.
The cheesy goodness and the creamy texture will balance out the spiciness of the etouffee perfectly.
6. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic dish that pairs well with almost any meal.
Its tanginess and crunchiness will add some freshness to your etouffee, making it a complete and balanced meal.
7. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are always a good idea, especially as a side dish for etouffee.
You can roast any vegetables you like, but we recommend squash, zucchini, and onions. The roasted veggies will add some sweetness and depth of flavor to your meal.
8. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser, and it pairs well with etouffee too.
The garlic flavor and the toasted bread will complement and enhance the flavors of the dish, making it even more delicious.
9. Gumbo
Gumbo is a sister dish of etouffee, and it goes perfectly with it. They share the same base ingredients and spices, so they will blend well together.
You can serve it as a side dish or mix it with your etouffee for a more filling meal.
10. Salad
If you’re looking for a fresh and healthy side dish for your etouffee, a salad is always a good idea.
You can make a simple green salad with oil and vinegar dressing or a more elaborate one with fruits and nuts.
11. Fried Rice
If you want to stick with the rice theme but want to add some more flavor, try serving etouffee with fried rice.
Fried rice is a savory and flavorful alternative to plain rice. You can add veggies like green onions, peas, and carrots to make it even more delicious.
Explore More: 17 Delicious and Creative Sides to Pair with Mexican Rice
12. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with many dishes, including etouffee.
The creamy and buttery texture of mashed potatoes can help balance out the spiciness of the etouffee. You can also add some garlic or herbs to make it even more flavorful.
13. Bread Pudding
For a sweet ending to your etouffee meal, bread pudding is a great option. This classic New Orleans dessert is made with bread, eggs, milk, and sugar and is often served with a bourbon or rum sauce. (Recipe)
The sweetness of the bread pudding can help balance out the spiciness of the etouffee.
What are the best flavors to go with Etouffee?
Etouffee is a classic Cajun dish that consists of a thick stew typically served over rice.
The name “etouffee” means smothered, and this dish often features a variety of flavorful ingredients such as shrimp, crawfish, and other shellfish.
To complement the unique flavors in etouffee, it’s best to choose ingredients that will add brightness and acidity to the overall taste.
Some of the best flavors to pair with etouffee are citrus fruits like oranges or lemons; aromatic herbs such as thyme, basil, oregano, sage, or parsley; nutty flavors like almonds or walnuts; and spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
Learn More: 13 Perfect and Mouthwatering Side Dishes to Serve with Catfish
How do you jazz up etouffee?
To jazz up etouffee, you can add a variety of ingredients such as diced tomatoes, bell peppers, celery, green onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce or hot pepper sauce.
You can also include different types of seafood, such as shrimp, crab meat or crawfish. If desired, you could even use andouille sausage to give the dish a smoky flavor.
Additionally, adding additional seasonings such as oregano or Cajun seasoning will enhance the flavors in etouffee.
How do you display etouffee on a platter?
Etouffee is best served on a platter with plenty of room for all of its delicious components.
Begin by arranging a bed of fluffy white rice in the center of the platter. Then artfully arrange the etouffee around the rice, making sure to highlight its vibrant colors and bold flavors.
To complete the presentation, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions, adding a pop of color and texture to the plate.
For added flavor, top with a sprinkle of hot sauce or Tabasco, if desired. Etouffee should be served warm and enjoyed immediately for optimal flavor.
What kind of rice can you serve with Etouffee?
Long-grain white rice is the best type of rice to serve with Etouffee. Long-grain white rice has a light, fluffy texture and won’t overpower the flavor of the etouffee.
Basmati or jasmine rice can also be used in place of long-grain white rice for a more exotic flavor profile.
Brown or wild rice can also be used, but they will have a denser texture that can take away from the lightness of etouffee.
Find Out More: 13 Best vegetables to serve with coconut shrimp
Tips on How to Choose the Most Suitable side dishes for etouffee
1. Understand the flavors of etouffee
Etouffee is a Cajun dish that typically has a tomato base and includes ingredients such as shrimp, crawfish, or chicken.
It also often contains garlic, onions, celery, bell peppers, and herbs like thyme and parsley.
2. Consider the type of protein you’re serving with your etouffee
The type of protein you choose to serve with your etouffee will determine which side dishes are most suitable.
For example, if you’re serving seafood-based etouffee like shrimp or crawfish, then rice would be an ideal accompaniment, while for chicken-based versions, potatoes or sweet potatoes might work better.
3. Think about what vegetables pair well with the flavors in your dish
Vegetables like corn on the cob or green beans can provide a nice contrast to the spicy flavors found in many Cajun dishes such as etouffeé, so consider adding these to your meal too!
4. Choose sides that add texture variety
To ensure your meal doesn’t become too one-dimensional, try adding some crunchy elements such as croutons or fried onions for added texture variation alongside softer items like mashed potatoes or boiled rice.
5. Come up with an appropriate dessert
As Etouffee often has a spicy, robust flavor profile, make sure that you select a dessert that complements this well.
Sweet desserts like cobblers or pies will work best as they won’t overpower the other flavors in your meal.
Alternatively, you could serve a light sorbet for those who would prefer something more refreshing after their main course.
6. Don’t forget about drinks
Beverages should also be taken into consideration when creating the perfect etouffee-based dinner party menu!
Your guests may appreciate a selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options such as cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drinks to ensure everyone can enjoy their evening.
7. Consider garnishing your dish
Finally, don’t forget about garnishing your etouffee with fresh herbs or other items such as diced tomatoes and scallions for a colorful finish!
This will help to enhance the presentation of the meal and ensure that it looks as good as it tastes.
By following these tips, you can create an enjoyable dinner party menu based around etouffee that everyone can enjoy!
With a little bit of creativity and thought, you can easily whip up a delicious meal that leaves your guests full and satisfied.
Wrap Up on what to serve with etouffee
Etouffee is a delicious and hearty dish that can be made with a variety of meats and seafood. However, to make it a complete meal, you need some side dishes to balance out the flavors and textures.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or serving your family, these dishes will complete your meal perfectly. From cornbread to salad, you have plenty of options to choose from.
So, next time you’re making etouffee, don’t forget to add one of these sides to the menu. Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
How much etouffee per person?
It depends on how much your guests like etouffee. A serving size of 3/4 cup is a good starting point.
That should be enough for most diners to enjoy the dish without feeling overly full.
If you’re expecting heartier appetites, you may want to bump up the portion size to 1 cup per person.
If you really want to go all out, some restaurants serve up to 2 cups of etouffee per person.
Additionally, consider any side dishes or other accompaniments that will be served alongside the etouffee.
What bread goes with etouffee
A popular bread to serve with etouffee is garlicky French bread. The crunchy exterior and soft, chewy interior of French bread pair perfectly with the creamy, flavorful sauce of etouffee.
Additionally, its garlic flavor amplifies the savory quality of the dish.
Another great option is a French baguette, which has a similar texture to French bread but can be sliced thinner. This makes it easier to sop up any extra etouffee sauce from your plate!
What appetizer goes with etouffee
A popular appetizer to pair with etouffee is a deep-fried alligator. Bite-sized pieces of alligator meat are lightly seasoned and dredged in a coating of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before being fried until crispy.
The crunchy texture pairs perfectly with the creamy etouffee sauce.
For an extra kick, try adding a Cajun seasoning blend to the alligator before frying – the combination of spice and flavor will be irresistible!
What meat goes with crawfish etouffee
Crawfish etouffee is traditionally served with white rice, making it a hearty and filling meal.
It has a rich, flavorful sauce that pairs nicely with other proteins such as sausage, chicken, or shrimp.
Another option is to add some diced ham to the etouffee for additional flavor and texture.
For a vegetarian version of crawfish etouffee, try adding diced vegetables such as onions, celery, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the dish.
Enjoy your crawfish etouffee with a side of crusty French bread or warm cornbread for an added touch of comfort food.
What vegetables go in etouffee
Etouffee is a traditional Cajun dish, typically made with shrimp or crawfish. However, it can also be made with vegetables such as celery, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and mushrooms.
Other vegetables often used in etouffee are okra and green onions.
Carrots, squash, eggplant, and zucchini are also popular additions.
To enhance the flavor of the dish even further, Cajun spices such as cayenne pepper and paprika are often used in addition to these vegetables.
What to serve with chicken etouffee?
Chicken etouffee is a classic Creole dish featuring a flavorful sauce that is made with butter, vegetables, herbs and spices.
To complete the meal, it is best served with steamed white rice or buttered slices of French bread.
If desired, cornbread muffins are a great side dish choice as well. To add a touch of freshness to the meal, a simple seasonal salad can pair nicely with the etouffee.
For an extra bit of sweetness, serve up some freshly sliced peaches or pears with a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Finally, for something even more indulgent, whipped cream topping and a sprinkling of toasted pecans can take the dessert to the next level!
What dessert goes with crawfish etouffee
A classic Louisiana dessert to enjoy with crawfish etouffee is beignets. These fried doughnuts usually served with powdered sugar, are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Beignets are associated with New Orleans and are often served in cafes or restaurants alongside a cup of chicory coffee.
Enjoying these two traditional dishes together provides a unique taste of the culture of Louisiana.
salad to go with shrimp etouffee
Shrimp etouffee is an iconic creole dish that pairs perfectly with a fresh, vibrant salad.
A traditional French-inspired green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can be the perfect complement to this flavorful entree.
To make the salad truly shine, add in some sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy carrots, and peppery arugula or radicchio for depth of flavor.
For even more texture and color, toss in some toasted nuts and crumbled feta cheese to give the salad its finishing touch.
The vibrant colors and layers of flavors will help balance out the savory shrimp etouffee for a delicious meal worth savoring.
