Dive into a bowl of comfort with this Classic Cajun Oyster Stew. Brimming with tender oysters, creamy broth, and bold Cajun flavors, this dish is the epitome of coastal comfort food. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you want to impress seafood lovers, this recipe delivers warmth and richness in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 small bell pepper, chopped (substitute jalapeños for extra heat)
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup oyster liquor, reserved from shucked oysters
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Dash of hot sauce
- 2 dozen fresh oysters, shucked and drained (or substitute with canned oysters)
For Serving:
- Extra chopped parsley
- Pads of butter (optional)
- Chili flakes
- Extra hot sauce
- Soda crackers or oyster crackers
Instructions
- Make the Base: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper (or jalapeño), celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
- Create the Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a light roux.
- Enhance the Flavor: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, then gradually whisk in the milk and oyster liquor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth texture.
- Season and Simmer: Add a dash of hot sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Allow the stew to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Add the Oysters: Stir in the oysters and cook gently for 3-5 minutes, or until the edges of the oysters curl slightly. Do not overcook.
- Finish with Herbs: Stir in the chopped parsley and green onions for a fresh, herby finish.
- Serve: Ladle the oyster stew into bowls and garnish with additional parsley, chili flakes, and a pad of butter if desired. Serve with soda crackers or oyster crackers on the side.
Conclusion
This Classic Cajun Oyster Stew is a rich, flavorful dish that’s as comforting as it is indulgent. The creamy base pairs perfectly with the briny oysters, while the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce add just the right kick. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, this stew is sure to become a favorite for seafood lovers.
Classic Cajun Oyster Stew with a Spicy Twist
This creamy, flavorful Oyster Stew combines thebriny richness of oysters with Cajun spices, fresh herbs, and a dash of heatfor a comforting and hearty dish
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 small bell pepper chopped (substitute jalapeños for extra heat)
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup oyster liquor reserved from shucked oysters
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Dash of hot sauce
- 2 dozen fresh oysters shucked and drained (or substitute with canned oysters)
- Extra chopped parsley
- Pads of butter optional
- Chili flakes
- Extra hot sauce
- Soda crackers or oyster crackers
Instructions
- Make the Base: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper (or jalapeño), celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
- Create the Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a light roux.
- Enhance the Flavor: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, then gradually whisk in the milk and oyster liquor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth texture.
- Season and Simmer: Add a dash of hot sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Allow the stew to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Add the Oysters: Stir in the oysters and cook gently for 3-5 minutes, or until the edges of the oysters curl slightly. Do not overcook.
- Finish with Herbs: Stir in the chopped parsley and green onions for a fresh, herby finish.
- Serve: Ladle the oyster stew into bowls and garnish with additional parsley, chili flakes, and a pad of butter if desired. Serve with soda crackers or oyster crackers on the side.