Louisiana Shrimp Crawfish Pies
Golden, flaky pies stuffed with a savory seafood filling bursting with bold Cajun flavors—pure Louisiana magic in every bite!
Ingredients
◻ 1 stick of salted butter, melted for a rich base
◻ 1 cup of finely chopped onions, sweet and aromatic
◻ 1 cup of finely chopped green bell peppers, for a classic Cajun kick
◻ 1 tsp of salt, to enhance every flavor
◻ ½ tsp of cayenne pepper, for a gentle heat
◻ ¼ tsp of freshly ground black pepper, for a touch of depth
◻ 2 tbsp of tomato paste, packed with bold, tangy richness
◻ 1 tsp of smoky paprika, a true Cajun essential
◻ ½ cup of water, to create the sauce base
◻ 2 tbsp of cornstarch, dissolved in 1 cup water to thicken
◻ 1 lb of peeled Louisiana shrimp or crawfish tails, tender and juicy
◻ ¼ cup of chopped green onions (green tops only) for freshness
◻ 2 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley leaves for a herby finish
◻ 6 (3-inch) pie shells or 1 (9-inch) pie shell, pre-baked to flaky perfection
Instructions
❶ Sauté the Vegetables
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and golden—about 6 minutes.
❷ Season and Simmer
Add the salt, cayenne, black pepper, tomato paste, paprika, and ½ cup of water. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for 5 minutes while stirring often.
❸ Thicken the Filling
Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly. Cook until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken into a luscious filling.
❹ Add the Crawfish or Shrimp
Stir in the shrimp or crawfish tails, letting them cook gently for about 10 minutes until they are tender and perfectly coated in the flavorful sauce.
❺ Finish with Fresh Herbs
Sprinkle in the chopped green onions and parsley, adjusting the seasoning to your taste. Remove the filling from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
❻ Fill and Bake the Pies
Spoon the cooled filling into pre-baked pie shells. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes for smaller pies or 15-18 minutes for a larger pie. The pies are ready when they’re bubbly and golden brown on top.
Time & Nutrition
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6