15+ Louisiana Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Louisiana cuisine is famous for its vibrant flavors and rich traditions. The dishes here reflect a mix of cultures that have influenced the state over the years. You will discover unique recipes that celebrate local ingredients and cooking methods.

From spicy jambalaya to sweet beignets, the variety is sure to delight any food lover. Louisiana recipes often include seafood, rice, and bold seasonings. These meals not only satisfy your taste buds but also tell the story of the state’s history and culture.

1) Cajun Shrimp Étouffée

Cajun Shrimp Étouffée is a classic Louisiana dish. It features shrimp cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce. The blend of spices gives it a unique taste that makes it stand out.

To make this dish, you start with a roux, which is a mix of flour and fat cooked together. The base also includes onions, bell peppers, and celery, known as the “holy trinity” in Cajun cooking.

You can serve it over rice for a hearty meal. It’s great for any gathering or a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup (60 g) flour
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (150 g) onion, chopped
• 1 cup (150 g) bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup (150 g) celery, chopped
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooked rice for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
2. Add flour and stir to make a roux, cooking until golden brown.
3. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until soft.
4. Stir in the broth and Cajun seasoning.
5. Add shrimp and cook until they turn pink.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve over rice.

2) Creole Jambalaya

Creole jambalaya is a delicious rice dish from Louisiana. It combines chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage, creating a tasty one-pot meal. You’ll love the mix of spices and colorful vegetables.

To make it, start with onions, peppers, and celery for the base. Add your meats and let them cook until done. Then, stir in tomatoes and rice, along with broth to bring all the flavors together.

Cooking this dish takes about an hour. Serve it hot, and enjoy the wonderful taste of Creole cuisine!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken, diced
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 cup onions, chopped
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions, peppers, and celery until soft.
3. Add chicken and sausage, cooking until browned.
4. Stir in shrimp, cooking until pink.
5. Add diced tomatoes and Cajun seasoning.
6. Stir in rice and broth.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
8. Simmer for about 25 minutes.
9. Fluff with a fork and serve hot.

3) Classic Gumbo

Gumbo is a famous dish from Louisiana. It has a rich flavor and is often made with a mix of meats and seafood. The base usually includes a dark roux, which gives it a unique taste.

You can add shrimp, sausage, or chicken. Vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and celery make it hearty. Serve it with rice for a complete meal.

Many families have their own special recipes. It’s a great dish for gatherings and can feed a crowd.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound sausage, sliced
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat.
2. Stir in flour and cook until dark brown, about 20 minutes.
3. Add onions, bell peppers, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in garlic, sausage, and Cajun seasoning. Cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
7. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 5 minutes.
8. Serve hot over rice.

4) Stuffed Whole Flounder

Stuffed whole flounder is a delicious dish that brings the taste of the sea to your table. Its tender meat pairs well with a flavorful stuffing. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner.

To start, you will need fresh flounder. Make sure to fillet it carefully or ask your fishmonger for help. A tasty stuffing can include breadcrumbs, shrimp, herbs, and spices.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Stuff the flounder, then place it in a baking dish. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the fish is cooked and flaky.

With a squeeze of lemon, this dish is not only appealing but also packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 whole flounder
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Clean and fillet the flounder if needed.
3. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, shrimp, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the flounder with the mixture.
5. Place it in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.
6. Serve with lemon wedges.

5) New Orleans Beignets

New Orleans beignets are a delicious treat. These fluffy pastries are deep-fried and covered in powdered sugar. They are best enjoyed fresh, often with a hot cup of café au lait.

To make beignets, you’ll start with a simple dough. After letting it rise, you roll it out and cut it into squares. Then, fry them until golden brown.

The light and airy texture pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar. Enjoy them on a special morning or as a snack during the day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240 ml) of warm water (110°F / 43°C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) evaporated milk
• 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (60 g) butter, melted
• Oil for frying
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
2. Add sugar, egg, and evaporated milk; mix well.
3. Gradually stir in flour and melted butter until a dough forms.
4. Knead for about 5 minutes. Cover and let rise for 1-2 hours.
5. Roll out the dough and cut into squares.
6. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
7. Fry the dough squares until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
8. Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve warm.

6) Spicy Red Beans and Rice

Spicy Red Beans and Rice is a classic Louisiana dish. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a family meal. The combination of spices and sausage gives it a nice kick.

To make your dish even better, you can adjust the heat to your liking. Using spicy andouille sausage will really boost the flavor. You can also add cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Serve this dish over cooked rice to soak up all the delicious flavors. It’s great for leftovers, too!

Ingredients

• 1 pound red kidney beans
• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups cooked long-grain rice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and soak the beans overnight.
2. In a pot, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft.
3. Add the sausage and cook for a few more minutes.
4. Stir in the soaked beans, Cajun seasoning, and chicken broth.
5. Simmer for about 1.5 hours until beans are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve over rice.

7) Crawfish Étouffée

Crawfish étouffée is a classic Louisiana dish. It features crawfish tails in a rich, spicy gravy served over rice. This dish is both hearty and flavorful, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

You start by making a roux, which adds depth to the sauce. Combine onions, garlic, and seasonings for a bold taste. Finally, mix in the crawfish and let it simmer.

Serve your étouffée hot over a scoop of fluffy rice for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 3 cups long grain white rice
• 7 cups water
• ¾ cup butter
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 2 cups crawfish tails
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, boil water and cook rice according to package directions.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
4. Stir in Cajun seasoning and crawfish. Cook for 5 minutes.
5. Serve the sauce over the hot rice. Enjoy!

8) Creole Cornbread

Creole cornbread is a delicious twist on traditional cornbread. It has a rich flavor and a slightly spicy kick, making it perfect for pairing with soups and stews. You can add ingredients like diced peppers or cooked sausage for an extra layer of taste.

This cornbread is often made with a mix of cornmeal and flour. You can enjoy it warm with butter or in your favorite dishes. The texture is crumbly and moist, making each bite satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk milk, oil, and eggs.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
5. Fold in diced peppers if using.
6. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.

9) Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits is a tasty dish that comes from the Southern United States. It combines fresh shrimp with creamy grits for a delicious meal.

To make this dish, you’ll cook shrimp in a spicy sauce and serve it over smooth, buttery grits. It is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (150g) grits
• 2 cups (480ml) water
• 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 4 tablespoons (60g) butter
• 1 teaspoon (5g) Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, bring water and salt to a boil. Add grits and cook until thick, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in milk and 2 tablespoons of butter. Mix well.
3. In a pan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat.
4. Add shrimp and Cajun seasoning. Cook until shrimp turn pink, around 3-4 minutes.
5. Serve shrimp over grits and garnish with green onions. Enjoy!

10) Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Chicken and sausage gumbo is a classic Louisiana dish. It mixes flavors that warm your heart. This gumbo features chicken and smoked sausage, all in a rich, thick broth.

You start by making a roux, which gives gumbo its color and taste. Then you add the meats along with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and celery. Don’t forget the spices! They make the dish unique and flavorful.

Serve it over rice for a filling meal. This gumbo is great for gatherings or a cozy night at home.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice, for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Stir in flour to make a roux. Cook until brown, about 15 minutes.
3. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until soft.
4. Add chicken and sausage. Stir well.
5. Pour in chicken broth and add Creole seasoning.
6. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve over cooked rice. Enjoy!

11) Fried Catfish with Hush Puppies

Fried catfish with hush puppies is a classic dish from Louisiana. This meal is crispy, savory, and full of flavor. You can enjoy it as a main dish or share it at a gathering.

To prepare the catfish, you’ll need fillets coated in cornmeal and seasoned spices. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy. The hush puppies are made from cornmeal too, mixed with onion and deep-fried until they puff up.

You’ll love how well the mild fish and the slightly sweet hush puppies go together. Serve this dish with your favorite sauce or some tartar sauce for dipping.

Ingredients

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for frying
• 1 cup cornmeal (for hush puppies)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 egg
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer to 350°F (180°C).
2. Mix cornmeal, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Coat catfish fillets with the mixture.
4. Fry catfish in hot oil until golden, about 5 minutes.
5. For hush puppies, mix cornmeal, onion, egg, buttermilk, and baking powder.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the oil and fry until golden.
7. Serve catfish with hush puppies and your choice of sauce.

12) Cajun Dirty Rice

Cajun Dirty Rice is a flavorful dish that blends rice with meat and spices. It’s a staple in Louisiana cooking and is perfect as a side or main dish.

You will typically find ground beef, sausage, and vegetables like bell peppers and onions in this recipe. The spices give it a rich taste that’s hard to resist.

To make this dish, you will need a few simple ingredients and follow a few easy steps. Enjoy making this dish for your next meal!

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups water
• ½ pound ground beef
• ½ pound ground sausage
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add the rice and cook for about 20 minutes until tender.
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef and sausage over medium heat until browned.
3. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened.
4. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine the meat mixture with the cooked rice. Serve warm.

13) Creole Daube

Creole Daube is a rich, flavorful beef stew popular in Louisiana. It combines meat, vegetables, and spices for a warming dish.

To make Creole Daube, you’ll start by browning beef chunks in a pot. Then, you’ll add onions, garlic, and bell peppers for extra flavor. A mix of tomatoes, herbs, and spices enhances the taste.

This dish simmers slowly, allowing the flavors to blend. You can serve it over rice or with crusty bread for a hearty meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into chunks
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat.
2. Brown the beef chunks on all sides.
3. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until soft.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, and oregano.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
7. Cover and simmer for 2 to 3 hours at 300°F (150°C).
8. Serve hot over rice or with bread.

14) Seafood Gumbo

Seafood gumbo is a popular dish in Louisiana. It combines shrimp, crab, and sometimes fish in a thick, flavorful stew. You can serve it over rice for a hearty meal.

This dish starts with a rich roux made from flour and oil. Cooking it slowly gives gumbo its unique flavor. You will also find vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and celery mixed in.

Spices like cayenne pepper add a touch of heat. You can top your gumbo with fresh parsley or green onions for extra flavor. Enjoy this warm and comforting dish with friends and family.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled
• 1 pound crab meat
• 4 cups seafood stock
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat.
2. Stir in flour to make a roux. Cook until brown.
3. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until soft.
4. Pour in seafood stock and bring to a boil.
5. Add shrimp and crab. Cook until shrimp turns pink.
6. Season with cayenne, salt, and pepper.
7. Serve over cooked rice and enjoy!

15) Turducken

Turducken is a unique dish from Louisiana that combines turkey, duck, and chicken all in one. This meal is often enjoyed during special occasions and holidays. It offers a flavorful and juicy experience that many love.

To prepare a turducken, you start with a whole turkey. You stuff the turkey with a duck and then stuff the duck with a chicken. Each layer has its own seasoning, adding depth to the flavors.

Cooking a turducken takes time and patience. You usually roast it in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for several hours. It’s essential to make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
• 1 whole duck (4-6 lbs)
• 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
• Spice mix (salt, pepper, garlic powder, and more to taste)
• Stuffing (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Prepare the turkey by removing the innards.
3. Season the inside of the turkey.
4. Stuff the duck with seasoned stuffing (if using).
5. Place the duck inside the turkey.
6. Season the duck and stuff the chicken inside it.
7. After that, season the chicken before placing it inside the duck.
8. Secure the opening of the turkey with kitchen twine.
9. Roast in the oven for 4-6 hours, checking the temperature.
10. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.