Here’s a recipe for Louisiana Seafood Brea (a take on Louisiana-style fried seafood):
Ingredients:
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For the Seafood:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb crawfish tails (optional but recommended)
- 1 lb oysters (optional, you can also substitute with catfish or other seafood)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg (optional, helps for a better coating)
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For the Breading:
- 1 ½ cups cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
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For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for frying, around 2 cups depending on your pan size)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Seafood:
- If you’re using shrimp, oysters, or crawfish, rinse and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a shallow bowl, mix the buttermilk and egg (if using) together. Place the seafood in the mixture and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. This helps the breading adhere better.
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Prepare the Breading:
- In another shallow bowl or dish, combine the cornmeal, flour, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper (if you want some spice).
- Mix it thoroughly so the seasonings are evenly distributed.
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Coat the Seafood:
- Take the seafood out of the buttermilk and dip it into the breading mixture. Ensure each piece is coated evenly. Shake off any excess breading.
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Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot, around 350°F (175°C), before frying the seafood. Test by dropping a small amount of breading into the oil—if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
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Fry the Seafood:
- Carefully place the breaded seafood into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Oysters and crawfish may take 3-4 minutes, depending on the size.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the seafood and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
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Serve:
- Serve your Louisiana seafood brea with lemon wedges, hot sauce, or a side of cocktail sauce. You can also pair it with fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad.
Enjoy your flavorful, crispy Louisiana-style seafood!
