Shrimp Or Crawfish Monica Recipes

ORIGINAL CRAWFISH OR SHRIMP MONICA

Steps:

• 1. Cook pasta in salt water according to the directions on the package. Drain, then rinse under cool water to stop the cooking. Drain again, thoroughly.
• 2. Melt the butter in a large skillet and saute onions and garlic for 3 minutes.
• 3. *If using raw shrimp, add them with the onions and garlic at the beginning.
• 4. Add the crawfish and half-and-half, sauté until bubbly.
• 5. Add Creole seasoning - 1 big pinch then taste. Add more as needed but tasting before adding the next pinch until you think it's right. Add salt if needed. If you've boiled your own crawfish add the crawfish fat to the mixture as well.
• 6. Cook for 5 - 10 minutes over medium heat until the sauce thickens.
• 7. Add the pasta to the pot and toss well. You may not need to use all of the pasta. (I double the recipe when using the whole pound of pasta.) Let it sit for about 10 minutes over very low heat, stirring often.
• 8. Serve immediately, with lots of French bread and a nice white wine. Buon Appetito!
• 9. *COOKS NOTE: Most of the time I use half Heavy Cream and half - Half and Half, or in other words 1 1/3 cups heavy cream and 2/3 cups milk. I generally buy Heavy Cream because it can be cut with milk to make Half and Half. The sauce seems to thicken better than straight Half and Half but using all Heavy Cream is too thick.
• 10. *Tip: The sauce is excellent over Redfish on da Half Shell or grilled filets - I call it Redfish Monica.
• 11. *Options: If you don't have crawfish, use bay scallops, shrimp, lump crabmeat (add last and fold in gently).

SHRIMP OR CRAWFISH MONICA

Steps:

• Saute shallots and seasonings with butter.
• Add shrimp or crawfish and cook until pink.
• (5-7 mins.) Add cooked pasta and whipping cream.
• Cook to desired thickness.
• (10-15 mins.) Serve immediately, great with bread.

CAJUN CRAWFISH AND SHRIMP ÉTOUFFéE

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Gradually stir in flour, and stir constantly until the mixture turns 'peanut butter' brown or darker, at least 15 or 20 minutes. I use a large fork with the flat side to the bottom of the pan in a side to side motion. This is your base sauce or 'roux'. It is very important to stir this constantly. If by chance the roux burns, discard and start over.
• Once the roux is browned, add the onions, garlic, celery and bell pepper to the skillet, and saute for about 5 minutes to soften. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and fish stock, and season with the seafood seasoning. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Season the sauce with hot pepper sauce and cayenne pepper (if using), and add the crawfish and shrimp. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque.

CRAWFISH MONICA

Steps:

• cook pasta according the the directions on the package. Drain, then rinse under cool water and drain again thoroughly.
• Melt butter in a large pot and saute onions and garlic and parsley for about 3 minutes.
• Add the crawfish and saute for about 2 minutes.
• Add the half-and half and creole seasoning. Add a dash of cayenne pepper and taste before adding more until you have the right amount for you. If you have boiled your own crawfish save the fat and add it in as well.
• cook for 5-10 minutes over a medium heat until the sauce thickens.
• Add the pasta and toss well. Let sit for 10 minutes or so over very low heat stirring often.
• Serve immediately with lots of french bread and a nice dry white wine.

CREOLE CRAWFISH/SHRIMP MONICA

Steps:

• Heat butter in a deep skillet until bubbly hot.
• Add seasoning and stir until well- blended.
• Add heavy cream and cook until reduced by half.
• Add green onions, cooled pasta and meat.
• Heat through.
• Serve immediately.