Lamprey Etoufee Recipes

BEER-BATTERED FRIED LAMPREY

Steps:

• To clean lampreys: after catching and killing the fish, pop it into boiling water for a few seconds to help remove the slimy coating. Though a knife will often be all that's needed to scrape it away, any remaining vestiges can be rubbed off the skin with a rough cloth. Cut off the tail (usually about 6 inches long), then tie a string around the head and suspend the fish over the sink to drain the blood. Open bronchial holes on the side of the fish and allow the blood to empty Then, remove the intestines and notocordium (the long, dark bitter-tasting organ running down the abdomen). Rinse the fish again and then decapitate it by slicing around the body and pulling off the head. If you don't want crunchy lamprey, make sure the thick, bony cartilage comes out with the head. Discard both.
• To make the batter: Mix the dry ingredients together.
• Add beer slowly, stirring constantly, until you get the texture of pancake batter.
• Let sit on the counter at room temperature for at least 20 minutes to allow the gluten to break down.
• Cut cleaned fish into 1" sections and drop into the batter.
• Heat the oil in a large frying pan to 350°F.
• Drop the battered fish in the hot oil and cook until golden brown on all sides, about three minutes.
• Serve immediately.

LAMPREY ETOUFEE

Steps:

• After catching and killing the fish, pop it into boiling water for a few seconds to help remove the slimy coating. Though a knife will often be all that's needed to scrape it away, any remaining vestiges can be rubbed off the skin with a rough cloth. Cut off the tail (usually about 6 inches long), then tie a string around the head and suspend the fish over the sink to drain the blood. Open bronchial holes on the side of the fish and allow the blood to empty Then, remove the intestines and notocordium (the long, dark bitter-tasting organ running down the abdomen). Rinse the fish again and then decapitate it by slicing around the body and pulling off the head. If you don't want crunchy lamprey, make sure the thick, bony cartilage comes out with the head. Discard both.
• Cut cleaned fish into 3" lengths.
• Combine in a pan with the mushrooms, parsley, wine and pearl onions; season to taste with nutmeg, salt and black pepper.
• Bring to a simmer; cover and cook slowly for about 40 minutes, or until the lampreys are very tender.
• Whisk in the flour and butter; mix until smooth, bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes or until thickened.
• Turn into individual bowls and serve.

CRAWFISH ETOUFFEE

Steps:

• In a large, heavy saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of the butter and whisk in flour to combine well. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until roux is a peanut butter color.
• Add onions, celery, bell pepper, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme and cook until vegetables are soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add stock, tomatoes, salt, red pepper, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a boil.
• Skim surface, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add crawfish tails and fat, lemon juice, green onions, and parsley and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add remaining butter and stir to combine well. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve over hot rice.

CREAMY SHRIMP ÉTOUFFéE

Steps:

• Melt butter in a large, heavy skillet. Stir in flour; cook and stir over low heat until the color of caramel, about 20 minutes. Add celery, green pepper, and onion; stir until coated. Add stock, water, tomato powder, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, cayenne, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat; cover and simmer sauce, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Add shrimp and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.