If you’re a seafood lover, there’s no better place to indulge your cravings than New Orleans. The city, known for its vibrant culinary scene and rich cultural history, is home to some of the most delicious seafood in the world. From plump oysters to succulent shrimp, New Orleans seafood is as diverse as it is delicious.
When it comes to seafood, freshness is vital, and there’s nothing fresher than the daily catch in New Orleans. The city has access to some of the freshest catches available in the Gulf of Mexico. The seafood is as fresh as it gets from the shrimp boats that line the docks to the oyster beds in nearby waters.
Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or just discovering the joys of New Orleans cuisine, this guide will help you navigate the city’s seafood scene. You’ll learn about the must-try seafood in New Orleans and the unique dishes with distinctive New Orleans flavoring. So, come along and discover the catches that make Big Easy one of the best places in the world to enjoy seafood!
Best Seafood in New Orleans to Try
Visiting New Orleans is complete when you indulge in some of the city’s famous seafood offerings. Here’s a list of the New Orleans seafood you should try, along with their iconic dishes:
1. Crawfish
New Orleans Crawfish, or “mudbugs,” is a New Orleans cuisine staple. These tiny crustaceans resemble miniature lobsters and are typically boiled in a spicy blend of seasonings.
Crawfish season in Louisiana typically runs from January to June, with the peak months being March, April, and May. During this time, crawfish boils are a common sight throughout the city, with friends and family gathering around large pots of steaming crawfish to crack open and enjoy.
A delicious crawfish dish you can’t miss out on is the Crawfish Etouffee. This hearty dish consists of crawfish smothered in a roux-based sauce with vegetables and served over a bed of fluffy white rice. It is typically seasoned with Creole spices like paprika, thyme, and bay leaves, giving it a rich and savory flavor.
For a more adventurous dish, try the Crawfish Monica. This pasta dish features crawfish tails cooked in a creamy sauce with onions, garlic, and Creole seasoning. A food vendor at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival invented the dish, and it has since become a crowd favorite.
2. Oysters
Another must-try seafood in New Orleans is the oysters, which are available year-round. They are a staple in the city’s cuisine, and there are many ways to enjoy them, from raw on the half-shell to baked or fried.
New Orleans oysters, also called Gulf oysters, are known for their briny flavor and plump, meaty texture. They are often served with various sauces, such as cocktail sauce, horseradish, and mignonette. One popular dish is the chargrilled oysters topped with garlic, butter, herbs, and cheese, then grilled until hot and bubbly.
The most famous oyster dish in the Big Easy is the Oysters Rockefeller. Created in the late 1800s at Antoine’s Restaurant, the dish is still loved today. It is made by topping oysters with a mixture of spinach, herbs, breadcrumbs, and butter, then baking them until golden and crispy.
3. Fish
New Orleans is also known for its fresh and diverse range of fish. Some of the most well-known include redfish, catfish, and black drum.
Redfish, also known as red drum, has a sweet, mild flavor and is often served blackened or grilled with Cajun spices. On the other hand, catfish have a tender and slightly sweet taste and are often deep-fried in a cornmeal batter. Black drum is another popular fish in the area, with a firm, white flesh perfect for grilling.
One iconic fish dish is the redfish courtbouillon. This hearty and flavorful stew typically includes fresh redfish, tomatoes, onions, celery, and bell peppers. It is then seasoned with many spices and simmered until the fish is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Among the better-known New Orleans seafood recipes is the catfish po’boy. It is a sandwich filled with crispy fried catfish and dressed with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and Remoulade sauce. This sandwich is a classic served at many restaurants throughout the city, making it a preferred choice among locals and tourists alike.
4. Shrimp
Regarding seafood in New Orleans, it’s hard to beat the flavorful and renowned Gulf shrimp. These plump and juicy shrimp are typically fried, boiled, or sautéed.
A special dish featuring shrimp is the New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp. Despite the name, this dish is not barbecued but rather sautéed in a flavorful mixture of butter, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Creole seasoning.
Another notable shrimp dish is shrimp and grits. This classic Southern dish has been elevated in New Orleans cuisine and comes with Creole spices and rich Andouille sausage. The shrimp are sautéed with the sausage and served on a bed of creamy grits, making for a hearty and satisfying meal that will leave you wanting more.
5. Crab
Blue crabs are abundant in the waters around the city, making them a top choice for seafood dishes. These crabs are known for their sweet, succulent meat, and there are many ways to prepare them.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy crab in New Orleans is a crab cake. It is made with fresh crab meat, spices, and breadcrumbs and deserves a spot on your list of must-try dishes.
Seafood gumbo is also among the famous crab dishes in the city. This hearty stew is made with different seafood, including crab, shrimp, oysters, vegetables, spices, and a dark roux. The result is a flavorful, satisfying dish perfect for sopping up with a slice of crusty French bread.
Key Takeaway
For a guaranteed gastronomic experience, trying New Orleans seafood is a must. From the succulent Gulf shrimp to the flavorful crawfish, New Orleans offers diverse seafood dishes that satisfy any seafood lover’s palate. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or a curious foodie, tasting the mouth-watering seafood dishes in New Orleans is an experience you should not miss.
Savor the freshest and most delectable seafood at Copeland’s of New Orleans.
When it comes to fresh succulent seafood, Copeland’s of New Orleans is your go-to destination. We serve flavorful New Orleans seafood dishes that are sure to satisfy you. Our chefs prepare every dish with the freshest ingredients and authentic flavors that capture the essence of New Orleans cuisine. Head to our restaurant today and indulge in a seafood feast that will leave you wanting more.
