Top 6 Seafood Dishes You Must Try in New Orleans

New Orleans is known for having one of the most vibrant culinary scenes in the world. Its cuisine is a unique blend of various cultures, with influences from Creole and Cajun cuisine and hints of French and Italian flavors. Our New Orleans cooking classes are geared towards bringing that eccentric cooking knowledge into your hands.

There are plenty of great dishes to come out of New Orleans, but its seafood dishes are definitely the most memorable. Seafood dishes are a perfect representation of the city’s influences, with most recipes passed down through generations.

Seafood Dishes To Try in New Orleans

If you’re visiting the city, here are some of the best seafood dishes to try.

1. Crawfish Étouffée

This classic dish is a hearty stew that is quintessentially New Orleans. It features fresh crawfish smothered in a rich, buttery sauce made from a combination of onions, bell peppers, celery, and Cajun spices.

Crawfish Étouffée is a staple in Cajun and Creole cooking and is the perfect introduction to New Orleans’ cuisine. Serve this over a bed of white rice for the best experience.

2. Shrimp and Grits

This dish is a Southern classic, and there’s no better place to taste it than New Orleans. Shrimp and Grits combine plump, juicy shrimp served over creamy, cheesy grits. This plate is traditionally eaten for breakfast, but it is also used for a comforting dinner.

Each Southern region has its own spin on Shrimp and Grits. In New Orleans, chefs use a homemade blackening seasoning made from smoked paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, and cayenne to give it that Cajun twist.

3. Oyster Po’Boy

The po’boy is one of the most iconic dishes in New Orleans. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a seafood restaurant that doesn’t serve this.

A po’boy is New Orleans’ play on a traditional sandwich. It features crispy cornmeal-crusted fried oysters served on French bread. Some of the common fixings include lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, and a remoulade sauce.

If you’re not a fan of oysters, there are po’boy recipes that feature other fried seafood, such as shrimp.

4. Gumbo in New Orleans: A Louisiana Legend

A gumbo is a hearty stew that symbolizes Louisiana’s culinary heritage. This stew is made with a variety of ingredients, including seafood, sausage, and vegetables. Some recipes also add meat like Andouille sausage for that extra umaminess.

Gumbo originated in Louisiana in the 18th century and is often served over rice.

5. Jambalaya

Jambalaya is one of the most iconic dishes of New Orleans. This dish packs the big punchy flavors of Louisiana and is arguably one of the best one-pot meals worldwide.

This dish is a fusion of African, French, and Spanish cuisine. Inspired by the Spanish paella, Jambalaya is made from a blend of meats. While locals use the freshest available ingredients, the traditional jambalaya combines chicken, sausage, and shrimp—all simmered together with spices and stock.

6. Charbroiled Oysters

If you’re a fan of oysters but aren’t really looking for something that’s fried, charbroiled oysters is perfect for you. Restaurants across the state have many variations of this dish, but most recipes feature grilled oysters topped with a sauce made of garlic butter and Parmesan cheese. This treat is smoky and savory—one we’re sure you won’t be able to resist.

Master the Art of Creole Cuisine with Our Expert Cooking Classes in New Orleans

Eating New Orleans dishes is one thing, but trying a dish that you made from scratch brings the experience to a whole new level. If you’re looking to experience the best that the local culinary scene has to offer, book a cooking class with us here at New Orleans School of Cooking.

Here at NOLA, we give each visitor a chance to experience New Orleans’ vibrant culture through the art of cooking. We offer three types of cooking classes, including a hands-on lesson that has you preparing dinner from scratch and a lab class that allows you to immerse yourself in Louisiana’s culture through one dish.

Experience New Orleans cuisine in all its glory. Book your class today and bring the flavors of New Orleans to your home!