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Shrimp Étouffée


Description

Few dishes capture the heart of Louisiana cuisine quite like Shrimp Étouffée. This rich and velvety Cajun dish features tender shrimp smothered in a luscious, seasoned gravy infused with the “Holy Trinity” of onions, celery, and bell peppers. A slow-cooked butter roux forms the flavorful base, creating a deep, savory taste that pairs perfectly with steamed rice. If you’re craving a comforting yet bold Southern classic, this authentic Shrimp Étouffée recipe will bring Louisiana flavors straight to your table!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Étouffée Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup celery, diced
  • ½ cup bell pepper (green or mixed), diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for added depth)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or seafood stock for more flavor)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for extra spice)

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • ¼ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • 2 cups cooked white rice, for serving

💡 Chef’s Tip: For a deeper seafood flavor, replace the chicken broth with homemade shrimp stock by boiling shrimp shells with onion, garlic, and celery for 20 minutes.


Instructions

1. Make the Roux

  • In a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Stir in flour, whisking constantly until the mixture turns a light brown color (about 5-7 minutes).
  • The roux should have a nutty aroma—be careful not to burn it!

💡 Pro Tip: A darker roux adds depth, but for Shrimp Étouffée, a light brown roux keeps the dish smooth and balanced.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

  • Add onion, celery, and bell pepper (the Holy Trinity) to the roux.
  • Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften.

3. Add Garlic and Seasonings

  • Stir in garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste.
  • Stir well to bloom the spices in the butter mixture.

4. Simmer the Sauce

  • Gradually pour in chicken broth or seafood stock, stirring to prevent lumps.
  • Add bay leaves and hot sauce, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
  • Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Cook the Shrimp

  • Add the shrimp, stirring to coat them in the sauce.
  • Cook for 3-5 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.

⚠️ Avoid overcooking! Shrimp can become rubbery if left too long in the sauce.

6. Serve & Garnish

  • Remove bay leaves and turn off the heat.
  • Spoon the étouffée over warm rice and sprinkle with chopped green onions.

🥖 Serve with French bread, cornbread, or collard greens for an authentic Louisiana meal!

Notes

Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your spice preference. For extra creaminess, stir in a small amount of heavy cream before serving.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Cuisine: Cajun, Creole

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 servings
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Protein: 25g