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
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