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Shrimp Etouffee

Savory Shrimp Étouffée: Your Easy Taste of Louisiana

Enjoy a comforting bowl of Shrimp Étouffée, a classic Louisiana dish bursting with rich Cajun flavors.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Roux
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter for a dairy-free option, use ghee.
  • 4 tablespoons flour gluten-free flour or cornstarch can be used as substitutes.
For the Base
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil butter can be swapped for a richer flavor.
  • 1 medium onion yellow or white onions are suitable substitutes.
  • 1 medium green bell pepper can replace with red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter taste.
  • 1 stalk celery no direct substitute, but more bell pepper can work in a pinch.
  • 3 cloves garlic freshly minced is best for optimal flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon thyme feel free to use fresh or dried interchangeably.
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning make your own blend for heat control.
For the Sauce
  • 1 pound shrimp fresh, peeled, and deveined.
  • 2 cups chicken broth feel free to use homemade or store-bought.
  • 2 medium fresh tomatoes substitute with canned tomatoes if fresh are not available.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce swap for Tamari for a gluten-free option.
  • 2 leaves bay leaves don't forget to remove them before serving.
For Garnishing
  • 2 tablespoons green onions alternative herbs can be used based on your preference.
  • 2 tablespoons parsley alternative herbs can be used based on your preference.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice lime juice makes a great substitute.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Shrimp Étouffée
  1. Start by patting the fresh shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with a sprinkle of salt and Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are well-coated. Set aside for about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is shimmering, gently place the seasoned shrimp in the skillet, cooking for about 1 minute on each side until they're just pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in an equal amount of flour to create a roux, stirring continuously for about 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Stir in the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic, oregano, and thyme, cooking for an additional minute.
  5. Stir in chopped fresh tomatoes and slowly whisk in about 2 cups of chicken broth, bringing to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
  6. Reintroduce the shrimp to the skillet, add Worcestershire sauce, and adjust seasoning. Cook together for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
  7. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and parsley. Serve over a bed of white rice, pairing with crusty bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen over time.

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