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photo of finished Shrimp Etouffee dish

Louisiana on a Plate: Authentic Shrimp Étouffée Recipe

Indulge in the rich and spicy flavors of Louisiana with this classic Shrimp Étouffée recipe. Étouffée, which means "smothered" in French, is a beloved Cajun dish that features succulent shrimp smothered in a flavorful roux-based sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice. Bursting with a combination of aromatic spices and a delightful blend of vegetables, this dish is sure to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Louisiana.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 330 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound of fresh shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup of diced onions
  • 1/4 cup of diced bell peppers
  • 1/4 cup of diced celery
  • 2 cloves of garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons of butter
  • 2 cups of seafood or chicken stock
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooked rice to serve

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic, sautéing until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.
  • Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables, stirring constantly to create a thick paste. Cook for a few minutes until the flour mixture turns golden brown, forming a roux.
  • Slowly pour in the seafood or chicken stock, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens.
  • Add the diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine the flavors and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Carefully add the shrimp to the skillet, ensuring they are fully submerged in the sauce. Allow the shrimp to cook for approximately 5 minutes or until they turn pink and are no longer translucent.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors according to your preference.
  • Serve the shrimp etouffee over a bed of cooked rice, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for an added burst of freshness.

Notes

Approximate nutritional values per serving:
  • Calories: 330
  • Fat: 15g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g
 
• Étouffée typically uses a roux as its base, which is a mixture of flour and fat (usually butter or oil) cooked until it reaches a rich, nutty brown color. This adds depth and thickness to the sauce.
• The holy trinity of Cajun cooking consists of onions, bell peppers, and celery. These aromatic vegetables form the flavor base of many Cajun dishes, including Shrimp Étouffée.
• The spice level can be adjusted to your preference. If you enjoy a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or use a mild paprika instead.
Fresh shrimp is the star of this dish, but you can also use other seafood like crawfish or crab for variations.
• Serve this dish with a side of fluffy white rice, which perfectly complements the rich flavors of the Étouffée.
Now that you have discovered the secrets to preparing shrimp etouffee, take a culinary journey to Louisiana right in your own kitchen. Impress your family and friends with this Southern delight, and savor the flavors of Cajun cuisine with every bite. Bon appétit!
Keyword Louisiana Shrimp Étouffée, Shrimp, Shrimp Étouffée