Easy Shrimp Étouffée Recipe – Quick Cajun Dinner

Introduction

If you’re looking to bring a taste of Louisiana to your kitchen, shrimp étouffée is a fantastic dish to start with. This classic Cajun recipe combines succulent shrimp with a rich, flavorful sauce made from a roux, vegetables, and spices, served over rice. While it might sound complex, shrimp étouffée is actually quite straightforward to prepare. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step instructions, list the ingredients you’ll need, and provide the nutritional value of the dish. Get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meal that captures the essence of Cajun cuisine.

What is Shrimp Étouffée?

Shrimp étouffée is a beloved dish from Louisiana, featuring shrimp smothered in a rich and flavorful sauce made from a roux, the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking (onions, bell peppers, and celery), and a blend of spices. The word “étouffée” means “smothered” in French, which perfectly describes the way the shrimp is enveloped in the sauce. This dish is traditionally served over white rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients Needed for Easy Shrimp Étouffée

To make an easy shrimp étouffée, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 cup celery, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups seafood stock or chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Cooked white rice, for serving
• Hot sauce, for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Shrimp Étouffée

Preparing the Roux

1. Melt the Butter: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the Flour: Gradually add the flour to the melted butter, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Cook the Roux: Continue to stir the roux continuously for about 10-15 minutes, or until it turns a rich brown color. Be careful not to let it burn.

Cooking the Vegetables

4. Add the Holy Trinity: Once the roux is ready, add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Incorporate the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Adding the Shrimp and Seasonings

6. Pour in the Stock: Slowly add the seafood stock or chicken broth to the skillet, stirring constantly to combine with the roux and vegetables.
7. Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, ensuring everything is well combined.
8. Season the Sauce: Add the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to incorporate.
9. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
10. Add the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
11. Finish with Herbs: Stir in the sliced green onions and chopped parsley. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Serving Suggestions

12. Serve Over Rice: Spoon the shrimp étouffée over cooked white rice.
13. Optional Garnish: Add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat, if desired.

Nutritional Value of Shrimp Étouffée

Here is the approximate nutritional value per serving of shrimp étouffée (based on a serving size of 1 cup of shrimp étouffée over 1/2 cup of rice):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 220mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Vitamin A: 25% DV
• Vitamin C: 40% DV
• Calcium: 10% DV
• Iron: 15% DV

These values can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Étouffée

• Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp. If fresh shrimp isn’t available, frozen shrimp works well too—just make sure to thaw them properly.
• Don’t Rush the Roux: The roux is the foundation of the dish. Take your time to cook it to a deep brown color without burning it.
• Adjust the Heat: Cajun seasoning can vary in spiciness. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste.
• Make It Ahead: Shrimp étouffée tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day ahead and reheat before serving.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Conclusion

Shrimp étouffée is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings the taste of Louisiana right to your kitchen. With its rich, savory sauce and tender shrimp, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to create an easy shrimp étouffée that rivals any restaurant version. Don’t forget to serve it over rice and garnish with a bit of hot sauce for an extra kick. Enjoy this delightful taste of Cajun cuisine!