Shrimp Étouffée
Shrimp Étouffée is a classic Cajun dish that features shrimp smothered in a rich, flavorful roux-based sauce enriched with vegetables and spices. It is traditionally served over rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Serving dish
Ingredients
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium celery stalk, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Louisiana hot sauce Adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional, adjust for heat preference
- salt and pepper To taste
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- chopped green onions For garnish
- fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Gradually add the flour, stirring constantly to make a roux. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until the roux turns a dark caramel color, but be careful not to burn it.
- Once the roux is ready, add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Serve the shrimp étouffée over a bed of cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley as desired.
Notes
For a heartier version of the dish, you can also add andouille sausage or other vegetables such as okra.
This dish can be made a day in advance; the flavors develop even more as it sits in the refrigerator.
Adjust the spiciness according to personal preference by adding more or less hot sauce and cayenne pepper.