Description
Louisiana’s soulful Shrimp Étouffée weaves rich Cajun tradition into a spicy, velvety seafood masterpiece. Hearty shrimp nestled in a robust roux beckons you to savor bold Gulf Coast flavors with each comforting, memorable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Craft a rich roux by melting butter in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat, gradually whisking in flour until the mixture transforms into a deep mahogany color, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Incorporate chopped onions, green bell peppers, celery, and garlic into the roux, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, allowing the spices to bloom and intensify the flavor profile.
- Slowly pour chicken stock into the vegetable mixture, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Reduce heat and simmer the sauce for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and develops a rich, complex flavor.
- Gently fold peeled and deveined shrimp into the simmering sauce, cooking until they turn pink and opaque, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley, allowing the herbs to add a bright, fresh dimension to the dish.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice, ensuring each portion is generously coated with the luxurious etouffee sauce.
Notes
- Master the roux by stirring constantly and watching its color change from pale to deep mahogany, which develops complex, nutty flavors critical to authentic Cajun cuisine.
- Balance heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper for those with different spice tolerances, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic Louisiana dish without overwhelming their palate.
- Opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp to guarantee maximum flavor and tender texture, preferably sourced locally or from reputable seafood markets for the best results.
- Consider dairy-free alternatives like olive oil instead of butter when crafting the roux for those with lactose sensitivities, maintaining the recipe’s rich taste profile while accommodating dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-37 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg