Savory Smothered Okra with Shrimp Recipe: A Cajun Delight

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when smothered okra with shrimp hits the stovetop, promising a delectable dance of flavors.

Fresh seafood mingles with tender vegetables in this classic comfort dish.

Coastal traditions shine through every spoonful of this hearty meal.

Crisp okra pods absorb rich seasonings while succulent shrimp nestle between green layers.

Each bite tells a story of culinary heritage and home-cooked warmth.

Generations have savored this robust combination that speaks directly to soul-satisfying hunger.

Take your taste buds on a delicious journey through southern cooking magic.

Why Smothered Okra with Shrimp Wins Hearts

• Spice Up Your Meal: Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes bring bold, zesty flavors that transform this dish into a taste adventure.
• Master Southern Comfort: Learn an authentic Louisiana-style cooking technique that turns simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Quick Protein-Packed Dinner: Combines succulent shrimp and nutritious okra in one pot, delivering a complete meal that's both satisfying and quick to prepare.
• Versatile One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup, adaptable serving options, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings with friends and family.

Smothered Okra with Shrimp Ingredient Lineup

• Shrimp: A succulent seafood that adds a delicate and sweet flavor to the dish.

• Okra: A tender green vegetable that provides a unique texture and absorbs the rich flavors of the dish.
• Onions: A foundational vegetable that adds depth and sweetness to the overall taste.
• Tomatoes: A juicy ingredient that contributes acidity and richness to the sauce.
• Garlic: A potent aromatic that enhances the overall flavor profile of the recipe.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that help enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Tomato Paste: A concentrated ingredient that adds depth and thickness to the sauce.
• Cajun Seasoning: A spicy blend that brings a signature Louisiana-style flavor to the dish.
• Ground Ginger: A warm spice that adds a subtle heat and complexity.
• Cumin: An earthy spice that provides a rich, warm undertone.
• Red Pepper Flakes: An optional ingredient that adds extra heat for spice lovers.
• Basil: A fragrant herb that contributes a fresh, slightly sweet flavor.
• Parsley: A bright herb that adds a fresh and clean taste.
• Bay Leaves: An aromatic herb that infuses a subtle, complex flavor during cooking.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté and develop flavors.
• Water: A liquid used to create the desired consistency and help cook the ingredients.

Cooking Smothered Okra with Shrimp: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

Slice okra into bite-sized pieces. Chop tomatoes.

Peel and devein shrimp. Mince garlic.

Roughly chop onions.

Step 2: Season and Sear Shrimp

• Salt
• Pepper
• Extra virgin olive oil

Toss shrimp with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp until lightly pink, about 6 minutes.

Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Okra and Onions

Add okra and onions to the same saucepan.

Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Build Flavor Base

• Tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Cajun seasoning
• Garlic
• Ground ginger
• Cumin
• Red pepper flakes
• Basil
• Parsley
• Water
• Bay leaves

Add tomatoes and remaining ingredients.

Stir to combine thoroughly.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Depth

Reduce heat to medium-low.

Cover and cook for 45 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Return shrimp to the pan.

Cook for additional 10-15 minutes. Serve piping hot over fluffy rice.

Expert Tips for Smothered Okra with Shrimp

• Slice okra uniformly to ensure even cooking and prevent mushy texture.
• Pat shrimp dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
• Control heat carefully when cooking okra to avoid burning and maintain its delicate flavor.
• Choose fresh, young okra for the best taste and less stringy texture.
• Experiment with different spice levels by adjusting Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes according to your preference.

Creative Options for Smothered Okra with Shrimp

• Spicy Seafood Fusion: Replace shrimp with crab meat and add extra red pepper flakes for a bolder, more intense flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Swap shrimp with firm tofu cubes and use vegetable broth instead of water to maintain rich taste and protein content.
• Southern Creole Remix: Incorporate andouille sausage alongside shrimp for a classic Louisiana-style hearty version with deeper, smokier notes.
• Lean Protein Option: Use grilled chicken breast instead of shrimp, keeping the original spice blend and cooking method intact for a lighter alternative.

What to Eat with Smothered Okra with Shrimp

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the spicy Cajun flavors and cut through the rich okra dish. Its bright acidity balances the seafood and vegetable components perfectly.
• Serve with Crusty French Bread: Grab a rustic baguette to soak up the delicious sauce, offering a wonderful textural contrast and additional carbohydrate base that enhances the overall meal experience.
• Match with Dirty Rice: Create a traditional Louisiana-style side dish using rice, ground meat, and Cajun seasonings that mirrors the recipe's spice profile and cultural roots, making the meal more cohesive and authentic.

Storing Smothered Okra with Shrimp the Smart Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Freezer Storage: Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Microwave Reheating: Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop Reheating: Pour leftovers into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.

FAQs on Smothered Okra with Shrimp

• Is okra slimy in this recipe?

The slime is reduced by cooking it with other ingredients and stirring occasionally, which helps break down the vegetable’s natural mucilage.

• Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure proper texture and flavor absorption.

• Why add tomato paste to the dish?

Tomato paste intensifies the overall flavor, adds depth, and helps create a rich, thick sauce for the smothered okra and shrimp.

• What type of seasoning works best for this recipe?

Cajun seasoning provides the most authentic flavor profile, but you can also use creole seasoning as an alternative for similar taste results.

Smothered Okra with Shrimp Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 90 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets coastal charm in this Smothered Okra with Shrimp recipe, blending Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage with fresh Gulf seafood. Simmering okra and succulent shrimp create a hearty one-pot meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 Pounds (Lbs.) Colossal Raw Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 Bay Leaves

Vegetables and Produce:

• 1 Pound (Lbs.) Fresh-Cut Okra, sliced into bite-size pieces
• 5 Vine Tomatoes (or Roma Tomatoes)
• 1/2 Cup Roughly Chopped Onions
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic Paste (or 4 garlic cloves, minced)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 2 Tablespoons Cajun Seasoning
• 2 Cups Water or broth
• 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon Coarse Black Pepper
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
• 1 Teaspoon Cumin
• 1 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• 1 Teaspoon Dried Basil
• 1 Teaspoon Dried Parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients by slicing okra into bite-sized pieces, washing and draining. Chop tomatoes, peel and devein shrimp, mince garlic, and roughly cut onions.
2. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn light pink. Transfer to a separate plate and set aside.
4. In the same saucepan, combine okra and onions. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent burning.
5. Incorporate tomatoes, stirring thoroughly. Add tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, garlic, ground ginger, cumin, red pepper flakes, basil, parsley, and water. Toss in bay leaves and mix well.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 35-40 minutes, occasionally stirring to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
7. Return shrimp to the pan, gently fold into the mixture, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through.
8. Remove bay leaves before serving. Plate the smothered okra and shrimp over steamed rice, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.

Notes

• Choose okra that’s fresh, bright green, and firm to ensure the best texture and flavor in your dish.
• Opt for medium-sized shrimp for even cooking and a perfect bite-sized portion that blends well with okra.
• Consider removing okra’s pointy ends to reduce potential sliminess and improve overall mouthfeel.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning based on personal spice tolerance, starting with less and adding gradually for controlled heat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg