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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by slicing okra into bite-sized pieces, washing and draining. Chop tomatoes, peel and devein shrimp, mince garlic, and roughly cut onions.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn light pink. Transfer to a separate plate and set aside.
- In the same saucepan, combine okra and onions. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent burning.
- 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.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 35-40 minutes, occasionally stirring to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Return shrimp to the pan, gently fold into the mixture, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through.
- 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