Description
Louisiana’s classic Cajun Shrimp Etouffee brings soulful Creole comfort to your dinner table, blending rich roux, tender shrimp, and bold spices into a hearty one-pot wonder. Seafood enthusiasts and spice lovers will savor this authentic Southern delicacy that promises a delicious journey through New Orleans culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Base and Thickening Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Create a golden-brown roux by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat and whisking flour continuously until it reaches a rich caramel hue, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Incorporate diced onions, bell peppers, celery, and minced garlic into the roux, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and Cajun seasoning, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop deep, complex flavors for about 15 minutes.
- Gently fold raw shrimp into the simmering sauce, cooking until they turn opaque and curl slightly, typically 3-4 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting to ensure balanced flavor profile.
- Ladle the steaming etouffee over fluffy, warm rice and sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant, traditional Louisiana-style presentation.
Notes
- Roux mastery is crucial for authentic flavor, so take your time and stir constantly to prevent burning, aiming for a rich, nutty caramel-brown color.
- For a lighter version, swap butter with olive oil and use low-sodium broth to reduce calories and fat content without compromising taste.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked by removing them from heat as soon as they turn pink and curl slightly to maintain tender, juicy texture.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting hot sauce and Cajun seasoning, allowing each diner to personalize their spice experience according to their preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg