Indulge in the flavors of the South with this authentic and flavorful shrimp étouffée recipe. This classic dish hails from Louisiana and is made with succulent shrimp cooked in a rich and spicy tomato-based sauce. Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice for a satisfying and comforting meal that will transport you straight to the bayou. With a total preparation time of 45 minutes, you can easily whip up this hearty and satisfying dish for your next family dinner or gathering with friends.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Directions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the flour to the skillet and stir constantly for 10-15 minutes until the mixture turns brown and develops a nutty aroma. This is known as making a roux.
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, bay leaf, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Remove the bay leaf from the skillet and stir in the chopped parsley.
- Serve the shrimp étouffée over a bed of cooked white rice.
- Enjoy your delicious and authentic shrimp étouffée!
Interesting Facts
Étouffée is a French word that means 'smothered' or 'suffocated'. This term refers to the cooking technique of smothering seafood or meat with a flavorful sauce or gravy.
Shrimp étouffée is a classic Louisiana dish that originated in the Acadian region of Canada before being adapted by Cajuns in Louisiana.
The flavor base of shrimp étouffée is a roux, which is a mixture of flour and fat that is cooked until it reaches a dark brown color. This helps to thicken the sauce and adds a deep, nutty flavor.
While shrimp is the traditional protein used in étouffée, you can also make it with chicken, crawfish, or even vegetarian versions with mushrooms and vegetables.
The spiciness of shrimp étouffée can be adjusted according to personal preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper.
Shrimp étouffée is often served as a main course but can also be served as an appetizer or as a topping for grits.