Name: Shrimp Etouffee Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tsp Creole seasoning; 1 Tbsp olive oil; ¼ cup butter; ¼ cup flour; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 15 oz can diced tomatoes; 1 Tbsp Louisiana style hot sauce; 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 Tbsp fresh thyme; 2 bay leaves; 1 Tbsp Creole seasoning (remaining)

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If you’ve ever wanted to dive into the rich, comforting flavors of Cajun cooking, this Shrimp Etouffee Recipe is the perfect place to start. Imagine tender shrimp nestled in a luscious, spicy roux-based sauce bursting with the classic “holy trinity” of onions, bell peppers, and celery, all simmered to perfection with a blend of Creole seasonings and herbs. This dish captures the heart and soul of Louisiana’s vibrant culinary traditions, delivering warmth and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re an experienced chef or just love hearty, flavorful meals, this Shrimp Etouffee Recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate holds a pile of cooked shrimp, about two layers thick. The shrimp are pink-orange with dark seasoning spots, showing a slightly rough texture. The tails are left on, and the shrimp are curled in a crescent shape. The plate has a faint swirl pattern on its surface. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Shrimp Etouffee Recipe lies in the simplicity and authenticity of its ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color, from the fresh shrimp to the perfectly golden roux and vibrant vegetables.

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp ensure tender, juicy seafood goodness.
1 Tbsp + 2 tsp Creole seasoning, divided: This spice blend brings the signature Cajun kick to the dish.
1 Tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and helps sear the shrimp beautifully.
¼ cup butter: Key for creating a rich, creamy roux that thickens the sauce.
¼ cup flour: Works with butter to form the roux that gives etouffee its silky texture.
1 medium onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth of flavor in the base.
1 green bell pepper, diced: Adds fresh, grassy notes and vibrant green color.
1 red bell pepper, diced: Balances with sweetness and brightens up the dish.
2 stalks celery, diced: Offers a subtle crunch and earthy undertones.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts the savoriness with its unmistakable aroma.
2 cups chicken broth: The liquid base that ties all the flavors together.
15oz can diced tomatoes: Brings acidity and a touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
1 Tbsp Louisiana style hot sauce: Adds heat and authentic Cajun flair.
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Enhances umami and complexity.
1 Tbsp fresh thyme: Imparts earthy, herbal notes that elevate the sauce.
2 bay leaves: Infuse subtle floral and minty hints during simmering.

How to Make Shrimp Etouffee Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Shrimp

Begin by seasoning the peeled and deveined shrimp with 2 teaspoons of Creole seasoning. This simple step ensures that each bite of shrimp carries that signature Cajun flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the shrimp. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a slight golden color but aren’t fully cooked yet—remember, they’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Once seared, set them aside on a plate.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Next, it’s time to build the flavorful foundation of your Shrimp Etouffee Recipe: the roux. In the same pan, melt the butter and gradually whisk in the flour. Keep stirring continuously for 6 to 7 minutes—this part takes some patience but it’s worth it! The roux should turn a light brown, reminiscent of peanut butter. Stirring nonstop prevents burning and develops that signature nuttiness that thickens and flavors the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and celery to the roux. Stir and cook them for about 8 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Then toss in the minced garlic and sauté just for another minute—garlic burns easily so keep an eye on it. This combination of veggies, often called the “holy trinity” in Cajun cooking, creates the perfect flavor base with wonderful texture and color.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring, creating a smooth and rich sauce. Then add the diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Louisiana hot sauce, the remaining tablespoon of Creole seasoning, bay leaves, and fresh thyme. Bring everything to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook gently for about 20 minutes so all those deep, bold flavors can marry beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with the Shrimp

Now, stir your seared shrimp back into the sauce and continue cooking for 5 more minutes, or until the shrimp are perfectly cooked through. Your Shrimp Etouffee Recipe is nearly ready to serve—just scoop it over freshly cooked white rice to enjoy every luscious bite!

How to Serve Shrimp Etouffee Recipe

A white plate holds a round mound of white rice in the center, topped with small green herb pieces. Surrounding the rice is a thick orange-brown sauce with cooked shrimp that are bright orange with pink tails, mixed with small chunks of red and green bell peppers and bits of herbs. The shrimp and sauce form a circle around the rice, with the herbs sprinkled lightly on top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes here. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds a lovely fresh pop of color and mild brightness that beautifully complements the rich etouffee sauce. A lemon wedge on the side can also introduce a zesty contrast that brightens each spoonful and balances the spices.

Side Dishes

This dish shines alongside simple white rice, which is essential for soaking up all the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it with crusty French bread for dipping or a crisp green salad dressed lightly with a vinaigrette for some refreshing crunch and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests, consider presenting this Shrimp Etouffee Recipe in small ramekins or over individual portions of sticky rice molded into neat shapes. For a fun twist, serve it alongside Cajun-spiced fried okra or creamy grits to add texture and flavor contrast. No matter how you serve it, this dish delivers a warming, authentic New Orleans experience at your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about Shrimp Etouffee Recipe is that leftovers taste even better after the flavors meld overnight. Store any extra etouffee in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to relive that delicious taste.

Freezing

While shrimp themselves don’t freeze well once cooked, you can freeze the etouffee sauce for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight, reheat it on the stovetop, then add freshly cooked shrimp at the end to maintain perfect texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the etouffee sauce on medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add cooked or freshly sautéed shrimp when the sauce is hot and simmer for a few minutes until the shrimp are heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the shrimp tender and prevent the sauce from separating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Etouffee Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking and pat them dry. This helps achieve a perfect sear and prevents excess moisture from diluting the sauce.

Is Shrimp Etouffee Recipe very spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted to your liking. The Cajun seasonings and hot sauce add a mild to moderate heat, but if you prefer more heat, feel free to add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper. For a milder dish, reduce the amount of Creole seasoning.

What can I substitute for Creole seasoning?

If you don’t have Creole seasoning on hand, you can create your own mix with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. This homemade blend will still bring authentic flavor to your Shrimp Etouffee Recipe.

Can I make this dish without shrimp?

Definitely! While shrimp is traditional, you can substitute with chicken or even crab meat for a different twist while keeping the rich flavors of the etouffee sauce.

What is the best way to thicken the sauce?

The roux made from butter and flour is the main thickener for this recipe. Make sure to stir it properly until it reaches a peanut butter color before adding the liquid. Cooking the sauce longer at a gentle simmer also helps thicken it naturally.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about gathering around a steaming bowl of Shrimp Etouffee Recipe—its warm, spicy, and deeply satisfying flavors make it an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or introducing friends to classic Cajun cuisine, this dish is guaranteed to delight and impress. So grab those fresh shrimp and get cooking—your taste buds are in for a treat!