Cajun Shrimp Etouffee

Cajun Shrimp Etouffee: A Delight That’s Easy to Master!

Shrimp Etouffee is a beloved Cajun dish that transports your taste buds straight to the heart of Louisiana. This simmering stew, crafted with tender shrimp and a rich, velvety sauce, is the epitome of comfort food. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Imagine the aroma of sautéed onions, bell peppers, and celery wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the earthy spices that lend this dish its signature Cajun flair. As the shrimp gently poach in the flavorful sauce, your hunger will only grow, anticipating the first bite of this steaming, fragrant masterpiece.

Etouffee has deep roots in Cajun and Creole cuisine, with its origins tracing back to the early settlers of Louisiana. While the traditional version often features crawfish, this shrimp-based adaptation is equally satisfying, showcasing the bounty of the Gulf Coast. Pair it with fluffy white rice for a complete and nourishing meal that will leave you feeling like you’ve been transported to a cozy bayou bistro.

Cajun Shrimp Etouffee Recipe

Ingredients:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 onion, diced

1 bell pepper, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups seafood or chicken broth

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions:

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.

Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook, whisking constantly, until the roux is a light caramel color, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the roux. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Gradually pour in the broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

Stir in the Cajun seasoning, thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until thickened.

Add the shrimp to the sauce and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serve the shrimp etouffee immediately over cooked white rice.

Notes:

• For a creamier texture, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne to suit your desired level of spice.
• Leftover etouffee can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Information (per serving): serves 4

Calories: 350

Fat: 15g

Protein: 28g

Carbohydrates: 23g

Fiber: 2g

Other Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Estimated Cost per Serving: $4.50

Estimated Total Cost: $18.00

In Conclusion, Cajun Shrimp Etouffee

In conclusion, Shrimp Etouffee is a delectable Cajun dish that showcases the rich flavors of the Gulf Coast. With its simple preparation and bold, comforting taste, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.

Find more coastal food recipes here.

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