Name: Delicious Cajun Shrimp Étouffée
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter 🧈 – This adds richness and depth to the roux, which is fundamental for thickening the sauce.; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 🍞 – Used to create the roux; it thickens the sauce and contributes to the dish’s creaminess.; 1 medium onion, chopped 🧅 – Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor base.; 1 green bell pepper, chopped 🫑 – Provides a slight crispness and a fresh, slightly bitter flavor.; 2 celery stalks, chopped 🌱 – Complements the onion and bell pepper, creating the iconic “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking.; 3 garlic cloves, minced 🧄 – Adds aromatic and savory notes.; 2 cups seafood or chicken stock 🍲 – Forms the base of the sauce, providing moisture and flavor. Opt for homemade if possible for the best flavor.; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes 🍅 – Adds acidity and sweetness while complementing the flavors of the other ingredients.; 1 tbsp tomato paste 🍅 – Enhances the tomato flavor and adds richness to the sauce.; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning 🌶️ – The star spice that brings authentic Cajun flavor to the dish; adjust to taste.; 1 tsp smoked paprika 🌿 – Offers a smokey depth and vibrant color.; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper 🌶️ – Adds a kick; it can be adjusted for spice tolerance.; 1/2 tsp thyme 🌿 – Infuses dry herb notes that enhance flavor complexity.; 1/2 tsp oregano 🌱 – Provides a slightly sweet and peppery flavor.; 1 bay leaf 🍃 – Adds an aromatic element that subtly enhances the dish’s flavor profile.; 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined 🍤 – The main protein; ensure they are fresh or properly thawed for the best texture.; 2 tbsp unsalted butter 🧈 – Used for sautéing the shrimp, adding richness.; Cooked white rice 🍚 – Serves as the base of the dish, soaking up the flavorful sauce.; Chopped green onions for garnish 🌿 – Adds a fresh, colorful touch to the serving.; Hot sauce, optional 🌶️ – For those who enjoy an extra kick!

Description

Enjoy a flavorful Cajun Shrimp Étouffée with a rich, spicy sauce and tender shrimp over rice, bringing a taste of Louisiana to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup unsalted butter 🧈 – This adds richness and depth to the roux, which is fundamental for thickening the sauce.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour 🍞 – Used to create the roux; it thickens the sauce and contributes to the dish’s creaminess.
1 medium onion, chopped 🧅 – Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor base.
1 green bell pepper, chopped 🫑 – Provides a slight crispness and a fresh, slightly bitter flavor.
2 celery stalks, chopped 🌱 – Complements the onion and bell pepper, creating the iconic “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking.
3 garlic cloves, minced 🧄 – Adds aromatic and savory notes.
2 cups seafood or chicken stock 🍲 – Forms the base of the sauce, providing moisture and flavor. Opt for homemade if possible for the best flavor.
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes 🍅 – Adds acidity and sweetness while complementing the flavors of the other ingredients.
1 tbsp tomato paste 🍅 – Enhances the tomato flavor and adds richness to the sauce.
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning 🌶️ – The star spice that brings authentic Cajun flavor to the dish; adjust to taste.
1 tsp smoked paprika 🌿 – Offers a smokey depth and vibrant color.
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper 🌶️ – Adds a kick; it can be adjusted for spice tolerance.
1/2 tsp thyme 🌿 – Infuses dry herb notes that enhance flavor complexity.
1/2 tsp oregano 🌱 – Provides a slightly sweet and peppery flavor.
1 bay leaf 🍃 – Adds an aromatic element that subtly enhances the dish’s flavor profile.
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined 🍤 – The main protein; ensure they are fresh or properly thawed for the best texture.
2 tbsp unsalted butter 🧈 – Used for sautéing the shrimp, adding richness.
Cooked white rice 🍚 – Serves as the base of the dish, soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Chopped green onions for garnish 🌿 – Adds a fresh, colorful touch to the serving.
Hot sauce, optional 🌶️ – For those who enjoy an extra kick!

Instructions

Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined 🍤 with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning 🌶️. Ensure all shrimp are evenly coated, then set aside.
Make the Roux: In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter 🧈 over medium heat. Once melted, add 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 🍞 and whisk continuously for about 10-15 minutes until the mixture turns a golden brown. This roux is crucial for flavor and thickness.
Cook the Holy Trinity: Add the 1 medium onion, chopped 🧅, 1 green bell pepper, chopped 🫑, and 2 celery stalks, chopped 🌱 to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables have softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then add 3 garlic cloves, minced 🧄 and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Build the Sauce: Gradually whisk in 2 cups seafood or chicken stock 🍲 while ensuring there are no lumps. Stir in 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes 🍅, 1 tbsp tomato paste 🍅, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning 🌶️, 1 tsp smoked paprika 🌿, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper 🌶️, 1/2 tsp thyme 🌿, 1/2 tsp oregano 🌱, and the 1 bay leaf 🍃. Let this simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Cook the Shrimp: In a separate pan, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter 🧈 over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and sauté until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Once cooked, mix the shrimp into the sauce and let it simmer together for another 2-3 minutes.
Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the sauce. Serve the Cajun Shrimp Étouffée over cooked white rice 🍚, garnishing with chopped green onions 🌿. Optionally, you can offer hot sauce 🌶️ on the side for those who enjoy more heat.

Follow these steps, and you’ll end up with a delicious dish that bursts with flavor and authenticity!