The Best Shrimp Etouffee Recipe Ever

The Best Shrimp Etouffee Recipe Ever is a medium Cajun recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by All Wings Everything on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 42 min | Total: 1 hr 7 min

Cost: $18.76 total, $4.69 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined (preferably 21‑25 count)
  • 4 cups Seafood Stock (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes (undrained)
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper (red, diced)
  • 1 large Onion (diced)
  • 2 stalks Celery Stalks (diced)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 0.25 cup All-Purpose Flour (for roux)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (neutral oil for roux)
  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) Unsalted Butter (cut into pieces)
  • 2 tsp Cajun Seasoning (or Creole seasoning)
  • 2 tsp Creole Seasoning (optional, can use extra Cajun)
  • 1 tsp Hot Sauce (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce (adds depth)
  • 1 leaf Bay Leaf (whole)
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
  • 2 stalks Green Onions (sliced)
  • to taste Salt (preferably kosher)
  • to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

  1. Season the Shrimp

    Place the shrimp in a bowl, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, toss to coat evenly, and set aside while you build the sauce.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Make the Dark Roux

    Heat the vegetable oil in the Dutch oven over medium heat, whisk in the flour, and stir continuously for about 10 minutes until the mixture turns the color of a copper penny.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium

  3. Sauté the Holy Trinity

    Add the diced onion, bell pepper, celery, thyme, and minced garlic to the roux. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  4. Add Tomatoes

    Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) and cook for 1 minute to combine.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium

  5. Build the Sauce

    Pour in the seafood stock, add Creole seasoning, extra Cajun seasoning if desired, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 20‑25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.

    Time: PT22M

    Temperature: low simmer

  6. Cook the Shrimp in Butter

    While the sauce simmers, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 3‑4 minutes, turning once, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium

  7. Combine Shrimp and Finish

    Turn off the heat on the sauce, add the cooked shrimp, sliced green onions, and chopped parsley. Stir gently to combine and let the residual heat finish cooking the shrimp for 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Serve

    Spoon the shrimp étouffée over steamed white rice or serve with crusty bread. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
20g
Fat
15g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Gluten (contains flour), Pescatarian

Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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The Best Shrimp Etouffee Recipe Ever

Recipe by All Wings Everything

A rich, down‑home Southern dish featuring tender shrimp simmered in a dark roux‑based sauce with tomatoes, bell pepper, celery, and classic Cajun/Creole seasonings. Served over rice, this Louisiana‑style shrimp étouffée brings bold flavors to your table.

MediumCajunServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
15m
Prep
35m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$18.76
Total cost
$4.69
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Achieving the correct dark‑copper color for the roux without burning it
  • Ensuring the shrimp are cooked just until pink and not over‑done
  • Simmering the sauce long enough for flavors to meld while monitoring thickness

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil and roux can cause severe burns; stir constantly and keep pot handle turned away from the edge
  • Cook shrimp to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure safety

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Louisiana‑style shrimp étouffée in Cajun/Creole cuisine?

A

Shrimp étouffée originates from the Cajun and Creole traditions of Louisiana, where it was a way to stretch scarce seafood by thickening it with a dark roux and serving over rice. It reflects the French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences that define the region’s hearty, flavor‑rich cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of shrimp étouffée in Louisiana cuisine?

A

In coastal Cajun areas, the dish often uses a very dark roux and plenty of hot sauce, while Creole versions from New Orleans may be lighter in color, include tomatoes, and feature a blend of both Cajun and Creole seasonings. Some versions add okra or use crawfish instead of shrimp.

cultural
Q

How is shrimp étouffée authentically served in Louisiana?

A

Traditionally, shrimp étouffée is ladled over a mound of steaming white rice and garnished with chopped green onions or parsley. It may also be accompanied by crusty French bread to sop up the rich sauce.

cultural
Q

During what occasions is shrimp étouffée traditionally prepared in Cajun culture?

A

Shrimp étouffée is a staple at family gatherings, Mardi Mardi celebrations, and seafood boils. It’s also a comforting weeknight meal that showcases local Gulf shrimp.

cultural
Q

What makes shrimp étouffée special or unique in Cajun cuisine?

A

The signature dark roux, built from flour and oil and cooked until copper‑brown, gives the dish its deep, nutty flavor. Combined with the “holy trinity” of onion, bell pepper, and celery, it creates a uniquely layered taste profile.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making shrimp étouffée?

A

Burning the roux, over‑cooking the shrimp, and letting the sauce become too watery are the top pitfalls. Keep the roux moving, monitor shrimp closely, and simmer the sauce until it thickens properly.

technical
Q

Why does this shrimp étouffée recipe use a dark roux instead of a lighter one?

A

A dark roux develops a deep, toasted flavor that is essential to authentic Cajun étouffée. A lighter roux would lack the characteristic nutty richness and would change the dish’s traditional profile.

technical
Q

Can I make shrimp étouffée ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the roux and sauce a day ahead, refrigerate in an airtight container, and reheat gently. Cook the shrimp fresh and add them just before serving to keep them tender.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the roux is ready?

A

The roux should be a uniform copper‑brown color, similar to a penny, and have a smooth, glossy texture without lumps. It should smell nutty, not burnt.

technical
Q

How do I know when the shrimp étouffée is done cooking?

A

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, and the shrimp should be pink and opaque. Remove the pot from heat as soon as the shrimp reach this color to prevent overcooking.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel All Wings Everything focuses on Southern and Cajun comfort food, especially wing‑centric dishes, hearty stews, and down‑home recipes that celebrate bold flavors and easy home cooking techniques.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything's approach to Cajun cooking differ from other Cajun cooking channels?

A

All Wings Everything blends a casual, personable style with detailed step‑by‑step explanations, often emphasizing shortcuts like using store‑bought stock while still honoring authentic flavor foundations, whereas many other channels may focus on more traditional, labor‑intensive methods.

channel

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