Cajun Shrimp Étouffée Recipe

Easy Shrimp Étouffée is the best, classic Cajun or Creole recipe prepared with seafood, a thick roux sauce, green peppers, yellow onion, and celery, the Holy Trinity of vegetables.

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If you have ever had the gumbo or etouffee at Pappadeaux or any other restaurant, you may understand it’s addictive appeal.

What is Shrimp Étouffée? What is it Made Of?

What is the translation? It’s pronounced “ay tu fay” or “et tu fay”. In French, it means smothered. It’s a dish that’s popular in Creole and Cajun cuisine. It’s served with shellfish over rice. It is commonly prepared with crawfish, but also crab or shrimp.

It also includes the “Holy Trinity” of Cajun and Creole cooking, which includes: celery, green bell peppers, and onion. These vegetables are the base for most Louisiana cooking.

What Type of Shrimp to Use

Shrimp can be found at the grocery store in a few different ways. There is raw, pre-cooked, raw and frozen, deveined, tails on, tails off, etc.

I never use pre-cooked shrimp. There is an obvious difference in taste due to the lack of quality. The shrimp is cooked and then frozen and you have to cook it/warm it up again. This usually overcooks the shrimp. Raw shrimp only takes minutes to make, just buy it raw.

Always look for deveined, that’s my preference. The black vein that runs along the back of the shrimp is the digestive intestinal tract. Is this shrimp poop, yes.

You can buy it with the vein and remove it using a sharp paring knife to make a slit along the back and lift out the vein with the tip of the knife.

Buy large shrimp. No one likes those baby shrimp and they are harder to fry.

How to Thaw Frozen Shrimp

Place the frozen shrimp in a large bowl of cold water. The shrimp will thaw within minutes and will be ready to peel.

How to Make Shrimp Étouffée?

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. First, you will have to make a seafood broth using shrimp shells, water, Creole Seasoning, and Better Than Bouillon Lobster Base. Add the items to a Dutch Oven and simmer.
2. Drain the shells from the broth and set aside.
3. Create a roux in a separate skillet by combining oil and flour. Stir repeatedly so the roux does not burn.
4. Add celery, onions, and green peppers to the Dutch Oven and stir. Add garlic, the seafood broth, Creole Seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves. Cover the pot and simmer.
5. Uncover and add the shrimp. Cook for 3-4 minutes.

How to Create a Roux

A roux is a combination of equal parts of oil and flour. Melt the butter first, and then add the flour. And STIR, STIR, STIR. Stir constantly. If you stop, the roux will burn.

The shade of brown the roux needs to be is always a source of debate. Many prefer a lighter, peanut butter brown hue. A lot of people prefer a really dark brown hue. When making gumbo and etouffée, I have made it both ways!

Prepare it based on what you like. A peanut butter brown roux will take 5-6 minutes of stirring. A deep brown roux (as shown in the photos of this recipe) will take you 10 minutes or more.

What to Serve with Shrimp Étouffée

Green salad and French bread will pair well this dish. You should also try my Instant Pot Cabbage.

The Difference Between Shrimp Creole and Shrimp Étouffée

Shrimp Creole uses a tomato base. Étouffée is prepared with a roux base.

The Difference Between Gumbo and Shrimp Étouffée

Gumbo is more of a soup or stew. Étouffée is really thick. Gumbo is also prepared with andouille sausage and sometimes chicken, in addition to seafood like shrimp and crab.

Étouffée is prepared with one meat item, such as crawfish or shrimp. It’s commonly served with crawfish, but shrimp is usually more available in stores and makes a great option.

Type of Rice to Use in Pairing

White rice is paired with the dish. I typically use Jasmine rice.

Does it Have Tomatoes?

Whether tomatoes are used or not in Louisiana cooking is always a source of debate. Most Cajun recipes do not include tomatoes during the cooking process. A lot of Creole recipes use tomatoes. You can decide what will work best for you.

More Cajun Recipes

Cajun Dirty Rice
Slow Cooker Gumbo
Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Cajun Chicken Wings
Cajun Shrimp Pasta

More Southern Style Recipes

Instant Pot Gumbo
Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
Instant Pot Shrimp and Grits
Instant Pot Collard Greens
Southern Homemade Cornbread
Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Slow Cooker Crockpot Oxtails

You may also enjoy my Homemade Lobster Bisque recipe.