Van'S Shrimp Etouffee
A flavorful Louisiana-style shrimp etouffee featuring tender shrimp, aromatic vegetables, and savory spices, served over rice for a hearty, comforting meal perfect for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. headless shrimp ⓘ
- 1 large onion
- 4 stalks celery
- 1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 2 tomatoes, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. tomato paste ⓘ
- 4 green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 to 3 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 can chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 stick butter ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. rice, cooked ⓘ
Instructions
- Peel and wash the shrimp; set aside.
- In a food processor, finely chop the onion and celery.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan; sauté the chopped onion, celery, garlic, and diced tomatoes.
- Add spices (black pepper, paprika, parsley flakes, thyme, cayenne pepper, bay leaves, salt) and stir.
- Add in the shrimp; cook until pink.
- Stir in flour to thicken.
- Pour in chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste; stir well.
- Add chopped green onions.
- Simmer over low heat for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Serve hot over cooked rice along with French bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a dash of smoked paprika. If you prefer a thicker etouffee, allow it to simmer longer after adding the flour. You can substitute the shrimp with crawfish or even chicken for a different take. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can enhance the dish significantly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the etouffee hot over a bed of cooked rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully. A side of crusty French bread is perfect for mopping up the sauce. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a light salad or a side of steamed vegetables, which balances the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Van'S Shrimp Etouffee contains roughly 482 calories, with 15g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (122% of the Daily Value), iron (73% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1546mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and ensures the etouffee has the best texture. Adjust the cooking time slightly if using larger shrimp, as they may take a minute longer to turn pink.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or seafood stock. This will enhance the overall taste without overpowering the shrimp. For a richer taste, homemade broth is always a great option if you have it on hand.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables. You can also serve the etouffee with hot sauce on the side, allowing everyone to adjust the spice level to their preference. This dish pairs beautifully with Wonderful Rice to balance the heat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).