Discover a taste of New Orleans classic shrimp Étouffée and bring New Orleans cuisine home. This easy-to-follow guide takes you through each step of creating a true Southern masterpiece, from preparing a perfect roux to smothering shrimp in a delicious blend of Creole spices. Complete with tips for ideal ingredient choices and serving suggestions, this blog post will have you bringing the vibrant taste of New Orleans straight to your kitchen. Perfect for seafood lovers and anyone looking to spice up their home cooking!
A Taste of New Orleans: Classic Shrimp Étouffée
Recipe: Shrimp Étouffée
Étouffée, which means “smothered” in French, is a luxurious and rich dish that captures the essence of New Orleans’ culinary spirit, especially in their classic shrimp recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups seafood stock
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp Creole seasoning (Tony Chachere’s recommended)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Shrimp Étouffée Instructions:
1. Prepare the Roux: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Gradually add the flour, stirring constantly, until the roux reaches a peanut butter-like color (about 10-15 minutes).
2. Add Vegetables: Stir in the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Simmer: Slowly add the seafood stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the diced tomatoes, bay leaf, Creole seasoning, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a taste of New Orleans.
4. Add Shrimp: Stir in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 3-5 minutes to perfect your classic shrimp étouffée.
5. Serve: Spoon the shrimp étouffée over a bed of white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and enjoy!
Cooking Essentials from Amazon
Affiliate Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, LiveThriveTravel.com earns from qualifying purchases.
To recreate your Shrimp Étouffée, you’ll need the right tools and spices. Here are some curated essentials available on Amazon (as an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases):
1. 12 inch Iron Skillet with wooden spatula – Perfect for making a flawless roux.
2. All-Clad Stainless Steel Utensil Set – Handy for sautéing and stirring.
3. Organic Creole Seasoning by Frontier – Essential for that authentic flavor.
4. Chef Knife Set by WÜSTHOF – For perfectly chopping all those vegetables.
When cooking with love and the right ingredients, you can transform your kitchen into a lavish dining experience reminiscent of your travels. Embrace the power of flavors, and let your culinary journey commence with a Taste of New Orleans: Classic Shrimp Étouffée! Whether you’re exploring new recipes or reminiscing about your favorite destinations, the vibrant and diverse cuisine of Greece can offer endless inspiration. Discover more about the tantalizing tastes of Greece in this blog post.