Classic New Orleans Étouffée (Printable)

Savor rich, soulful New Orleans Étouffée. Succulent shrimp in a dark roux with Cajun spices, served over fluffy rice.

# Components:

→ For the Étouffée

01 - 1/3 cup vegetable oil
02 - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 medium onion, diced
04 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
08 - 2 cups seafood stock
09 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
10 - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
11 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
12 - 1 bay leaf
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ For Serving and Garnish

14 - 4 cups cooked white rice
15 - 2 green onions, chopped
16 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour to create a roux, stirring constantly until deep golden brown (chocolate-colored), about 15–20 minutes. Take care not to burn.
02 - Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the roux. Cook for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Gradually add seafood stock, stirring well to combine with roux and vegetable mixture.
05 - Add shrimp, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
06 - Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and shrimp are cooked through.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove and discard bay leaf. Serve over hot cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions and parsley.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The roux gives this dish an incredible depth that store bought seasoning blends can never replicate
  • Its a one pot meal that feels fancy enough for dinner guests but cozy enough for Tuesday nights
02 -
  • Burning the roux happens fast and ruins everything, so stay focused and patient during those 15 to 20 minutes
  • The sauce continues to thicken as it cools, so dont panic if it looks slightly thinner than you expected
03 -
  • Use a cast iron Dutch oven for even heat distribution and better temperature control
  • Have all your vegetables prepped before starting the roux, you wont have time to chop once it gets going
Return