Are you craving a delicious and flavorful Cajun dish? Look no further than the Best Easy Shrimp Etouffee Recipe by the Cajun Ninja. This authentic Louisiana recipe will transport you straight to the heart of Cajun country with its rich flavors and comforting textures.
To make this mouthwatering dish, you will need the following ingredients: one pound of peeled and deveined shrimp, one stick of butter, one medium onion (diced), one medium bell pepper (diced), two stalks of celery (diced), three cloves of garlic (minced), one can of diced tomatoes, one tablespoon of tomato paste, one tablespoon of all-purpose flour, one cup of chicken broth, one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, one teaspoon of dried thyme, one teaspoon of dried oregano, one bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste. Serve it with steamed rice and garnish with chopped green onions.
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic, and sauté until the vegetables are tender. Then, add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Next, add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, flour, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens.
Finally, return the shrimp to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Now that your Shrimp Etouffee is ready, serve it over steamed rice and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for an extra burst of freshness.
FAQs:
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them before cooking.
2. Can I substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth as a substitute for chicken broth.
3. Can I make this recipe without the Cajun seasoning?
While the Cajun seasoning adds a distinct flavor, you can still make the recipe without it. Just adjust the seasonings according to your taste preference.
4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you may need to cook them for a little longer to achieve a similar consistency.
5. How spicy is this recipe?
The spiciness can be adjusted to your liking by adding more or less Cajun seasoning.
6. Can I use a different type of seafood instead of shrimp?
Yes, you can use other types of seafood such as crawfish or crab meat.
7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
8. How long does this dish keep in the refrigerator?
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
9. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double or even triple the recipe to serve a larger crowd.
11. Can I make this dish without the butter?
While butter adds richness to the dish, you can use a substitute like olive oil if desired.