How many of you are etoufee (a-too-fae) fanatics! (Me! Me! Hand raised!) It’s a marvelously simple yet flavorful dish. My authentic Cajun shrimp etoufee has been taste tested by many, and today I share it with you.
Lets talk about etoufee basics, or perhaps, what makes it authentic. First is the roux, a sauce made from oil and flour. You cook it, whisking constantly, until peanut butter brown. Browning the flour add so much depth of flavor , it’s worth the time!
Next are the veggies, and not just any veggies. We’re talking about the holy trinity of Cajun cooking: green bell pepper, onion, and celery. These will saute in the roux until they soften.
The holy trinity are basic aromatics that you would use in most recipes as a base to add flavor (like this vegetable soup). It’s no wonder they are held above all else in Cajun cuisine!
Finally, the seafood, and the seafood seasoning. I use shrimp, but crawfish is perhaps even more authentic. This summer I will share a vegan version with you as well, which is also delicious, but not as authentic without the seafood.
For my seafood seasoning, I use old bay. Other seasonings labeled seafood seasoning work well, but I find old bay more consistently at my store. It also comes in low sodium if that is a concern for your diet.
Tips and Tricks for the Authentic Cajun Shrimp Etoufee recipe:
- To make my etoufee spicy, I use Louisiana sauce. Louisiana sauce is the best because it has the perfect balance of spicy to acidity, and limited ingredients.
- I prefer canned tomatoes to fresh because they yield a more velvety result. During summer, I will still use fresh garden tomatoes, but it is best if you take off the skins first.
- I also make this recipe with fish instead of shrimp. Try it with salmon for a non-traditional version.
- Make a double batch! Feed a crowd, or it freezes well for leftover lunches!
- 1½ cups brown rice
- ⅓ cup neutral flavored cooking oil (such as canola)
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small green pepper, diced
- 2-3 stalks celery, diced
- 15 oz can no-salt added diced tomatoes
- 1 cup broth or stock (I use vegetable or shrimp)
- 2 TBS old bay seasoning
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and divined
- 1 TBS Louisiana style hot sauce
- Cook rice according to package directions. This will take about 40 minutes.
- Meanwhile combine oil and flour in a skillet with a whisk. Cook stirring consistently over medium high heat for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture is peanut butter brown. (a glass of wine helps with this step) You can also cook over a lower heat, but it will take more time. You do need to consistently stir or the flour will burn at medium high heat. (This is why wine helps when you are standing at the stove for 10 minutes).
- Mix in diced pepper, onion, and celery. Saute covered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mix in tomatoes, broth, old bay and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil and let simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Mix in shrimp and hot sauce. Cook for 2 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque. Remove from heat.
- Serve over cooked rice.
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