Recipe

Rustic Etouffee Recipe

A cozy Louisiana-style shrimp etouffee with a deep, nutty roux, tender veggies, and a savory sauce you will want to spoon over everything.

By Matt Campbell

•

4.8

A bowl of rustic shrimp etouffee with a rich brown sauce and white rice on a wooden table

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Etouffee is one of those dishes that feels like a hug but tastes like someone turned the flavor dial up and snapped it off. You build a roux, sweat down the holy trinity (onion, bell pepper, celery), then let everything simmer into a glossy, savory sauce that clings to rice like it pays rent.

This is my rustic, weeknight-friendly version. I lean into a slightly deeper, toastier roux than some traditional shrimp etouffees, because I like that nutty backbone. It is bold, satisfying, and not precious. You do not need fancy seafood stock or a culinary degree. You just need patience for the roux, a spoon, and the willingness to taste as you go. If you can stir and you can smell when something is getting too toasty, you are in business.

A wooden spoon stirring a deep brown roux in a cast iron skillet

Why It Works

Deep flavor without complicated steps: A properly browned roux does the heavy lifting and makes the sauce taste like it simmered all day.
Thick, silky texture: The roux plus a gentle simmer gives you that classic etouffee body that coats the spoon.
Bright finish: Lemon and parsley at the end keep the whole pot from feeling heavy.
Flexible: Works with shrimp, crawfish (if you can get them), chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms for a meatless vibe.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerator: Cool etouffee quickly, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. (If your shrimp are very fresh, day 2 is peak.) Do not leave seafood sitting out at room temp.
Freezer: For best texture, freeze the sauce without shrimp for up to 3 months. Add fresh shrimp when reheating. If you do freeze it with shrimp, it will still be tasty, just a little more springy.
Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often, until hot and steaming throughout. Add a splash of stock or water if it thickens too much. Avoid a hard boil so the shrimp stay tender.
Rice tip: Store rice separately so it does not soak up all that glorious sauce.

Common Questions

FAQ

What is the difference between gumbo and etouffee?

Gumbo is usually soupier and can be thickened with roux alone or with okra and/or filé powder, depending on the style. It also tends to have a wider mix of proteins. Etouffee is thicker, more like a rich stew, and it is built to be spooned over rice.

How dark should I cook the roux?

Traditionally, many shrimp and crawfish etouffees lean lighter, anywhere from blonde to peanut butter. I like a deeper roux here for a rustic, toasty base, so aim for deep peanut butter to milk chocolate. Darker is bolder but easier to burn. If you smell sharp bitterness or see black specks, start over. I know. It hurts. But it is faster than trying to "fix" a burned roux.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw in the fridge overnight, or quick-thaw in a bowl of cold water. Pat dry before cooking so you do not water down the sauce. Previously frozen shrimp are totally fine here and often fresher than "fresh" shrimp at the case.

Is etouffee spicy?

It can be. This recipe is medium heat. If you want it mild, cut the cayenne in half and use a mild Cajun seasoning. If you want it hot, add extra cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce at the end.

Can I make it ahead?

Absolutely. Make the sauce up to 2 days ahead, then reheat and add shrimp right at the end. The flavor gets even better after a rest.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven (helps prevent roux hot spots)
Wooden spoon or flat-edged spatula for constant stirring
Whisk (helpful for starting the roux)
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons
Microplane or citrus juicer (optional, for lemon)

The first time I made etouffee on my own, I treated the roux like it was a campfire. I stepped away for "just a second" and came back to something that smelled like regret. Now I do it the right way: I park myself at the stove, stir like it is my job, and let the kitchen fill up with that nutty, toasted aroma that tells you dinner is about to be serious.

This rustic version is the one I make when I want comfort that still has some edge. It is not fussy, it forgives substitutions, and it always gets that quiet moment at the table where everyone stops talking because the sauce is doing the talking.

Rustic Etouffee Recipe

(4.8 Reviews)

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings 4 to 6

Ingredients

1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails off), preferably 21 to 25 count
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp neutral oil (canola, avocado, or vegetable)
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 yellow onion, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
2 celery ribs, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, but good)
3 cups seafood stock or chicken stock, preferably low-sodium (or water in a pinch)
1 tbsp Cajun or Creole seasoning (start with 2 tsp if yours is salty)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
2 bay leaves
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, to taste)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/4 cup chopped parsley
Cooked long-grain white rice, for serving (about 3 cups cooked)
Sliced scallions, for serving (optional)

Diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery on a cutting board

Instructions

Pat the shrimp dry and season lightly. Sprinkle with a pinch of Cajun seasoning and black pepper. Set aside in the fridge while you build the base.
Make the roux. In a heavy pot over medium heat, add butter and oil. Once melted, whisk in flour until smooth, then switch to a wooden spoon or flat-edged spatula. Stir constantly until the roux turns deep peanut butter to milk chocolate brown and smells nutty, about 12 to 25 minutes. Visual cue: it should look glossy and move like warm peanut butter when you stir. If it is darkening too fast, lower the heat. Roux burns fast when it decides it is done cooperating.
Add the trinity. Stir in onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until softened. The veggies slow the roux down, which is exactly what we want.
Garlic and tomato paste time. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste (if using) and cook 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Build the sauce. Slowly pour in stock while stirring to prevent lumps. Add Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), bay leaves, Worcestershire, and hot sauce (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer.
Simmer and thicken. Reduce heat to low and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and glossy. Taste and adjust salt and heat. If your Cajun seasoning or stock is salty, you may not need much extra salt.
Cook the shrimp in the sauce. Add shrimp and simmer 3 to 5 minutes, just until pink and opaque. Do not overcook. Shrimp go from tender to rubber band with zero warning.
Finish bright. Turn off heat. Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Remove bay leaves. Optional: stir in a small knob of butter for extra gloss, or a handful of sliced scallions for a fresh bite.
Serve. Spoon etouffee over hot rice and serve right away for the best shrimp texture. Top with scallions if you want that fresh bite.

Shrimp etouffee simmering in a pot with a rich brown sauce

Nutrition information is estimated.

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