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Commander's Palace Shrimp Etouffee Recipe

Erin Rains
Before we dive into the rich history and flavors of Commander’s Palace Shrimp Étouffée, let’s talk about what pairs well with this dish. I suggest you go for a light salad and some crusty French bread.
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Creole
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust for desired heat
  • 1 tablespoon neutral vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/3 cup finely diced onion
  • 1/3 cup finely diced green bell pepper
  • 1/3 cup thinly sliced celery stalks
  • 2 pounds fresh shrimp peeled and deveine
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup finely diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste for deeper umami flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 dash hot sauce add more to taste for extra heat
  • 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken stock or as needed
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups freshly cooked rice
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions for garnish
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice to brighten the dish

Instructions
 

  • Start by mixing all the spices in a bowl. This should include the white and black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground thyme, dried oregano, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. It’s best to have this ready beforehand; trust me, it'll save you time.
  • In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the butter and let it melt. Toss in the onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Cook until the veggies are tender. This mix is known as the "holy trinity" in Cajun cuisine and is essential for building flavor.
  • Sprinkle in the flour and stir well. You want to cook this mixture for about 3-5 minutes until it turns a light golden brown. That's your roux, which adds richness and thickness to the sauce.
  • Once the roux is ready, gently add the fresh shrimp. Stir to coat them well with the mixture. Once they start to turn pink, it’s time to add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste—these will deepen the flavors significantly.
  • Gradually stir in the chicken stock. This step is vital to adjust consistency. You want the sauce to be thick but still pourable. Stir continuously until everything is combined and simmer for about 10 minutes.
  • Once the mixture has thickened, add Worcestershire sauce, the dash of hot sauce, and salt to taste. Serve it over hot rice and garnish with sliced green onions and a pinch of cayenne. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over it to brighten everything up.

Notes

  • Use a Good Stock: Low-sodium chicken stock allows you to control the saltiness of the dish better. You can always add more salt later if needed.
  • Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly. Ensure they’re just pink and opaque to keep them tender.
  • Add Herbs: Fresh parsley or green onions can elevate the flavor even more. Just a sprinkle on top can do wonders.
  • Make It Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day. If you have the time, make it ahead and let the flavors meld.
  • Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, just add a little more stock or water until you reach your desired thickness.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcal
Keyword Commander's palace shrimp etouffee recipe
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