1-First Step: Prep the ingredients Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp if needed, then chop the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Mince the garlic, slice the green onions, chop the parsley, and measure out the Cajun seasoning, flour, butter, broth, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves. Having everything ready before the heat goes on makes this Easy Shrimp Etouffee Recipe much smoother.

2-Second Step: Season and cook the shrimp Toss the 1 1/2 pounds of shrimp with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the shrimp just until pink, then transfer them to a plate. Do not let them overcook, since they will go back into the sauce later.

3-Third Step: Make the roux Melt 1/3 cup butter in a Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Stir in 1/3 cup flour and cook, stirring often, until the mixture turns a peanut butter color. This step is what gives Shrimp Etouffee its rich, classic body. Be patient, and keep stirring so the roux does not burn.

4-Fourth Step: Add the vegetables Once the roux reaches that deep peanut butter shade, add the onion, green bell pepper, celery, thyme, and garlic. Cook for several minutes until the vegetables soften. Adding them at this stage helps stop the roux from browning too far and brings the sauce together with the Cajun flavor base.

5-Fifth Step: Stir in the broth and tomatoes Slowly pour in 3 cups shrimp stock or chicken broth, stirring as you go so the sauce stays smooth. Then add the 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes, 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, and 2 bay leaves. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes. This gives the sauce time to thicken and develop flavor.

6-Sixth Step: Finish with herbs, lemon, and shrimp Stir in the sliced green onion, chopped parsley, and juice of 1/2 lemon. Add the shrimp back to the pan and heat just until warmed through. Taste and add salt and black pepper as needed. The fresh herbs and lemon give this Cajun Shrimp Etouffee Recipe a bright finish that keeps it from feeling heavy.

7-Final Step: Serve over rice Spoon the etouffee over hot cooked rice and serve right away. The sauce should be thick, rich, and full of flavor, with tender shrimp in every bite. If you are cooking for a crowd, keep the rice warm while the sauce finishes so everything lands on the table at the same time.