Infused with the vibrant flavors and aromas of the Big Easy, this New Orleans Shrimp Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This dish combines succulent shrimp with a rich, spicy sauce that is sure to transport you straight to the heart of Louisiana's most iconic city. Simple to prepare yet impressive on the plate, it's the perfect recipe to take your dinner game to the next level.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry items. However, fish stock might not be readily available in your kitchen, but it can be found in the soup aisle of your local supermarket. Beer is also a key ingredient in this recipe, lending it a distinctive flavor. Choose a lager or light amber beer for the best results and avoid heavily flavored craft beers to ensure they don't overpower the dish.
Ingredients for New Orleans Shrimp Dish
Canola oil: This oil is used for sautéing. It has a high smoke point making it ideal for high heat cooking.
Onion: It adds a sweet, caramelized flavor when sautéd.
Celery stalk: It gives a nice crunch and additional flavor to the dish.
Green bell pepper: It adds freshness and a pop of color to the dish.
Red pepper: Brings some heat to the dish, adjust according to taste.
Butter: It adds richness to the dish and aids in making the roux.
All-purpose flour: It is used to thicken the sauce.
Salt and Black pepper: For seasoning.
Fish stock: It forms the base of the sauce, adding a seafood flavor.
Beer: Adds a unique flavor to the dish.
Large shrimp: The star of the dish, they are juicy and flavorful when cooked in the sauce.
One reader, Augustus Ferreira says:
This New Orleans shrimp recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The rich, savory gravy perfectly complements the tender shrimp. It's a delightful dish that brings a taste of the Big Easy right to your kitchen. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for This Recipe
How to sauté vegetables: Sauté the onion, celery, and green pepper in a skillet over low heat until the onion is soft, being careful not to burn it. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and wipe out any excess liquid with a paper towel.
How to make a roux: Melt butter in the skillet, then sprinkle flour over the butter and stir with a wire whisk. Whisk in salt and black pepper, and constantly whisk the flour mixture until it browns and becomes dry, about 3 to 5 minutes. Be careful not to let the roux burn.
How to thicken gravy: Slowly whisk in hot fish stock, then gradually whisk in beer. Keep whisking until the gravy thickens. If the gravy is too thick, gradually stir in warm water to dilute.
How to cook shrimp in gravy: Stir the shrimp into the gravy and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink. Remove from heat and serve.
How To Make New Orleans Shrimp
This shrimp recipe is prepared Creole-style with onion, celery, bell pepper, and fish stock. Add some red peppers if you want a nice jolt of spiciness.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tspcanola oil
- 1onion,finely diced
- 1celery stalk,chopped
- 1green bell pepper,chopped
- 1tspred pepper,crushed
- 1tbspbutter
- ¼cupall purpose flour
- ½tspsalt
- cracked black pepper,to taste
- 2½cupsfish stock
- 1cupbeer
- 1lblarge shrimp,peeled and deveined
Instructions
-
Pour oil into a large, heavy skillet; place over medium high heat. Heat oil until hot, but not smoking.
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Reduce heat to low, and add onion, celery, and green pepper. If using diced hot peppers, stir in now.
-
Saute until the onion is soft, but be careful not to burn onion. Remove vegetables from skillet, and wipe out excess liquid with paper towel.
-
Return pan to heat. Melt butter in pan: let bubble, but do not allow butter to burn.
-
Sprinkle flour over butter, and stir with wire whisk. Whisk in salt and black pepper.
-
Whisking constantly, brown flour mixture until dry; this should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Do not allow roux to burn.
-
Slowly whisk in hot fish stock . Increase heat slightly. Gradually whisk in beer; keep whisking until gravy thickens.
-
Stir in vegetables. If gravy is too thick, gradually stir in warm water to dilute.
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Stir shrimp into gravy. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until pink. Remove from heat, and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 216.38kcal
- Fat: 6.55g
- Saturated Fat: 2.56g
- Trans Fat: 0.14g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.03g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.04g
- Carbohydrates: 14.49g
- Fiber: 1.72g
- Sugar: 2.22g
- Protein: 20.63g
- Cholesterol: 151.97mg
- Sodium: 937.67mg
- Calcium: 89.54mg
- Potassium: 503.30mg
- Iron: 0.93mg
- Vitamin A: 97.41µg
- Vitamin C: 27.13mg
Technique Tip for Making New Orleans Shrimp Recipe
When making the roux, it's important to keep the heat low and stir constantly. This will prevent the flour from burning and will ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture. Additionally, using a wire whisk can help to evenly distribute the heat and break up any potential clumps of flour. Remember, the color of your roux will greatly affect the flavor of your dish. A lighter roux provides a subtle, more delicate flavor, while a darker roux will give a deep, rich flavor to your New Orleans Shrimp.
Time-Saving Tips for Making New Orleans Shrimp Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients before starting to cook to streamline the process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup.
Quick marination: Marinate the shrimp in advance to infuse them with flavor while you prepare other components of the dish.
Efficient multitasking: Utilize downtime, such as while the roux is browning, to prep other ingredients and maximize productivity.
Frozen shrimp: Use pre-peeled and deveined frozen shrimp to save time on preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For New Orleans Shrimp Recipe
canola oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Canola oil can be substituted with vegetable oil, which has a similar neutral flavor and high smoke point, making it suitable for sautéing and frying.
onion - Substitute with shallot: Shallots can be used as a substitute for onions, providing a milder and slightly sweeter flavor to the dish.
celery stalk - Substitute with celery seed: Celery seed can be used as a substitute for celery stalk, providing a concentrated celery flavor in the dish.
green bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell pepper can be used as a substitute for green bell pepper, adding a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color to the recipe.
red pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can be used as a substitute for red pepper, providing the same level of heat and spiciness to the dish.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a substitute for butter, providing a healthier alternative and a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
all purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour: Gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour, making the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, providing a slightly different flavor and texture to the dish.
cracked black pepper - Substitute with ground black pepper: Ground black pepper can be used as a substitute for cracked black pepper, providing the same peppery flavor to the recipe.
fish stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock can be used as a substitute for fish stock, providing a flavorful base for the dish without the fishy undertones.
beer - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can be used as a substitute for beer, adding depth of flavor to the dish without the alcoholic content.
shrimp - Substitute with prawns: Prawns can be used as a substitute for shrimp, providing a similar taste and texture to the dish.
Best Way to Present This Shrimp Dish
Elevate the shrimp: Arrange the cooked shrimp in a circular pattern on the plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley and chives over the shrimp to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish.
Incorporate a flavorful sauce: Drizzle a delicate creole sauce around the shrimp, creating an artistic and appetizing presentation.
Add a touch of citrus: Place a small wedge of lemon on the side of the plate to provide a hint of brightness and a visually appealing element.
Utilize elegant plating: Present the dish on a sleek, white plate to allow the vibrant colors of the shrimp and sauce to stand out and captivate the diners.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for This Shrimp Dish
Let the shrimp cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the shrimp from becoming soggy and overcooked.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled shrimp and gravy to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freezing is a great option:
- Transfer the cooled shrimp and gravy to a freezer-safe container, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion.
- Seal the container tightly, label it with the date, and place it in the freezer.
- The frozen New Orleans shrimp will maintain its best quality for up to 2 months.
To reheat, first thaw the frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight.
- Transfer the thawed shrimp and gravy to a saucepan and heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during reheating, as they can become tough and rubbery.
If you find that the gravy has thickened too much after freezing and reheating, you can thin it out by whisking in a little warm fish stock or water until you reach the desired consistency.
How to Reheat Leftover Shrimp
Stovetop method: Place the leftover new orleans shrimp in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Gently stir the mixture, adding a splash of fish stock or water if needed to thin out the sauce. Heat until the shrimp are warmed through and the sauce is bubbling. This method allows you to control the consistency of the sauce and ensures the shrimp don't overcook.
Microwave method: Transfer the leftover new orleans shrimp to a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the shrimp from drying out. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the shrimp are heated through and the sauce is warm. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the shrimp to become rubbery.
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover new orleans shrimp in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through and the sauce is bubbly. This method is ideal if you have a large quantity of leftovers or if you want to reheat the dish alongside other items in the oven.
Slow cooker method: If you have a small slow cooker or crockpot, you can use it to reheat your leftover new orleans shrimp. Transfer the shrimp and sauce to the slow cooker, cover, and heat on low for 1-2 hours, or until the shrimp are warmed through. This method is perfect for keeping the shrimp warm for an extended period, making it ideal for parties or gatherings.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the new orleans shrimp occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent scorching. Once heated through, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a pinch of salt, black pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to brighten up the flavors.
Interesting Fact About New Orleans Shrimp
The New Orleans shrimp recipe is a classic dish that combines the flavors of the South with fresh seafood. It's a perfect example of Cajun and Creole cuisine, which is known for its bold and spicy flavors. This dish is often served with rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. It's a popular choice for a quick and delicious weeknight meal, and it's a great way to enjoy the taste of New Orleans without leaving your kitchen.
Is This Shrimp Recipe Budget-Friendly for Home Cooking?
This New Orleans shrimp recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as shrimp, onion, celery, and green bell pepper, are commonly found and reasonably priced. The use of beer and fish stock may slightly increase the cost, but the dish serves 4 people, making it economical. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20. Overall, this recipe rates a solid 8 out of 10 for its affordability and delicious outcome.
Is This Shrimp Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The New Orleans shrimp recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:
- The use of butter and all-purpose flour to create the roux adds saturated fat and refined carbohydrates to the dish.
- The recipe calls for beer, which contributes to the overall calorie count and may not be suitable for those avoiding alcohol.
- The shrimp, while a lean protein source, is likely high in cholesterol.
However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as:
- The use of canola oil, which is a heart-healthy cooking oil.
- The inclusion of vegetables like onion, celery, and green pepper, which provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- The use of fish stock, which is a lower-calorie alternative to other types of stock or broth.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the butter with a healthier fat source, such as olive oil or avocado oil, to create the roux.
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content and reduce refined carbohydrates.
- Opt for a low-calorie, non-alcoholic beer or replace the beer with additional fish stock to reduce the calorie count and make the dish suitable for those avoiding alcohol.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the recipe to boost the fiber, vitamin, and mineral content.
- Serve the shrimp over a bed of brown rice or quinoa to add more fiber and complex carbohydrates to the meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Shrimp Recipe
This New Orleans shrimp recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of sautéed vegetables, rich roux, and savory shrimp creates a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. The use of beer and fish stock adds depth to the gravy, while the hint of red pepper provides a subtle kick. The cooking process is well-paced, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Overall, this recipe captures the essence of New Orleans cuisine and is sure to impress with its bold and vibrant taste.
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Why trust this New Orleans Shrimp Recipe:
This recipe for New Orleans shrimp is a trusted classic, featuring a flavorful blend of onion, celery, and green bell pepper sautéed to perfection. The rich and savory gravy is made with a combination of butter and a well-crafted roux, resulting in a luscious texture that complements the succulent shrimp. The addition of beer adds depth to the dish, creating a unique and delightful flavor profile. With carefully selected ingredients and precise cooking techniques, this recipe promises to deliver an authentic taste of New Orleans cuisine.
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