Handwritten recipe for Shrimp Etouffée
by: salvagedrecipes

Easy Microwave Shrimp Étouffée

Shrimp Etouffee
This microwave Shrimp Étouffée offers a surprisingly flavorful take on the classic Louisiana dish, using everyday ingredients and quick microwave cooking techniques. Originating from Cajun and Creole culinary traditions, étouffée, meaning “smothered”—typically involves seafood cooked in a seasoned roux with aromatic vegetables. This version simplifies the traditional stovetop method by sautéing and simmering in the microwave, making it weeknight-friendly while still rich and comforting. It’s a warming, zesty dish that showcases bold Southern flavors with a spicy Bloody Mary twist.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 43 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine cajun, Southern
Servings 4
Calories 385 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup butter (melted)
  • 1½ cups onion (chopped )
  • ½ cup bell pepper (chopped )
  • ½ cup celery (chopped )
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • ½ cup Bloody Mary mix
  • 2 tbsp cream of celery soup (heaping, undiluted )
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • ⅛ tsp Tabasco sauce
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (or to taste)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

  • In a large microwave-safe dish, combine melted butter, chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic.
  • Cover and microwave on high for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Step 2: Make Base Sauce

  • Stir in flour, Bloody Mary mix, undiluted cream of celery soup, and salt.
  • Microwave on high for 5 minutes, uncovered.

Step 3: Add Shrimp and Seasonings

  • Stir in raw shrimp, cayenne pepper, Tabasco sauce, and a splash of lemon juice.
  • Microwave on high for 8 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through. Stir halfway.

Tips

  • Stir halfway through each microwave stage to ensure even cooking
  • Use raw shrimp as specified on the card for best texture
  • Adjust cayenne for heat preference
  • Serve over rice for a traditional presentation
  • Add extra celery or onion for more body
  • Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled
  • Let rest 5 minutes before serving to thicken
  • Pair with crusty bread to soak up sauce

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 27gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6.5gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 245mgSodium: 980mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1450IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 95mgIron: 2.6mg
Keyword comfort food, creole classic, etouffee, microwave cooking, quick seafood, shrimp, vintage recipe
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