1-Step 1: Get everything ready Before you turn on the stove, chop the onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, green onions, and parsley. Measure out the flour, butter, stock, salt, lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne if you are using it. Pat the shrimp dry so they cook cleanly and do not water down the sauce. Having everything ready makes Easy Shrimp Etouffee move quickly from one step to the next.

2-Step 2: Start the butter and vegetables Melt the butter in a large skillet or heavy pan over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery, then cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds more. This is where the flavor base starts, so keep the heat steady and stir often.

3-Step 3: Add the flour and build the sauce Sprinkle in the flour and stir well so the vegetables are coated. Cook this mixture for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until it loses the raw flour taste. The color should stay light to medium, not dark. This gives you the thick, silky texture that makes shrimp etouffee so comforting.

4-Step 4: Pour in the stock and seasonings Slowly pour in the seafood stock while stirring so the sauce stays smooth. Add the salt, lemon juice, cayenne if using, Creole or Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash more stock or water.

5-Step 5: Cook the shrimp Add the shrimp to the pan and stir to coat them in the sauce. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook them, since shrimp can get rubbery fast. If you are using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed and drained before they go in.

6-Step 6: Finish with fresh herbs Turn off the heat and stir in the green onions and parsley. Taste the sauce and add a little more salt or lemon juice if needed. Spoon the Easy Shrimp Etouffee over hot rice and serve right away. For a complete Southern-style meal, pair it with a simple side like soft homemade dinner rolls to soak up every bit of sauce.