Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 55 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 180  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: Summer
Description

This Southern-inspired Smothered Okra with Shrimp is a hearty and flavorful one-pot dish made with tender okra, juicy shrimp, and rich seasonings. It's the perfect comfort food for seafood lovers, combining Creole spices and slow-simmered vegetables for a delicious, soul-warming meal.

Ingredients
    For the Base:
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color, diced)
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 400 g fresh okra, sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (or seafood stock)
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
    • For the Shrimp:
  • 400 g large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • Optional Garnish:
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley
  • Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
    Prepare the Vegetables
  1. 1
    Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
    2. Add the Okra
  2. 2
    Add the sliced okra to the skillet and sauté for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the okra is slightly tender and some of the slime is cooked off.
    3. Simmer the Base
  3. 3
    Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth. Stir in paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the okra is fully tender.
    4. Season and Cook the Shrimp
  4. 4
    While the base is simmering, toss the shrimp with lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, and olive oil. Set aside to marinate for 5 minutes.
    5. Add Shrimp to the Skillet
  5. 5
    Once the base is thickened, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Stir gently and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
    6. Rest and Garnish
  6. 6
    Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Note

For less slime from the okra, you can pre-sauté it separately or lightly toss with vinegar before cooking.

Frozen okra can be used, but thaw and drain it first.

This dish pairs perfectly with white rice or cornbread.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat.

Keywords: Southern-style, one-pot meal, seafood recipe, easy dinner, healthy
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/smothered-okra-with-shrimp-recipe/