Chef John's Shrimp Étouffée

Ingredients

• 0.75 teaspoons paprika
• 0.25 teaspoons ground thyme
• 0.25 teaspoons dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoons onion powder
• 0.25 teaspoons white pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   For the spice blend: Whisk paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, and black pepper together in a small bowl.

2. 2

   For the étouffée: Drain shrimp in a colander for at least 15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl lined with paper towels and dry shrimp for about 3 minutes. Remove paper towels from the bowl. Season shrimp with salt and 1 teaspoon spice blend; toss to coat.

3. 3

   Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over high heat until oil is smoking. Cook shrimp in hot oil without stirring for 1 minute; stir, and cook 1 minute more.

4. 4

   Transfer shrimp to a large bowl. Let stand until juice collects in the bowl. Strain shrimp juices into chicken stock to total 2 cups, adding more chicken stock if necessary. Set aside.

5. 5

   Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat until butter begins to turn tan at the edges. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery in hot butter until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in remaining spice blend.

6. 6

   Sprinkle flour into vegetable mixture and sauté until combined, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in tomatoes; cook until tomato juices begin to brown on the bottom of the pan, about 3 minutes. Whisk in chicken stock mixture, stirring until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened and reduced to a gravy consistency, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire and hot sauce. Season with salt to taste.

7. 7

   Stir shrimp into étouffée sauce; let simmer until shrimp are cooked all the way through and no longer translucent, about 1 minute.

8. 8

   Garnish with green onions and a dusting of cayenne pepper. Pour over rice in large, shallow bowls.