Bubba Gump Shrimp New Orleans (Print View)

Zesty Cajun-spiced shrimp with vegetables in a flavorful New Orleans style sauce, ready in 30 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 medium tomato, diced

→ Spices & Seasonings

07 - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
10 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Liquids

11 - 1/4 cup chicken broth
12 - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

→ Fats

14 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
15 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Garnish

16 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
17 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Season evenly with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, coating thoroughly. Set aside at room temperature while preparing vegetables.
02 - Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in large skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables begin to soften and edges turn translucent.
03 - Stir minced garlic into vegetable mixture. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown or burn garlic.
04 - Add diced tomatoes, remaining 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to allow spices to bloom and tomatoes to begin breaking down.
05 - Pour in chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh lemon juice. Stir well to combine, scraping any browned bits from bottom of pan. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
06 - Add seasoned shrimp to skillet in single layer. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, turning once halfway through, until shrimp turn completely pink and opaque throughout. Avoid overcooking.
07 - Remove skillet from heat. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon butter until melted and sauce becomes slightly glossy. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
08 - Sprinkle fresh parsley evenly over dish. Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over shrimp.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Its a restaurant quality dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something special without the fuss
  • The combination of Cajun spices, fresh vegetables, and plump shrimp creates layers of flavor that make everyone ask for seconds
02 -
  • Dry your shrimp thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning, as any moisture will prevent them from developing that gorgeous sear
  • The holy trinity of onion, celery, and bell pepper must be cooked until softened but not browned, creating the proper flavor foundation
03 -
  • Let the seasoned shrimp sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for more even cooking
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat beautifully and creates the best sear