Zesty Smoky Shrimp and Okra Recipe for Seafood Fans

Sizzling summer nights call for a southern-style shrimp and okra delight that brings bold, smoky flavors dancing across your plate.

The unique combination of succulent shrimp with tender okra creates a mouthwatering meal that celebrates coastal cuisine.

Crisp okra pods and plump shrimp merge in a skillet, releasing an irresistible aroma that promises comfort and excitement.

Every bite tells a story of rich culinary traditions, blending fresh ingredients with a touch of rustic charm.

Fragrant spices and smoky undertones elevate this dish from simple to spectacular.

Perfectly seasoned and quickly prepared, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this delectable creation and let your taste buds embark on a delightful southern journey.

Storage Tips for Keeping Shrimp and Okra Fresh

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Seal containers tightly, allowing food to cool completely before refrigerating.
• Optimal Shelf Life: Consume refrigerated shrimp and okra dish within 3-4 days for maximum taste and food safety. Mark the container with the storage date to track freshness.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Portion the cooled dish into freezer-friendly containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm the dish gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of water or broth if the mixture seems dry. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the shrimp's tender texture and prevent overcooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 90 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Calories: 230 kcal

Servings: 7

Smoky Shrimp and Okra Ingredient List

• Shrimp: Select fresh, deveined shrimp for tender and succulent seafood experience. Wild-caught varieties offer richer oceanic flavor.
• Bay Leaves: Provides subtle herbal undertones and aromatic depth to the entire dish.

• Okra: Fresh, young okra ensures minimal sliminess and maximum textural crunch. Choose bright green pods without blemishes.
• Tomatoes: Ripe, vine-ripened tomatoes deliver natural sweetness and vibrant color to the recipe.
• Onions: Sweet or yellow onions create foundational savory notes and aromatic base.

• Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances overall cooking and adds smooth richness.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves intensify flavor complexity and provide robust aromatic profile.
• Cajun Seasoning: Adds signature spicy southern kick and intricate flavor layers.
• Ground Ginger: Introduces warm, slightly zingy undertone that complements seafood beautifully.
• Cumin: Earthy spice that deepens overall taste profile and adds complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides gentle heat and vibrant color to the dish.
• Basil: Fresh herbs bring bright, peppery notes and elegant finishing touch.
• Parsley: Adds fresh, clean herbal brightness and visual appeal.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all other ingredient flavors.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato essence and thickens sauce naturally.

Tools to Prep Shrimp and Okra the Right Way

• Large Saucepan: Essential for cooking all ingredients, provides ample space for stirring and simmering.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping okra, tomatoes, onions, and prepping shrimp.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and shrimp preparation.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking during cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of seasonings and spices.
• Colander: Useful for washing and draining okra before cooking.

Instructions for Cooking Smoky Shrimp Dishes

• Shrimp Preparation

Grab fresh shrimp and season them with a blend of spices that will make your taste buds dance. Heat olive oil in a large pan and quickly sear the shrimp until they turn a beautiful light pink color.

• Okra Magic

In the same pan, toss sliced okra and chopped onions. Let them cook together, creating a delicious base for your dish. The okra will become tender and release its unique flavor.

• Flavor Explosion

Add vibrant tomatoes and a medley of aromatic spices. Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, garlic, and herbs that will transform your kitchen into a culinary paradise. Let everything simmer and mingle, creating a rich, complex sauce.

• Simmering Symphony

Lower the heat and allow the ingredients to slowly merge their flavors. This is where the magic happens – the spices will deepen, the vegetables will soften, and the aroma will fill your entire home.

• Final Touch

Return the perfectly cooked shrimp to the pan. Let them warm through and absorb the incredible sauce. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish that celebrates Southern coastal cooking with a spicy twist.

Flavor Ideas for Shrimp with Southern Flair

• Seafood Swap Magic: Replace shrimp with tender chicken or flaky white fish for a delightful protein variation that keeps the dish exciting and versatile.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes and Cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance – from mild whispers to bold, fiery bursts of flavor that dance on your palate.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or parsley just before serving to add bright, vibrant notes and enhance the dish's aromatic profile with garden-fresh zest.
• Vegetable Twist: Experiment by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to increase the vegetable medley and create more texture and nutritional depth in this one-pan wonder.
• Leftover Love: Store this dish in an airtight container for up to 3 days, knowing the flavors will continue to develop and intensify, making each reheated serving even more delicious than the last.

Serving Okra and Shrimp the Hearty Way

• Coastal Dinner Companion: Pair this spicy shrimp dish with fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce and balance the bold flavors.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on top right before serving to add a bright, herbal freshness that complements the smoky undertones.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Select a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to cut through the dish's richness and enhance the seafood's delicate taste.
• Southern Style Plating: Serve in a wide, shallow bowl with a wedge of lemon on the side, allowing guests to squeeze fresh citrus over the dish for an extra zesty kick.

Crispy Shrimp and Okra Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Smoky shrimp and okra delight brings bold Southern flavors to your dinner table. Succulent coastal ingredients combine with spicy seasonings for an unforgettable culinary journey that will spark excitement on your plate.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (907 g) colossal raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb (454 g) fresh-cut okra, sliced into desired pieces
• 5 vine tomatoes or 2 extra-large tomatoes
• ½ cup (120 ml) roughly chopped onions
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) tomato paste
• 2 cups (480 ml) water or broth
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) garlic paste or 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsps Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp coarse black pepper
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 3 bay leaves

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Slice okra into uniform pieces and dice tomatoes, ensuring cleanliness and precise cutting.
2. Shrimp Preparation: Clean and devein shrimp, patting dry and seasoning with a robust spice blend to enhance flavor profile.
3. Searing Shrimp: Heat skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Quickly sear shrimp until they turn pink and develop a delicate caramelized exterior, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Vegetable Sautéing: In the same skillet, introduce okra and onions, allowing them to caramelize and develop deep, rich flavors through careful stirring.
5. Flavor Layering: Incorporate tomatoes, tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, garlic, ginger, cumin, red pepper flakes, basil, and parsley. Pour water or broth to create a harmonious cooking liquid and nestle bay leaves into the mixture.
6. Simmering Process: Reduce heat, cover skillet, and allow ingredients to meld together. Simmer gently for 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
7. Final Integration: Reintroduce seared shrimp to the aromatic mixture, continuing to cook for an additional 10-12 minutes to ensure complete flavor absorption and thorough heating.
8. Serving: Remove bay leaves and present this smoky, vibrant culinary creation, ready to delight the palate.

Notes

• Prep Precision: Ensure okra is completely dry before slicing to prevent slimy texture and achieve perfect caramelization.
• Shrimp Selection: Choose fresh, medium-sized shrimp for optimal tenderness and quick cooking time.
• Spice Balance: Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to match personal heat tolerance without overwhelming the dish.
• Simmer Strategy: Low and slow cooking allows flavors to develop deeply, transforming simple ingredients into a complex, rich meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg