Smothered Okra with Shrimp is the ultimate Southern comfort food, rooted in tradition and overflowing with flavor. This hearty dish brings together two iconic Southern ingredients — tender okra and plump shrimp — cooked gently in a richly seasoned tomato-based sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that warms both the body and soul, with every bite evoking the tastes of Louisiana’s homestyle kitchens.
The simplicity of this dish is what makes it so loved. It uses everyday ingredients and turns them into a weeknight winner or Sunday supper favorite. It’s also a one-pan recipe, which makes cleanup a breeze. Served over a steaming bed of rice and topped with fresh parsley, Smothered Okra with Shrimp delivers spice, depth, and that signature Southern flair. Whether you’re exploring Creole cuisine or returning to a childhood favorite, this recipe will satisfy your cravings with bold taste and nourishing comfort.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb fresh okra, sliced
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 medium onion, chopped
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1 green bell pepper, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp Cajun seasoning
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1/2 tsp thyme
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1/4 cup vegetable oil or butter
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 cup chicken or seafood broth
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Cooked rice for serving
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
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Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
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Stir in garlic, paprika, thyme, and Cajun seasoning. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add sliced okra and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the okra is softened and the slime reduces.
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Stir in the tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Pour in broth, stir well, and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
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Add shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 4–6 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
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Serve the smothered okra and shrimp over hot cooked rice and garnish with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Smothered Okra with Shrimp: A Southern Classic Full of Bold Flavor
Smothered Okra with Shrimp is a deeply rooted Southern dish that brings together the rich culinary heritage of Louisiana with hearty ingredients and bold flavors. This dish is beloved for its simplicity, comfort, and vibrant taste. It’s a staple in many Southern households and commonly found in Creole and Cajun cooking, where vegetables and seafood are combined in deeply seasoned sauces to create soulful, satisfying meals.
At its core, smothered okra with shrimp is a rustic one-pot dish. Fresh or frozen okra is sliced and simmered with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and garlic until soft and flavorful. The addition of shrimp brings a succulent sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the slightly earthy, grassy flavor of okra. The dish is typically seasoned with Cajun or Creole spices, including paprika, thyme, cayenne, and black pepper, giving it warmth and complexity without overwhelming heat.
What makes this dish truly stand out is its versatility and cultural significance. Often served over a bed of rice, it embodies the heart of Southern cuisine: making the most of seasonal ingredients, cooking with soul, and feeding people with love.
A Dish Steeped in Southern Tradition
The roots of smothered okra with shrimp stretch back to the blending of African, French, Spanish, and Native American culinary traditions in the Southern United States. Okra itself is a vegetable brought to the Americas by African slaves, where it quickly became a staple in Southern cooking. Its mucilaginous (or slimy) texture, which some people find off-putting, is actually celebrated in dishes like gumbo and stews, as it acts as a natural thickener.
Shrimp, readily available along the Gulf Coast, adds a luxurious yet accessible protein element. Together, shrimp and okra create a dish that is both humble and elegant, perfect for a weeknight family meal or a soulful Sunday dinner.
Smothered dishes are a hallmark of Southern cuisine. The term “smothered” refers to a cooking method where ingredients are cooked slowly over low heat with a small amount of liquid, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. In this recipe, tomatoes and broth do the job of smothering, creating a rich, thick sauce that clings beautifully to every piece of okra and shrimp.
Nutritional Value and Health Benefits
While smothered okra with shrimp is undeniably hearty and comforting, it also offers several health benefits. Okra is a low-calorie vegetable that’s high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants. It supports digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and may even have heart-protective benefits due to its antioxidant content.
Shrimp is a lean source of protein and contains essential nutrients such as iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12. Despite being low in fat, it’s high in omega-3 fatty acids and other compounds that promote brain and heart health.
Because the dish is typically made with olive oil or vegetable oil, fresh vegetables, and a modest amount of broth, it can be quite low in saturated fat and calories—especially when served over brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
Serving Suggestions
Traditionally, smothered okra with shrimp is served hot over a generous portion of steamed white rice. The rice absorbs the rich tomato broth, turning every spoonful into a comforting, flavorful bite. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works just as well, allowing the dish to remain gluten-free and diabetes-friendly.
This dish pairs beautifully with cornbread, fried green tomatoes, or even a light cucumber and vinegar salad to cut through the richness. Some Southern cooks even serve it alongside collard greens or braised cabbage for a soul food feast that feels like home.
For presentation, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions adds a touch of color and a fresh herbal finish. It’s a dish that doesn’t need much adornment—its flavor speaks volumes on its own.
Tips for Making the Best Smothered Okra with Shrimp
To elevate this dish, here are some tried-and-true tips:
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Use fresh okra when in season, but frozen okra works perfectly fine and helps reduce prep time.
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Slice the okra and sauté it first to reduce its sliminess before adding the other ingredients.
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Don’t overcook the shrimp. Add them at the end and cook just until they turn pink to avoid a rubbery texture.
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Spice level can be adjusted. For a family-friendly version, use mild Cajun seasoning and skip the cayenne. For heat lovers, add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.
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Use homemade seafood stock if you want to intensify the seafood flavor in the broth.
This dish is incredibly forgiving and adaptable. You can even add smoked sausage or chicken if you’re looking to stretch the recipe or feed a larger group.
A Comforting Meal for All Seasons
Smothered okra with shrimp is a dish that feels right all year round. In the summer, when fresh okra and tomatoes are abundant, it’s a garden-to-table celebration. In the colder months, it transforms into a warming comfort dish that makes you feel wrapped in a blanket of Southern hospitality.
It also reheats well, making it a great choice for meal prep. The flavors only deepen after a day or two in the fridge, and the sauce becomes even more luxurious. Just warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave and serve it with a fresh batch of rice.
A Crowd-Pleaser with Deep Roots
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or just making a wholesome meal for your family, smothered okra with shrimp is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prepare, deeply satisfying, and offers a delicious taste of Southern culture.
For those who are new to Southern or Creole cuisine, this dish is a perfect introduction. It’s packed with flavor but not overly spicy, hearty without being heavy, and visually appealing with its vibrant colors and rustic presentation.
Conclusion
Smothered Okra with Shrimp is more than just a dish—it’s a reflection of Southern tradition, cultural fusion, and the comfort of home-cooked meals. With its wholesome ingredients, bold flavors, and nostalgic charm, it deserves a place on every home cook’s table. Whether you’re a seasoned Southern cook or a curious foodie looking to explore new horizons, this recipe offers the perfect balance of ease, nutrition, and irresistible flavor.
Make it once, and it will become a cherished part of your dinner rotation—bringing people together around the table with every spoonful. Let the flavors of okra, shrimp, and tomatoes work their magic, and experience a meal that’s as soulful as it is satisfying.