Easy Southern Smothered Okra and Shrimp Recipe

Published Jun 20, 2024 By Elle Ann

Image credit: Smokin' & Grillin with AB via YouTube

I’m not such a big fan of okra and there are only a few times when I’ve eaten this vegetable that you can count them on your fingers. That was the case until I discovered this incredible recipe by Smokin’ & Grillin with AB on YouTube and since then okra has now become something I love to eat often.

This dish is very easy and simple to prepare, and the seasonings make the okra and shrimp taste so good that you won’t even notice you’re eating the veggies heartily. Learn how to make this now and watch the video tutorial to see for yourself.

Ingredients for Smothered Okra & Shrimp:

1 pound of okra, sliced into small pieces
5 vine or Roma tomatoes
2 pounds of colossal raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp of garlic paste
½ cup of onions, roughly chopped
1 tsp of kosher salt
½ tsp of coarse black pepper
2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp of tomato paste
2 tbsp of cajun seasoning
2 cups of water or broth
1 tsp of ground ginger
1 tsp of cumin
1 tsp of red pepper flakes, optional
1 tsp of dried basil
1 tsp of dried parsley
3 bay leaves

How to Make Smothered Okra & Shrimp:

Step 1

Prepare and wash all of the ingredients, then season the shrimp with salt and black pepper, and set them aside. Place a large saucepan on a stove over medium-high heat, then heat the oil, and cook the shrimp for about 6 minutes or until both sides turn light pink.

Step 2

Set the cooked shrimp aside, then add the sliced okra and roughly chopped onions, and cover the pan with the lid to let the veggies cook for about 20 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 3

Add the chopped tomatoes, then give them a good mix, add the tomato paste, cajun seasoning, garlic paste, ground ginger, cumin, red pepper flakes, dried basil, dried parsley, and water or broth, and stir well to combine.

Step 4

After mixing thoroughly, add the bay leaves, then reduce the heat to medium-low, and cover the saucepan. Allow them to cook for about 45 minutes while stirring occasionally, then add the cooked shrimp, and continue to cook for 10 to 15 more minutes. Serve and enjoy!