Smothered Okra-and-Gulf Shrimp Stew Recipe by Chef Justin Simoneaux
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
45 minutes
Servings:
4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 pound 16- or 20-count Gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined, shells reserved
  • 1 cup diced thick-sliced bacon, about 6 slices (½ pound)
  • 1 medium white onion, diced
  • 1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 cups diced ripe tomatoes (canned is fine)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 pound okra, cut into ½-inch pieces (about 3½ cups)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon salt, plus more for seasoning
  • Pinch cayenne pepper
Directions
  1. Put the shrimp shells in a medium saucepan and cover with 2 quarts of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce so the liquid is simmering; let simmer 20 minutes while prepping the rest of the ingredients. Strain and reserve.
  2. Heat a 6-quart pot, preferably cast-iron, over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon has started to crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the onion and cook until it has begun to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly so that the tomato paste doesn't burn. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, okra, bay leaf and 3 cups of the reserved shrimp stock.
  3. Bring to a boil and let simmer for about 20 minutes or until the okra is tender; if the stew becomes too thick, add more of the reserved shrimp stock. Add the shrimp, 1 tablespoon salt and the cayenne and cook for another 10 minutes. Add more salt if necessary and serve over steamed rice.