Name: Smothered Okra With Shrimp
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh okra, sliced; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

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Hey y’all! If you’re craving a dish that delivers Southern comfort with every bite, you’ve got to try this Smothered Okra With Shrimp recipe. Packed with lush okra, plump shrimp, and a medley of savory flavors, it’s the perfect meal for cozy family dinners or casual get-togethers with friends. The blend of textures—tender veggies, succulent shrimp, and a hearty sauce—makes this dish downright irresistible. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Smothered Okra With Shrimp

It’s a one-pot wonder that’s loaded with flavor and super easy to clean up.

Perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests.
Packed with protein from the shrimp and fiber from the okra, making it satisfying and nutritious.
The Cajun-inspired spices create a bold and comforting taste experience.

Ready in under an hour, so you can enjoy more time with loved ones.

Ingredients for Smothered Okra With Shrimp

2 lbs fresh okra, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 celery stalks, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 cup chicken or seafood stock
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper

1 bay leaf
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Hot cooked rice, for serving

How to Make Smothered Okra With Shrimp: Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Wash and slice the okra, chop the onion, bell pepper, and celery, and mince the garlic. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 3: Add Okra and Tomatoes

Add the sliced okra to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, for about 8-10 minutes or until the okra is slightly tender and the sliminess reduces. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and cook for another 5 minutes.

Step 4: Simmer With Seasonings

Stir in the chicken or seafood stock, Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the okra is tender.

Step 5: Add Shrimp

Remove the lid and add the shrimp to the mixture. Stir and cook uncovered for 4-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove the bay leaf and stir in the chopped parsley.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon the smothered okra and shrimp over hot cooked rice. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Notes & Cooking Tips for Smothered Okra With Shrimp

For a thicker stew, let the mixture simmer uncovered during the last few minutes to reduce the liquid.
If you’re new to cooking with okra, it helps to slice and air-dry it for 30 minutes to reduce sliminess (learn more here).
Swap shrimp stock for chicken or seafood stock for even deeper flavor.