Cajun Shrimp and Okra
A vibrant, spicy-savory dish with plump shrimp and tender okra simmered in a smoky Cajun spice blend, served over rice. This cajun-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, sliced okra, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1.5 lbs, sliced okra
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced onion
- 1, diced bell pepper
- 1 stalk, diced celery
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Sauté 1 large diced onion, 1 diced bell pepper, and 1 diced celery stalk until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1.5 lbs sliced okra, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, and 1 cup chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until okra is tender.
- Step 5: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 more minutes until flavors meld.
- Step 6: Serve hot over cooked rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cajun Shrimp and Okra take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cajun Shrimp and Okra?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep peeled and deveined shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun Shrimp and Okra?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cajun Shrimp and Okra for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cajun Shrimp and Okra?
Cajun seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
I've tried many seafood recipes and this is hands down the best.
