Shrimp Diane – This New Orleans-inspired recipe blends plump shrimp with a creamy, buttery sauce infused with garlic, onions, herbs, and a dash of heat to bring it all together.
What is Shrimp Diane?
Shrimp Diane is a popular variation of a classic New Orleans dish called Shrimp Diane. Traditionally made with either shrimp or chicken, Diane sauce is characterized by its rich, creamy base flavored with butter, garlic, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, and Creole or Cajun seasonings. Shrimp Diane typically involves sautéing fresh shrimp in a buttery garlic sauce and serving it over a bed of rice or pasta.
This dish is a true celebration of Southern cuisine, combining savory, spicy, and creamy flavors in a way that’s both comforting and indulgent. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner yet fancy enough for a special occasion.
Key Ingredients in Shrimp Diane
Parsley: Fresh herbs for garnish to add a pop of color and freshness.
Shrimp: Large, fresh shrimp are preferred for this recipe. If using frozen, be sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
Butter: The backbone of any Diane sauce is butter, which provides richness and flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Green Onions: Adds a subtle, savory depth to the sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce: This tangy condiment gives the sauce a slightly smoky flavor.
Cajun Seasoning: A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and other spices, Cajun seasoning is essential for creating that signature New Orleans flavor.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with a hint of acidity.
Chicken or Seafood Stock: Used to deglaze the pan and form the base of the sauce.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Shrimp Diane
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking can make them tough. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque, then remove them from the heat.
- Deglaze the pan: After removing the shrimp, be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet when adding the stock. This step adds a lot of flavor to the sauce.
- Adjust the heat: If you love a bit of spice, add more cayenne pepper or increase the Cajun seasoning. If you’re not a fan of too much heat, dial it back.
- Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp will always have a better flavor and texture than frozen. If you do use frozen, make sure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Variations of Shrimp Diane
While the traditional Shrimp Diane recipe is hard to beat, there are a few variations you can try:
Spicy Shrimp Diane: Add extra cayenne or hot sauce to increase the heat level if you prefer a spicier dish.
Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the green onions for an earthy addition to the sauce.
Swap the protein: You can substitute shrimp with chicken, scallops, or even crawfish for a twist.
Creamy Diane: For a creamier version of this dish, add a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking. This makes the sauce extra indulgent and rich.
How to Serve Shrimp Diane
Shrimp Diane is versatile when it comes to serving options. The classic way is to spoon it over a bed of fluffy white rice, but here are a few other ideas:
- Over Pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce with angel hair or linguine for a satisfying pasta dish.
- With Grits: For a Southern twist, serve Shrimp Diane over creamy grits. This makes it similar to Shrimp and Grits, but with a spicier, bolder flavor.
- As a Po’boy: Turn Shrimp Diane into a sandwich by spooning the shrimp and sauce into a toasted French roll, topped with lettuce and tomatoes.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Diane
- Storage: Shrimp Diane can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to store the shrimp and sauce together so the shrimp remain flavorful.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the shrimp and make them rubbery.
- Freezing: While shrimp can be frozen, it’s best to eat Shrimp Diane fresh for optimal flavor and texture. If you must freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 1 month, and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make Shrimp Diane ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply sauté the shrimp and combine with the sauce before serving.
2. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
You can, but fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor and texture. If using pre-cooked shrimp, add them to the sauce in the last minute of cooking, just to warm them through.
3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or whisk in a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with a bit of water to thicken it up.
4. What type of shrimp should I buy?
Look for large or jumbo shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. If possible, opt for wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor.
Shrimp Diane
Shrimp Diane - This New Orleans-inspired recipe blends plump shrimp with a creamy, buttery sauce infused with garlic, onions, herbs, and a dash of heat to bring it all together.
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp (shelled & deveined)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 tbsp shrimp stock (or seafood stock)
- ½ tsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¼ cup finely chopped green onions
- ¼ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ½ lb mushrooms, sliced
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- French bread, pasta, or steamed rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Start the Butter Base: In a large skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over high heat. Once almost melted, toss in the green onions, garlic, salt, cayenne, basil, thyme, oregano, and both peppers. Stir well to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp and sauté until they just turn pink—this should take about a minute. For the best results, shake the pan back and forth rather than stirring.
- Add Mushrooms & More Butter: Toss in the sliced mushrooms along with ¼ cup of shrimp stock. Add the remaining butter in chunks, and continue shaking the pan until the butter begins to melt.
- Finish the Sauce: Just before the butter fully melts, add the fresh parsley and remaining 2 tablespoons of stock. Continue cooking, shaking the pan until everything comes together into a creamy, luxurious sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the shrimp and sauce into bowls with plenty of French bread to soak up the sauce, or serve it over pasta or rice for a heartier meal.
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 992Total Fat 43gSaturated Fat 24gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 631mgSodium 3657mgCarbohydrates 77gFiber 7gSugar 7gProtein 74g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp Diane is a perfect balance of simplicity and bold flavor, bringing the vibrant taste of New Orleans right into your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking it for a family dinner, a date night, or a gathering of friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. With its buttery, garlicky sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp, it’s a meal that’s rich, satisfying, and utterly delicious.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
