Shrimp Creole – This easy Louisiana style shrimp Creole is fully packed with flavors with delicious spicy creole sauce with juicy shrimp in every bite made in less than 25 minutes served over rice.
What is Shrimp Creole?
Shrimp creole is a stew-like dish originating in Louisiana. The base is a flavorful tomato sauce, typically flavored with a roux (a cooked mixture of fat and flour).
Creole seasoning, a blend of spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano, adds a unique depth of flavor. Shrimp takes center stage, bathed in this rich sauce with the signature “trinity” vegetables adding pops of color and texture.
Shrimp Creole – Tips and Tricks
Don’t skip browning the vegetables! This step adds depth of flavor to your sauce. Let the vegetables caramelize slightly before adding the other ingredients.
Use good quality canned tomatoes. Diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes are both fine. Fire-roasted tomatoes will add a touch of smokiness to the dish.
Want a thicker sauce? After adding the shrimp, simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes without the lid. This will allow some of the liquid to evaporate, resulting in a thicker consistency.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Creole: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of jalapeno to the pot with the vegetables for a fiery kick.
- Shrimp and Sausage Creole: Add browned Andouille sausage to the pot for a heartier version.
- Vegetarian Creole: Omit the shrimp and add more vegetables, such as okra or eggplant. Kidney beans or lentils can also be used for a protein boost.
How to Serve This Best Shrimp Creole?
- It is traditionally served over white rice.
- For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and freshness.
How to Store?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can freeze this for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to thin the sauce.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use pre-chopped vegetables?
Absolutely! This is a great time-saving tip. Look for pre-chopped mirepoix in the fresh produce section of your grocery store.
What kind of shrimp should I use?
Peeled and deveined shrimp of any size will work. For a quicker option, use pre-cooked, frozen shrimp and thaw them before adding them to the pot.
How spicy is this recipe?
Creole seasoning typically has a mild kick. Adjust the amount you use to your preference. You can also add a dash of hot sauce at the end for extra heat.
Shrimp Creole
This easy Louisiana style shrimp Creole is fully packed with flavors with delicious spicy creole sauce with juicy shrimp in every bite made in less than 25 minutes served over rice.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. shrimp, large, peeled and deveined, tail removed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 green bell pepper, medium sized, de-sedded and then finely chopped
- 2-3 stalks celery, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup water
- 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
- Tabasco sauce, optional to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons parsley, freshly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and butter. Once hot, add the onion, pepper and celery. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Add the garlic, thyme, cayenne pepper, creole seasoning, and bay leaf. Give it a good stir. Add the tomato sauce, worcestershire and water.
- Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 8-10 minutes uncovered or until sauce thickens.
- Add the shrimp and cook for about 1-2 minutes or until cooked. Flip in between.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately over white rice.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 357Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 374mgSodium 2792mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 2gSugar 4gProtein 40g
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.
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