If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful dish that will transport you straight to the heart of Louisiana, look no further than this Shrimp Creole recipe! It’s the perfect combination of tender shrimp simmered in a rich, zesty tomato-based sauce, with the holy trinity of Creole cooking—onions, bell peppers, and celery—spiced up with Creole seasoning, paprika, and cayenne. Paired with warm rice, this dish is comfort food with a kick, and it comes together in under 40 minutes!
Whether you’re craving something bold for a weeknight dinner or planning to impress guests at your next gathering, Shrimp Creole is an ideal choice. Plus, it’s a naturally gluten-free meal that’s perfect for those with dietary restrictions, and it’s so easy to make that even beginners will feel confident tackling it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and satisfying without hours of prep.
- Bold Flavor: The combination of Creole spices, the richness of the tomato sauce, and the succulent shrimp creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Healthy Comfort Food: Unlike heavy, creamy dishes, Shrimp Creole is lighter but still bursting with flavors, making it a great option for a healthy comfort food craving.
- Adjustable Heat: The heat level is fully customizable, so you can make it as spicy or mild as you like. Whether you love extra heat or prefer something mild, this recipe has you covered.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, this dish can easily be made with a few ingredient swaps to fit various dietary needs. It’s also an excellent option for healthy eating and low-calorie meals.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Shrimp Creole is a Southern classic that brings together all the flavors of Louisiana. What makes it stand out is the balance between the sweetness of the shrimp and the rich, savory broth that’s packed with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up with a bowl on a cool evening, letting the flavors warm you up from the inside out.
Another thing that sets this dish apart is how versatile it is. You can adjust the heat level with more or less cayenne pepper or hot sauce, making it suitable for everyone, from spice lovers to those who prefer something more mild. Plus, the whole dish is cooked in one pot, making clean-up a breeze. Whether you’re new to Creole cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Onion, diced
- Green bell pepper, diced
- Celery, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Chicken or seafood broth
- Olive oil or butter
- Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Creole or Cajun seasoning
- Bay leaf
- Salt and pepper
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
How to Make It Step-by-Step
- Prep the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Creole seasoning. Set them aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery (this is your holy trinity of Creole cooking). Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional minute until everything becomes fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste: Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
- Add the liquids: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves. Bring everything to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to develop.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the sauce, stirring gently. Let them cook in the simmering sauce for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, or they will become rubbery.
- Final touches: Remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Creole seasoning as needed. Stir in chopped parsley and green onions just before serving.
- Serve: Serve the Shrimp Creole over a bed of warm white rice, garnished with extra parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so make sure to add them toward the end and cook them just until they’re pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery, so be sure to keep an eye on them.
- Use High-Quality Broth: The broth is the base of this dish, so make sure to use a good-quality chicken or seafood broth. If you want a richer flavor, use homemade broth or a premium store-bought option.
- Balance the Heat: The heat in this dish comes from the Creole seasoning, cayenne pepper, and hot sauce (if you choose to add it). Adjust the amount of cayenne and hot sauce to suit your spice tolerance. You can even leave them out entirely if you prefer a milder version.
- Let the Sauce Simmer: For a deeper flavor, let the sauce simmer for up to 15 minutes. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will develop.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Vegan Option: If you’re looking for a vegetarian version of Shrimp Creole, you can easily swap the shrimp for mushrooms or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken or seafood broth, and you’ve got a hearty and flavorful dish that everyone can enjoy.
- Seafood Mix: For a more decadent version, you can use a mix of shrimp, crab, and scallops. This combination adds a variety of textures and flavors to the dish.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply let the sauce simmer for a longer time. Alternatively, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to thicken the sauce quickly.
- Low-Carb Option: If you’re following a keto meal plan or want to reduce carbs, serve the Shrimp Creole over cauliflower rice or sautéed greens instead of traditional white rice.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnishes: Garnish with extra chopped parsley, green onions, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright contrast to the rich, spicy sauce.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works beautifully as a side dish, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty Shrimp Creole.
- Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the flavorful sauce. It’s a perfect addition for those who love to savor every drop!
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
- Drinks: A crisp glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, complements the heat and spices in this dish. For a non-alcoholic option, a chilled iced tea or lemonade would work beautifully.
- Sides: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or even a side of creamy grits. The texture of the grits pairs well with the rich sauce of the Shrimp Creole.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shrimp Creole makes for excellent meal prep, as the flavors only get better the next day!
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
- Freezing: If you have leftovers you’d like to freeze, store the Shrimp Creole in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Note that the texture of the shrimp might change slightly after freezing.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
- Make Ahead: You can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply add the shrimp and cook them through. This is a great option if you want to prep ahead of time and avoid last-minute cooking.
- Freezer-Friendly: As mentioned, this dish can be frozen, but be mindful of the shrimp texture once thawed. If you plan to freeze it, I recommend freezing the sauce separately from the rice, so it doesn’t become too soggy when reheated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Shrimp: The shrimp are the star of this dish, so make sure not to overcook them. They should be cooked just until pink and opaque for the perfect texture.
- Not Letting the Sauce Simmer Long Enough: The sauce needs time to develop its full flavor. Don’t rush it—let it simmer and reduce slightly before adding the shrimp.
- Skipping the Seasoning: The Creole seasoning is what gives this dish its signature flavor. Be sure to taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Just add the shrimp right before serving to ensure they stay tender. - What is the difference between Shrimp Creole and Étouffée?
Shrimp Creole is tomato-based with a thinner, spicier sauce, while étouffée is made with a roux and has a richer, gravy-like consistency. - What kind of rice should I use?
Traditionally, Shrimp Creole is served over white rice, but you can also use brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. - Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work just as well! Just be sure to thaw them and pat them dry before cooking.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Stirring spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Serving bowls
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! This Shrimp Creole is a true Southern favorite that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors, simple ingredients, and satisfying finish, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Shrimp Creole
A flavorful Louisiana-style dish featuring shrimp simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with the holy trinity of Creole cooking—onions, bell peppers, and celery—served over rice for a hearty, spicy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Creole seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken or seafood broth
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
- 1 cup cooked white rice
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Creole seasoning. Set aside.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter with oil over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery and sauté until softened, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add garlic, Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes to develop flavors.
- Add shrimp to the sauce, stirring gently. Simmer until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3–4 minutes. Discard bay leaves.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Creole seasoning as desired.
- Stir in chopped parsley and green onions just before serving.
- Serve hot over a bed of cooked white rice. Garnish with extra parsley or green onions.
Nutrition
Serving: 1peopleCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 28gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 720mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6g
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