Shrimp Creole
This Shrimp Creole recipe has been a long-time favorite for a reason—it’s quick, flavorful, and downright comforting!
In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious, one-pot meal bursting with the bold flavors of Louisiana.
Juicy shrimp, tender vegetables, and a perfectly spiced sauce come together to create a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make.
For Shrimp Creole:
- Butter – Used to sauté the vegetables, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
- Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Celery – Adds a subtle crunch and flavor that balances the dish.
- Bell Pepper – Brings a fresh, slightly sweet flavor to the mix.
- Garlic – Provides a savory and aromatic base.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- Thyme – Adds a herby, earthy note that complements the shrimp.
- Black Pepper – For a bit of warmth and seasoning.
- Cayenne Pepper – Gives the dish a gentle kick of heat.
- Flour – Helps to thicken the sauce and make it rich and velvety.
- Diced Tomatoes – Adds a tangy and fresh base for the sauce.
- Chicken Stock – Used to create the sauce and enrich the dish with savory depth.
- Bay Leaves – Infuse the sauce with a subtle herbal aroma.
- Hot Pepper Sauce – Adds a customizable level of heat to the dish.
- Shrimp – The star of the dish, providing protein and absorbing all the sauce flavors.
- Cooked Rice – Serves as the base to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Green Onions – For garnish and a bit of fresh, mild flavor.
Shrimp Creole
Craving a taste of Louisiana? This Shrimp Creole recipe delivers all the bold, savory flavors of the Big Easy in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect dish for any night of the week. With juicy shrimp, aromatic vegetables, and a spicy, tangy sauce, it’s comfort food at its finest.
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Servings: 5
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Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 rib celery, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes or about 1¼ cups fresh diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 bay leaves
- Hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco), to taste
- 2 lbs large uncooked shrimp (about 32)
- 6-8 cups cooked rice (for serving)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are lightly browned.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the thyme, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and flour. Stir this mixture into the sautéed vegetables and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken stock, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and hot sauce to the pan. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the sauce has simmered, remove the bay leaves and add the shrimp. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink.
- Serve the Shrimp Creole over hot cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions.
Variations & Add-ins:
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Crawfish
- Chicken Creole – substitute shrimp with chicken
- Seafood Creole – add scallops and haddock
- Catfish Creole – substitute catfish for shrimp
- Serve over mashed potatoes or pasta instead of rice.
Make-Ahead Instructions:
The sauce can be made ahead and the flavors will only improve!- To make ahead, prepare the sauce as directed but don’t add the shrimp.
- Store the sauce in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
- When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and simmer before adding shrimp.
Freezing Instructions:
- Make the sauce, but don’t add the shrimp.
- Freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag for 2-3 months.
- To reheat, thaw the sauce and simmer, then add the shrimp and cook until pink.
Nutrition
Calories: 316 kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 483mg | Sodium: 1795mg | Potassium: 294mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 499 IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 279mg | Iron: 4mg
- Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Creole?
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly fine! Just make sure to thaw them first. You can either place them in the fridge overnight or thaw them in cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, drain and pat them dry before adding them to the dish. - How do I make this recipe less spicy?
If you prefer a milder version, just reduce the cayenne pepper to ¼ teaspoon and use less hot sauce. You can always adjust the heat to your liking, so feel free to play around with it! - Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, making the sauce ahead of time actually enhances the flavors. Just follow the recipe until the shrimp step, and then refrigerate the sauce. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat it up and add the shrimp. - What can I serve this with besides rice?
Rice is the classic, but you can also serve Shrimp Creole over mashed potatoes, pasta, or even crusty bread. Choose what works best for you—it’s just as delicious with any of these options!
