The Best Shrimp Creole

The Best Shrimp Creole

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• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

The Best Shrimp Creole recipe combines juicy shrimp with a rich, flavorful tomato-based sauce, seasoned with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. This classic Southern dish is quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion. Serve it over rice or grits for a satisfying, bold meal that’s guaranteed to impress.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1 bell pepper, chopped (green or red)

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

• 1 cup chicken broth (or seafood broth)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat level)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Cooked rice (for serving)

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Instructions

• Cook the vegetables: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.

• Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

• Add tomatoes and broth: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.

• Cook the shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook.

• Season and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more hot sauce if desired. Serve the Shrimp Creole over rice and garnish with fresh parsley.

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Notes

Make it spicier: Increase cayenne pepper or add fresh chopped jalapeños for extra heat.Vegetarian version: Replace shrimp with a variety of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.Tomato-based with cream: Add a splash of heavy cream for a richer, creamy sauce.Seafood variety: Include crab meat, mussels, or scallops for a mixed seafood creole.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Shrimp Creole recipe is a perfect combination of bold flavors, juicy shrimp, and a deliciously seasoned tomato sauce. It’s hearty yet light, with a bit of spice, making it ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner or special occasion. The best part is that it’s quick and easy to prepare, with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge. You can serve it over rice, grits, or even enjoy it on its own for a comforting, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1 bell pepper, chopped (green or red)

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

• 1 cup chicken broth (or seafood broth)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat level)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Cooked rice (for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the vegetables: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.

2. Add garlic and spices: Add the minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano to the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the spices bloom.

3. Add tomatoes and broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to develop. Stir occasionally.

4. Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them with the sauce. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.

5. Season and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional hot sauce if desired. Once the shrimp are cooked, remove from heat. Serve the Shrimp Creole over cooked rice and garnish with fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 people

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add sausage: For a heartier dish, add some cooked andouille sausage or smoked sausage to the shrimp creole for extra flavor and texture.

• Make it spicier: If you like more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add fresh chopped jalapeños to the sauce.

• Vegetarian version: Replace the shrimp with a variety of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version of the dish.

• Tomato-based with cream: For a creamy twist, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking for a richer sauce.

• Seafood variety: In addition to shrimp, you can include other seafood like crab meat, mussels, or scallops for a mixed seafood creole.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover Shrimp Creole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat and warm through. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes. Keep in mind that the shrimp may become slightly less tender after reheating, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

This dish also freezes well for up to 1 month. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them properly before adding them to the dish. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Can I make Shrimp Creole ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Shrimp Creole ahead of time. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables such as okra, corn, or even chopped tomatoes for added flavor and texture.

What can I serve with Shrimp Creole?

Shrimp Creole is traditionally served over rice, but it also pairs well with cornbread, grits, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a more complete meal.

Can I make this dish without tomato paste?

While tomato paste gives the sauce a rich, deep flavor, you can omit it if you don’t have it on hand. You may want to add a bit more diced tomatoes or a splash of tomato sauce to make up for the difference.

Can I make this dish milder?

If you prefer a milder version, reduce the cayenne pepper and omit the hot sauce. You can also use mild paprika instead of regular paprika.

Conclusion

The Best Shrimp Creole recipe is a flavor-packed dish that brings the bold, aromatic flavors of the South right to your table. With tender shrimp, a savory tomato-based sauce, and the perfect balance of spices, this dish is a comforting, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and always a hit. Serve it over rice for a complete, hearty meal, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic Creole dish.