Shrimp Creole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shrimp Creole is a classic dish from Louisiana that combines succulent shrimp with a flavorful, tangy tomato-based sauce. With a blend of bell peppers, onions, celery, and aromatic seasonings, this dish brings a taste of New Orleans right to your table. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it’s a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed with rice or crusty bread.

Ingredients

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

shrimp (peeled and deveined)olive oilbell peppersonioncelerygarlictomatoes (diced, canned or fresh)tomato pastechicken brothWorcestershire saucesaltblack peppercayenne pepperpaprikaoreganobay leafparsley (for garnish)rice (for serving)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, bell peppers, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth, mixing everything together.
5. Season with Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, oregano, and a bay leaf.
6. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
7. Add the shrimp to the sauce and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they turn pink and are cooked through.
8. Remove the bay leaf and discard. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
9. Serve the Shrimp Creole over a bed of rice and garnish with fresh parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Add chopped okra for a traditional Creole twist.
• Use crawfish or other seafood instead of shrimp.
• For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of butter at the end.
• Spice it up further with hot sauce if you like extra heat.
• Serve over grits instead of rice for a Southern twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Shrimp Creole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just be sure to thaw and drain the shrimp before adding them to the sauce.

Can I make Shrimp Creole ahead of time?
Yes, the flavors actually improve after a day or two. Just store in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

What can I serve with Shrimp Creole?
It pairs wonderfully with rice, but also works with cornbread or even crusty French bread.

Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper or add some hot sauce to suit your heat preference.

Can I make Shrimp Creole without tomatoes?
While tomatoes are essential for the base of this dish, you can try substituting with a tomato-free sauce or broth, though it will significantly change the flavor.

Conclusion

Shrimp Creole is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the taste of New Orleans to your home. With its perfect balance of spices, tangy tomatoes, and tender shrimp, it’s a meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Shrimp Creole is a crowd-pleaser that captures the heart of Creole cuisine.

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