Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of the South with this Authentic Shrimp Creole recipe. A comforting, spicy stew featuring succulent shrimp simmered in a rich tomato sauce with classic Creole seasonings, served over fluffy white rice. Perfect for a hearty family meal or a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
- ¾ cup chopped celery
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato and Liquids
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup chicken broth or seafood stock
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Main Protein
- 1 ½ pounds raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Hot cooked white rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery, and sauté for 6–8 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute to release its aroma, making sure not to burn it.
- Create the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, sugar, dried thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together until fully combined and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the sauce. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, stirring gently to coat them in the sauce.
- Finish and Season: Remove the skillet from heat. Discard the bay leaf and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as desired.
- Serve: Spoon the shrimp creole over hot cooked white rice and serve immediately to enjoy the full flavors and warmth of this classic dish.
Notes
- For a deeper seafood flavor, substitute chicken broth with shrimp stock.
- Add a splash of your favorite hot sauce if you prefer extra heat.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- Use fresh parsley for best aroma and flavor in the garnish.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your heat preference to make the dish milder or spicier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups shrimp mixture with ½ cup rice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg
