Shrimp Creole is a beloved dish from Louisiana Creole cuisine, known for its bold flavors and hearty ingredients. This dish features tender shrimp simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with spices, vegetables, and herbs.

Shrimp Creole is traditionally served over rice, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Southern cooking. Follow this recipe to create a delicious Shrimp Creole that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Louisiana.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Marinade:

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creole Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz or 400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz or 227g) tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Cooked white rice, for serving

How to Make Shrimp Creole

Marinate the Shrimp:

In a bowl, combine peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside and let marinate while preparing the Creole sauce.

Prepare the Creole Sauce:

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened.

Add Garlic and Tomatoes:

Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add diced tomatoes (with their juices) and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Simmer the Sauce:

Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and add bay leaves, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors are well blended and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Cook the Shrimp:

Once the Creole sauce has simmered and thickened, add the marinated shrimp to the skillet.

Stir the shrimp into the sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become tough.

Finish and Serve:

Remove the skillet from heat and discard bay leaves.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper to taste.

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the Shrimp Creole.

Serve hot over cooked white rice, allowing the flavorful sauce to mingle with the rice.

Chef’s Note

For a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the simmering sauce until thickened.

Shrimp Creole is traditionally served with white rice, but you can also serve it with crusty bread or over cooked quinoa for a healthier option.

Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper and smoked paprika according to your preference.

Nutritional Value

(Nutritional values are approximate and per serving, based on a serving size of 1/4 of the recipe without rice)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 200mg
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 800mg

Enjoy the robust and flavorful taste of Shrimp Creole, where tender shrimp are complemented by a savory Creole sauce infused with aromatic spices and vegetables. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests, offering a taste of Louisiana’s culinary heritage in every bite.

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