Save to Pinterest This vibrant Louisiana classic features tender shrimp cooked in a spicy tomato sauce enriched with bell peppers, onions, and celery. The sauce melds paprika, cayenne, and aromatic herbs to deliver deep, layered flavor. Served over fluffy long-grain white rice, it provides a satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings. Simple preparation and balanced seasoning let the seafood shine with a touch of heat, accented by fresh green onions and parsley.
My college roommate from Lafayette first introduced me to Shrimp Creole during a snowed-in weekend, teaching me that the holy trinity of Cajun cooking isn't just folklore. The way the tomato sauce clings to each shrimp still transports me back to her tiny kitchen, where we danced to zydeco while chopping vegetables.
Last summer I made this for my fathers birthday, and he declared it better than any restaurant version hed tried in New Orleans. Watching him go back for seconds while the rain tapped against the windows made all the chopping worth it.
Ingredients
- Large shrimp: Buy them already peeled and deveined to save time, but never frozen if you can help it
- Onion, bell pepper, celery: This Cajun holy trinity forms the foundation, so chop them evenly for consistent texture
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic makes all the difference here, dont even think about powder
- Diced tomatoes: Fire roasted tomatoes add an extra layer of depth that really shines through
- Tomato paste: This concentrate thickens the sauce and adds umami richness
- Bay leaf: Remove it before serving, but let it work its magic during cooking
- Seafood stock: Homemade stock transforms this into something restaurant worthy
- Worcestershire sauce: The secret ingredient that adds complexity and depth
- Hot sauce: Start with less than you think, you can always add more at the table
- Paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano: These spices create that signature Creole flavor profile
- White rice: Fluffy long grain rice acts as the perfect canvas for the rich sauce
Instructions
- Get your rice going first:
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then boil it with stock or water for that fluffy texture every home cook aims for.
- Build your flavor foundation:
- Sauté the holy trinity until soft and fragrant, about 7 minutes, taking your time to develop those base flavors.
- Wake up the garlic:
- Add minced garlic and cook for just one minute until you smell that aromatic perfume filling the kitchen.
- Add the tomatoes and spices:
- Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, and all your spices, letting everything meld together for a few minutes.
- Create your sauce:
- Pour in stock, Worcestershire, sugar, and hot sauce, then simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the shrimp:
- Gently fold in shrimp and cook just until pink and curled, about 3 to 5 minutes, being careful not to overcook them.
- Final touches:
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve generously over rice topped with fresh green onions and parsley.
Save to Pinterest My partner now requests this dish on rainy Sundays, and it has become our version of comfort food. Something about the spicy tomato sauce brings people together around the table faster than anything else I cook.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of Shrimp Creole lies in its adaptability to your taste and what is in your pantry. I have learned that small tweaks can make this recipe uniquely yours while keeping its soul intact.
Serving Suggestions That Work
Crusty French bread is absolutely essential for sopping up every last drop of that incredible sauce. A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully and balances the meal.
Timing And Preparation Secrets
Having all your vegetables chopped before you start cooking makes the entire process feel effortless and enjoyable. The sauce actually tastes better if made ahead, giving the flavors time to marry and deepen.
- Double the sauce portion and freeze half for a quick future meal
- Keep hot sauce on the table so guests can adjust their own heat level
- Reserve some parsley for garnish to add fresh color at the end
Save to Pinterest There is something deeply satisfying about a one skillet meal that brings this much joy to the table. Hope this recipe finds its way into your regular rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of shrimp works best?
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Large peeled and deveined shrimp offer the best texture and absorb the flavors of the sauce perfectly.
- → Can I substitute the rice?
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Yes, long-grain white rice is traditional, but jasmine or basmati rice can also complement the flavors well.
- → How do I adjust the spiciness?
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Increase the cayenne pepper or hot sauce to add more heat, or reduce them for a milder dish.
- → Is seafood stock necessary?
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Seafood stock adds depth, but chicken broth or vegetable stock can be used if unavailable.
- → What garnishes enhance the dish?
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Fresh green onions and chopped parsley add brightness and a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.
