This Louisiana Shrimp Creole is a vibrant dish full of juicy shrimp and a rich tomato sauce, spiced just right to wake up your taste buds. It’s comfort food with a Southern twist!
Whenever I make this, the kitchen fills with such a delicious aroma that it’s hard not to sneak a taste before it’s ready! Pair it with rice, and you’ve got a cozy meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work well in this dish. If using frozen, just thaw them in cold water first. Can’t find shrimp? You can substitute with chicken or firm tofu for different flavors.
Vegetables: The holy trinity of Cajun cooking is onion, bell pepper, and celery. If you don’t have these, you can use any mix of vegetables you enjoy, like zucchini or corn.
Cajun/Ceole Seasoning: You can purchase seasoning blends, but it’s also easy to make your own with paprika, cayenne, thyme, and garlic powder if you want to control the spice level.
Green Olives: These are optional, but they add a nice touch of brininess. If you’re not a fan, you could skip them or even substitute with capers.
What’s the Best Way to Sauté the Vegetables for Flavor?
Getting the vegetables just right is crucial for a deep flavor. Start by heating your oil or butter over medium heat until it shimmers. This helps to release flavors from the vegetables.
- Add onions first, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until soft.
- Then, toss in the chopped bell pepper and celery, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes total. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Finally, at the end, add minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute. Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it!
This sautéing step builds the flavor base for your sauce, making it even more delicious!
Louisiana Shrimp Creole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your preference)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup green olives, sliced (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Time Estimate:
This delicious Louisiana Shrimp Creole takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. In just 40 minutes, you’ll have a dish bursting with rich flavors that’s perfect for serving over rice!
Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil or Butter:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the vegetable oil or butter over medium heat until it’s nice and hot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onions, green bell pepper, and celery to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent—about 5 to 7 minutes. This creates a tasty base for your sauce.
3. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. You’ll love the aroma!
4. Mix in the Tomatoes and Spices:
Now it’s time to add the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, sugar (if using), Cajun or Creole seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper (for a kick if you like), thyme, bay leaf, and olives (if using). Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
5. Let It Simmer:
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook it uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps it thicken and the flavors come together beautifully!
6. Cook the Shrimp:
Season your shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper, then carefully add them to the simmering sauce. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them!
7. Final Touches:
Once the shrimp are ready, remove the bay leaf and stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh flavor kick.
8. Serve It Up:
Now it’s time to enjoy! Serve the shrimp creole hot over a bed of fluffy white rice and sprinkle with a bit more parsley for garnish.
Enjoy your authentic Louisiana Shrimp Creole with the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors showcased in that bright, tomato-rich sauce and tender shrimp!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry before adding to the sauce for better texture.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. Alternatively, if you like it spicier, feel free to increase the Cajun or Creole seasoning and add extra crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp creole ahead! Cook it as instructed, then let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally for even warming. You may need to add a splash of water or broth if it thickens up during storage.