Louisiana Shrimp Creole is a flavorful and spicy dish packed with fresh shrimp, tomatoes, bell peppers, and a mix of tasty seasonings. It’s a true taste of New Orleans! 🎉
This dish is like a party in a bowl, and I love serving it over rice. It’s quick to make and always impresses my friends. Trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds! 🍤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh large shrimp are the star of this dish. If fresh isn’t available, frozen shrimp work great! Just thaw them in cold water before cooking. You can also swap shrimp for crawfish or even diced chicken for a different twist.
Vegetables: The onion, bell pepper, and celery are called the “holy trinity” in Cajun cooking. If you’re out of bell peppers, try using a mix of sweet peppers. You can also add chopped green onions for a fresh touch at the end.
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are handy for this recipe. If you have fresh tomatoes, you can peel and chop them instead, just keep in mind to adjust the liquid amounts since fresh tomatoes have more water.
Spices: The spices really create the signature flavor. If you want less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper. Don’t have paprika? Smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor. Both work well!
How Do You Make Sure Your Shrimp is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky to get right. Here are my tips for ensuring they turn out perfectly:
- Cook shrimp on medium heat for 3-5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them rubbery!
- If you’re using frozen shrimp, be sure they are fully thawed for even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the color; once they start turning pink, they’re close to being done!
By following these tips, you’ll serve up a delicious Louisiana Shrimp Creole that’s sure to impress! Enjoy your cooking journey!
How to Make Louisiana Shrimp Creole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Creole Sauce:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 cup seafood stock or water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Crusty bread (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Louisiana Shrimp Creole takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, making it a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the vegetable oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes or until they are soft and translucent. This is where the flavors start to build!
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute. This will make your kitchen smell amazing!
3. Mix in the Tomatoes and Seasonings:
Then, add the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice), tomato sauce, sugar, thyme, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything well so the ingredients are evenly combined.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
Pour in the seafood stock or water, along with the Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce if you’re using it. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken up and all the flavors will come together beautifully.
5. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the simmering sauce and cook for about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They are done when they turn pink and opaque.
6. Taste and Garnish:
Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. If everything tastes just right, remove it from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the shrimp creole hot over cooked white rice. For an extra treat, you can also have some crusty bread on the side to soak up the tasty sauce. Enjoy your meal, and let the flavors transport you to Louisiana!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or by submerging them in cold water for a quick thaw.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and hot sauce. You can always add heat later if needed, so start small and taste as you go!
What Should I Serve with Shrimp Creole?
This dish is traditionally served over cooked white rice, which helps soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or stock if needed to keep it from drying out.