Louisiana Shrimp Creole is a spicy, flavorful dish that features juicy shrimp in a tasty tomato sauce with veggies like onions, bell peppers, and garlic. It’s served over fluffy rice!
This dish always reminds me of vibrant New Orleans! I love how simple it is to make, and the leftovers are just as delicious. Just be careful not to eat it all in one sitting! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large shrimp for this dish, as they provide the best texture. If you’re looking for alternatives, cooked shrimp or even chicken can work, but adjust cooking times accordingly. If you’re after a budget-friendly option, frozen shrimp is a great choice. Just thaw them before cooking.
Vegetable Oil: While I recommend vegetable oil, you can use olive oil or butter for added flavor. Just note that butter has a lower smoke point, so keep an eye on it while cooking!
Vegetables: The “holy trinity” of onions, bell peppers, and celery is key for flavor. If you’re avoiding bell peppers, you might try zucchini or green beans instead, but keep the onions and celery for that Creole base.
Creole Seasoning: You can make your own Creole seasoning with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder if you can’t find it pre-made. This gives you control over the spice level!
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are perfect here, but fresh diced tomatoes can also be used, especially in the summer months. If you prefer less acidity, opt for fire-roasted tomatoes for a smokier flavor.
How Do I Make Perfect Shrimp Creole Without Overcooking the Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky since they cook quickly. Here’s how to do it just right:
- Ensure your skillet is hot enough but not smoking when you add the shrimp. This keeps them from being rubbery.
- Add the shrimp at the end of cooking to avoid overcooking. They should only take about 4 to 6 minutes to turn pink.
- Look for that bright, opaque color. Once they turn, take them off the heat immediately to stop the cooking process.
Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have perfectly juicy shrimp in your Creole. Enjoy cooking!
Louisiana Shrimp Creole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Creole seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Louisiana Shrimp Creole takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cooking. So, in about 40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or deep pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Make sure it’s hot but not smoking.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the finely chopped onions, diced green bell peppers, and diced celery, which is known as the “holy trinity” of Creole cooking. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and translucent.
3. Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant. Don’t let it burn!
4. Create the Sauce:
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, and chicken broth to the pan. Stir everything together well to combine.
5. Season the Sauce:
Now, it’s time to add flavor! Season the mix with Creole seasoning, dried thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you want a kick), salt, pepper, and sugar if desired. Let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. You want it to thicken up nicely and allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
6. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp into your sauce and cook for 4 to 6 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn pink and opaque. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
7. Final Touch:
Once the shrimp are cooked, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then, remove it from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Shrimp Creole hot over a bed of fluffy cooked white rice. Feel free to pair it with a side of French bread or cornbread to soak up that delicious sauce!
Enjoy your scrumptious Louisiana Shrimp Creole experience! 🌶️🍤🍚
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before adding them to the dish. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for the Green Bell Pepper?
If you’re not a fan of green bell pepper, you can substitute it with red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a sweeter taste. Alternatively, zucchini or even diced carrots can work in a pinch!
How Do I Store Leftover Shrimp Creole?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! To increase the heat, you can add more cayenne pepper or even some chopped jalapeños. Just taste as you go to find the perfect level of spiciness for you!