Louisiana Shrimp Creole is a colorful and tasty dish that’s packed with juicy shrimp and a zesty tomato sauce. It’s perfect over a bed of fluffy rice, making it a wonderful meal.
This dish brings the flavor of New Orleans right to your kitchen. When I make it, the aroma fills the house, and everyone comes running for a taste—how can you resist that deliciousness? 🍤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium to large shrimp work best for this dish. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, frozen shrimp can be just as good! Just make sure to thaw them before cooking. If you prefer a vegetarian version, try using mushrooms instead.
Olive Oil or Butter: Both work great, but I often lean towards olive oil for a lighter taste. You could substitute with coconut oil if you’re looking for a different profile, or use ghee for a richer flavor.
Vegetables (Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery): This classic “Holy Trinity” is essential, but you can swap in other veggies like carrots or zucchini if you prefer. Even a bit of corn can add sweetness!
Creole Seasoning: If you don’t have Creole seasoning, a homemade blend of paprika, cayenne, thyme, and oregano works well. Just watch the cayenne if you want less heat!
How Do I Get the Perfect Sauce Consistency?
Getting the right sauce consistency is key for a great Shrimp Creole. Here are some tips to help you:
- Start by sautéing your vegetables until soft. This builds flavor and helps the sauce thicken.
- When you add the diced tomatoes and broth, let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce.
- If it’s too thick, stir in a little more broth or water. If it’s too thin, let it cook longer on low heat to reduce.
- Always taste before serving and adjust seasoning to your liking!
Louisiana Shrimp Creole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning (or a mix of paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of half a lemon
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and approximately 30 minutes to cook, leaving you with a delicious meal ready in just around 40 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions, green bell pepper, and chopped celery. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they soften and are fragrant.
2. Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until the garlic smells lovely but isn’t brown.
3. Make the Sauce:
Next, add the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, Creole seasoning, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes to thicken up.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Remove the bay leaf. Add the shrimp to the sauce and cook for about 4-6 minutes, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them!
5. Finish Up:
Stir in the fresh parsley and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve:
Serve your delicious shrimp creole over a bed of fluffy cooked white rice. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges—enjoy the flavors of Louisiana in your home!
Delicious, vibrant, and packed with flavor—enjoy your Louisiana Shrimp Creole!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp before adding them to the dish. You can thaw them in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes! If you like heat, feel free to increase the amount of Creole seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also serve it with hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If needed, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
What Can I Substitute for Rice?
If you’re looking for alternatives to rice, you can serve the shrimp creole over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even pasta for a different twist. Just make sure your choice can soak up the delicious sauce!