Best Dang Shrimp Creole Recipe
If you have ever dreamed of capturing the vibrant spirit and soulful flavors of New Orleans in your own kitchen, you are in for a real treat. This Best Dang Shrimp Creole Recipe brings together succulent shrimp bathed in a rich, spiced tomato sauce that is both comforting and electrifying. Each spoonful bursts with the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and just the right amount of heat. The magic lies in the careful layering of simple, bold ingredients that come together to create a dish that feels like a warm hug from the Crescent City itself. Get ready to make this recipe your go-to for an unforgettable, crave-worthy meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Best Dang Shrimp Creole Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each component adds a unique flavor, texture, or color that builds the dish’s signature depth. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this classic Creole staple:
- Shrimp (2 pounds): Large or jumbo, peeled and deveined shrimp provide a tender, meaty texture that stands up beautifully to the sauce.
- Vegetable Oil (3 tablespoons): A neutral oil is perfect for sautéing and forming the base of the sauce without overpowering other flavors.
- Yellow Onion (1 large): Finely diced for a sweet and savory foundation that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- Green Bell Pepper (1 large): Adds an earthy bite and vibrant green color, essential for that classic Creole “holy trinity.”
- Celery (2 stalks): Brings a mild peppery brightness and crunch in each bite, rounded out by fine dicing.
- Garlic (4 cloves): Freshly minced, garlic introduces its unmistakable aroma and depth to the dish.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes (28 ounces): Undrained to keep all their delicious juices, forming the luscious body of the sauce.
- Tomato Paste (6 ounces): Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and enriches the sauce beautifully.
- Chicken Broth (1 cup): Adds moisture and savory richness, helping to marry all the ingredients.
- Creole Seasoning (2 tablespoons): The essential spice blend that gives this recipe its distinctive kick and complexity.
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Provides a subtle earthy note that complements the blend of spices.
- Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon): Offers a gentle herbal lift that rounds out the dish.
- Bay Leaves (2): Infuse the sauce with a subtle, tea-like aroma during simmering.
- Hot Sauce (1-2 teaspoons): Adds a fiery tang, adjustable to your heat preference.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Deepens the sauce with its rich umami flavors.
- Green Onions (¼ cup): Chopped fresh for a crisp, colorful garnish with a mild onion bite.
- Fresh Parsley (¼ cup): Brightens the dish with herbaceous freshness and a pop of vibrant green.
- Cooked Rice: The indispensable foundation that soaks up every juicy bit of the creole sauce.
How to Make Best Dang Shrimp Creole Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the finely diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, and celery. These three veggies make up the famous Creole “holy trinity,” the backbone of so many fantastic dishes. Patience is key here, as softening these aromatics gently over 5 to 7 minutes releases their natural sweetness and builds a flavor foundation you will notice with every bite.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices
Once your veggies have softened and the onion turns translucent, stir in the minced garlic, Creole seasoning, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Cook everything for about one minute, stirring constantly. This brief step intensifies the spices, allowing them to bloom beautifully without burning the garlic, preserving that intoxicating aroma we all love.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Base
Pour in the undrained canned diced tomatoes and stir in the tomato paste. Use your spoon to gently break up the tomatoes, blending them effortlessly with the paste. Now add the chicken broth, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir everything until fully combined — the tomato paste will dissolve into the liquid creating a sauce that’s rich and perfectly saucy, the heart of this dish.
Step 4: Simmer the Creole Sauce
Bring the mixture to a lively simmer before turning the heat down to low. Cover the pot and let the sauce gently bubble away for 30 minutes or up to an hour if you can spare it. Slow simmering lets all those wonderful flavors meld into a deep, complex Creole sauce while thickening to just the right consistency. Don’t forget to stir occasionally and give the sauce some love during this stage.
Step 5: Add the Shrimp
Raise the heat back to medium to bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then carefully add your peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, just until the shrimp become pink, opaque, and tender. Be vigilant here — overcooking will make the shrimp tough, and no one wants that! The shrimp take center stage in this recipe, so treat them gently.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the bay leaves, then taste your creole sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, hot sauce, or more Creole seasoning if you like your dish with an extra kick. Stir in the freshly chopped green onions and parsley to add a final burst of freshness and color. Ladle this glorious shrimp creole over fluffy cooked rice, garnish with a little extra green onion and parsley, and get ready to dive in!
How to Serve Best Dang Shrimp Creole Recipe
Garnishes
Never underestimate the power of garnish in elevating a dish visually and flavor-wise. For this Best Dang Shrimp Creole Recipe, freshly chopped green onions and parsley add a bright, crisp contrast to the rich sauce, highlighting the shrimp’s tenderness and giving each bite a fresh finish.
Side Dishes
While traditionally served over rice, you can also pair this hearty shrimp creole with buttery cornbread or a simple green salad to brighten the meal. For a lower-carb option, try cauliflower rice, which soaks up the sauce beautifully without compromising on flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not shake up your presentation? Serve this vibrant creole in individual shallow bowls over rice topped with a lemon wedge for an added citrus zing. Or try it stuffed inside buttered French bread for a cozy shrimp po’boy-style twist that brings an exciting new way to enjoy these classic flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Best Dang Shrimp Creole Recipe stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to reheat gently to maintain the shrimp’s tender texture and the sauce’s rich flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months, but for best results, freeze the sauce separately from the shrimp to avoid the shrimp turning rubbery. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of water or broth to regain that luscious consistency without losing any flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely, then pat them dry before cooking to ensure they don’t add excess water to the sauce.
Is this dish very spicy?
The heat level is flexible—the Creole seasoning and hot sauce add warmth but can be adjusted to your liking by using less or more according to your spice tolerance.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the shrimp for hearty vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian take on this classic.
What rice works best as a base?
White long-grain rice is traditional because it soaks up the flavorful sauce wonderfully, but brown rice or even cauliflower rice are excellent alternatives depending on your preference.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen with time. Just add the shrimp when you’re ready to serve to keep them tender and fresh.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making the Best Dang Shrimp Creole Recipe at home. It captures the spirit of comfort food with a lively Creole twist that feels like a celebration in every bite. With its perfect balance of flavors, ease of preparation, and the joy it brings to the table, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So grab your apron and dive into this unforgettable shrimp creole—you are about to discover your new favorite!
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Best Dang Shrimp Creole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Best Dang Shrimp Creole Recipe is a classic and flavorful Creole dish featuring succulent shrimp simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with the holy trinity of onions, bell peppers, and celery, along with aromatic herbs and spices. Served over fluffy rice, this vibrant and hearty meal combines robust flavors and a perfect balance of heat and comfort, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 2 pounds large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
Vegetables
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chopped green onions, for garnish
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Liquids & Tomato
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola/light olive oil)
- 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (Louisiana-style recommended, adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Spices & Herbs
- 2 tablespoons Creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Accompaniment
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice) for serving
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This slow cooking releases the vegetable’s natural sweetness and forms the flavorful base known as the Creole ‘holy trinity.’
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, Creole seasoning, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic. This step allows the spices to bloom in the oil and infuses the dish with aromatic depth.
- Build the Tomato Base: Pour in the undrained canned diced tomatoes and stir in the tomato paste. Use a spoon to break up the tomatoes. Add the chicken broth, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients. The tomato paste will enrich and thicken the sauce, while the broth balances the acidity.
- Simmer the Creole Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and allow to simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, up to 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow simmer melds and deepens the flavors, creating a rich, complex sauce.
- Add the Shrimp: Increase heat to medium to bring the sauce to a gentle simmer again. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them to avoid toughness.
- Finish and Serve: Remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste the creole sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, additional Creole seasoning, or hot sauce as desired. Stir in the chopped green onions and fresh parsley for brightness. Serve the shrimp creole hot over cooked rice, garnished with extra green onions and parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Using larger shrimp helps maintain texture and provides a more satisfying bite.
- You can make your own Creole seasoning blend or purchase a pre-made one to save time.
- Adjust the hot sauce amount to suit your personal spice tolerance.
- Simmering the sauce longer enhances flavor but do not skip this step as it is key to a rich Creole sauce.
- Serve with your preferred type of rice, or substitute cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined to avoid grit and improve eating experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup shrimp creole with 1 cup cooked rice
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: shrimp creole, creole recipe, shrimp recipe, creole sauce, Louisiana cooking, Creole seafood, spicy shrimp, tomato sauce, easy dinner, Creole spices
