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
Scale
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
