Louisiana Shrimp Creole is a tasty dish that brings a bit of New Orleans to your kitchen! With juicy shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce, it’s bursting with flavor.
Cooking this dish feels like a party! It’s fun to stir in the spices and watch everything come together. I love serving it over rice—it’s like a delicious, warm hug in a bowl!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is great, but frozen shrimp works just as well. Just ensure they’re peeled and deveined! If you have a seafood allergy or prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute with firm tofu or hearty vegetables like zucchini.
Vegetables: The classic “holy trinity” includes onion, bell pepper, and celery. If you’re out of celery, try using carrots or additional bell pepper for texture and flavor. You can also mix in other veggies like corn or green beans.
Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are perfect for this dish, but if you have fresh ripe tomatoes, feel free to chop them up and use them. The crushed tomatoes add thickness; if you don’t have them, tomato paste can be used, just reduce the quantity slightly.
Creole Seasoning: If you can’t find store-bought Creole seasoning, make your own with equal parts paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, oregano, and black pepper. This allows you to control the heat level!
How Do I Get the Shrimp Just Right?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky as they cook very quickly. To ensure they stay tender, follow these tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give the shrimp space to cook evenly.
- When they turn pink and opaque, they’re done! Typically, this takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Keep the heat medium to low after adding shrimp. High heat can overcook them easily.
Remember, it’s better to slightly undercook them than overcook, as they’ll continue to cook in the residual heat!
How to Make Louisiana Shrimp Creole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1-2 fresh or jarred pickled jalapeño slices, chopped (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp Creole seasoning (or a mix of paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano, and black pepper)
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- French bread or crusty bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Louisiana Shrimp Creole takes about 10-15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, for a total time of around 40-45 minutes. You’ll be amazed at how quickly everything comes together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté The Vegetables:
Start by heating the vegetable oil or butter in a large skillet or heavy pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery, which is known as the “holy trinity” in Creole cooking. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Make sure to stir it often so it doesn’t burn!
3. Mix in The Tomatoes:
Now, stir in the diced tomatoes (including their juices), crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, and the chopped jalapeño slices if you’re using them for that extra kick.
4. Season The Mixture:
Time to add flavor! Season the mixture with Creole seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. If you like more depth and heat, go ahead and add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce.
5. Simmer The Sauce:
Bring your sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, and let it cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Cook The Shrimp:
Once your sauce is ready, it’s time to add the shrimp! Gently stir them into the sauce and let them cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them!
7. Finish Up:
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. Serve It Up:
To serve, ladle this flavorful Shrimp Creole over warm, cooked white rice. Don’t forget a sprinkle of extra parsley on top for a lovely presentation!
9. Enjoy With Bread:
Pair your dish with slices of French bread or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Enjoy your authentic and vibrant Louisiana Shrimp Creole!
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 about 15-20 minutes.
Can I Make Shrimp Creole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove before adding the shrimp, cooking them for about 3-5 minutes until they’re pink and tender.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.
What Can I Serve with Shrimp Creole?
This dish is typically served over white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also pair it with French bread or even a simple green salad for a complete meal.