Shrimp Creole a Taste of New Orleans at Home

Recipe Introduction: Let's Get Cooking!
Fancy a bit of New Orleans sunshine in your kitchen? Ever wondered how to make an Authentic Shrimp Creole that'll knock your socks off? Honestly, it's easier than you think! We're diving into a Shrimp Creole recipe that's full of flavor and just a little bit spicy.
Quick Hook: Taste of the South
Craving some soul food? This shrimp creole recipe is your ticket! It's got a rich tomato base, juicy shrimp, and a Cajun kick. Trust me, it's proper lush.
Brief Overview: Creole Magic
Creole cuisine comes straight from Louisiana. It's a mix of cultures and a whole lotta flavour. This recipe is a medium challenge, taking about an hour.
It makes enough for 4-6 hungry folks so think Cajun Shrimp Dinner for everyone!
Main Benefits: Good Food, Good Mood
Shrimp is packed with protein. This seafood creole recipe is a healthy and satisfying meal. It's perfect for a cosy night in or wowing your mates.
What makes this easy shrimp creole recipe special? It's all about that homemade sauce.
Time to gather your ingredients. First up, the Creole sauce essentials. You'll need olive oil, onions, bell peppers (green and red), celery, and minced garlic.
I like to call this aromatic combination, the "Holy Trinity"!
Louisiana Shrimp Creole: Recipe Ingredients
- For the Creole Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (about ½ cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (794 g)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (411 g)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (5 ml)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (5 ml)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (2.5 ml) (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (5 ml)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (15 ml)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (5 ml) (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For the Shrimp
- 1.5 pounds (680 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning (store-bought or homemade) (15 ml)
- For Serving
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Honestly, finding all the ingredients is half the battle! But once you have, you're golden.
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate. It can vary based on ingredients used.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this shrimp creole recipe ! It's easier than fitting into your jeans after Christmas dinner, honestly.
I've made this a bunch of times. Trust me, the right ingredients are key to that authentic shrimp creole taste.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients for this Cracking Cajun Shrimp Dinner
Okay, here's the shopping list, clear as day. It’s all about creating the perfect Louisiana shrimp creole recipe at home.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . A good glug will do.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped. About 1 cup .
- Bell Peppers: 1 green and 1 red , chopped. Again, roughly 1 cup each.
- Celery: 2 stalks , chopped. About ½ cup . Don't skimp.
- Garlic: 3 cloves , minced. That's about 1 tablespoon . More if you're feeling brave.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794 g) . Quality matters here.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can (411 g) , undrained.
- Dried Oregano & Thyme: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) each. Essential!
- Cayenne Pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) . Adjust to your spice tolerance.
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Adds depth!
- Bay Leaf: 1 . Don't forget to take it out later.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . For that umami punch.
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Optional, but balances the acidity nicely.
- Shrimp: 1.5 pounds (680 g) , large, peeled and deveined. Buy the freshest you can find. If they smell fishy before cooking, ditch 'em.
- Creole Seasoning: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . store-bought or homemade.
- Cooked White Rice: For serving. About 1 cup per person.
- Parsley or Green Onions: For garnish. Makes it look fancy, you know?
If you're looking for New Orleans Meals this is a good one.
Seasoning Notes - The Magic Behind Seafood Creole Recipe
- Spice Combo: Oregano, thyme, cayenne, smoked paprika. This combo makes shrimp creole with rice sing.
- Flavor Enhancers: Garlic, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf. These are your flavor besties.
- Quick Swaps: No Creole seasoning? Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, and black pepper. Boom!
Equipment You'll Actually Need to Make these Shrimp Cajun Recipes
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Absolutely essential. Keeps the heat even.
- Cutting Board & Chef's Knife: No brainer, really.
- Measuring Spoons & Cups: Get the quantities right.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring. Don't use metal on your nice pot.
Honestly, that's all you really need to nail this easy shrimp creole recipe . Don't go buying fancy kit you won't use again.
Cooking Up a Storm: My Shrimp Creole Recipe
Hey there, foodie friends! Fancy a trip to New Orleans? Well, grab your apron because we're making Shrimp Creole ! It's proper comfort food, a taste of Louisiana sunshine, and honestly, it's way easier than you think.
I’ve tweaked this shrimp creole recipe over the years, and trust me, even a beginner can nail this.
It’s one of my favorite New Orleans Meals and super easy to prepare.
Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Ducks in a Row
Alright, let's get organised. This is essential mise en place, mate! Chop one medium yellow onion, one green bell pepper, one red bell pepper, and two celery stalks.
Mince three cloves of garlic. Get all your spices measured out. Top tip: chop everything before you start cooking. Saves loads of time and stress, you know? Also, remember to peel and devein one and a half pounds of shrimp!
step-by-step: From Hob to Heaven
Okay, here's the magic bit:
- Sauté the "Holy Trinity". Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot. Add your chopped onion, bell peppers, and celery. Cook until softened. Then chuck in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant - about 1 minute.
- Sauce It Up: Add one 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes and one 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes, plus one teaspoon each of dried oregano, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Don't forget half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper (or more, if you're brave!) and a bay leaf. A tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and a teaspoon of sugar are great too. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Simmer Time: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it bubble away for at least 20 minutes , stirring now and then. This lets the flavours get all friendly. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor gets.
- Shrimp Prep: While the sauce is doing its thing, toss your shrimp with one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of Creole seasoning.
- Shrimp Ahoy! Turn up the heat a bit and add the shrimp to the sauce. Cook until they're pink and opaque, about 3- 5 minutes . Watch them like a hawk overcooked shrimp are nasty. Then remove bay leaf.
- Serve Like a Boss: Serve your Louisiana shrimp creole recipe hot over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions. Ta-da!
Pro Tips for Cajun Shrimp Recipes For Dinner
Want to take your shrimp creole from good to amazing ? First, don't overcook the shrimp! Honestly, it's the biggest mistake.
They should be tender, not rubbery. Second, taste as you go! Creole cooking is all about the flavor, so adjust the spices to your liking.
Also, for make-ahead options, the sauce can be made a day in advance.
And you can use cajun shrimp dinner . Simply refrigerate, and add the shrimp just before serving. Enjoy your authentic shrimp creole meal!
My best shrimp creole recipe ! Enjoy your Seafood Creole Recipe
Recipe Notes: Shrimp Creole Secrets & Swaps
Alright, you've got the shrimp creole recipe down, but let's chat about some extras. Honestly, this is where you can really make it your authentic shrimp creole .
Think of these as little cheat codes.
Serving Like a Pro
Want to up your plating game? Spoon your shrimp creole with rice into a shallow bowl. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Honestly, it’s like a party in a bowl. For sides, cornbread is a must. It’s perfect for soaking up that yummy sauce.
A crisp, chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc? Absolute perfection! Makes it a great Cajun Shrimp Dinner .
Storage Savvy
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let your Louisiana shrimp creole recipe cool completely. Then, pop it in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to three days.
Want to freeze it? It's doable! Just be aware the shrimp might be a tad rubbery when you reheat it.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. You want to use the Best shrimp creole recipe even in the future!
Tweaks and Twists
Fancy a change? How about a creamy version? Stir in a splash of coconut milk at the end. Gives it a lovely richness.
For a veggie version, swap the shrimp for cubed tofu. Black beans work a treat too. For a spicier kick, add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of your fave hot sauce.
Really easy to make Easy shrimp creole recipe variations
Quick Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Okay, let's keep this simple. A serving of this seafood creole recipe has about 350-400 calories. You're looking at a good dose of protein, around 30-35 grams.
This is a great way to add healthy shrimp cajun recipes . The tomatoes give you a boost of Vitamin C.
Just watch that sodium level Creole seasoning can be sneaky! So is possible to turn it into Shrimp Cajun Recipes For Dinner .
Honestly, this shrimp creole recipe is a winner. It's a taste of New Orleans without the airfare. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Now go forth and cook up a storm!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to prevent my shrimp from becoming rubbery in this shrimp creole recipe?
Nobody wants rubbery shrimp, right? The key is to avoid overcooking them. Add the shrimp to the simmering sauce right at the end and cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, usually only about 3-5 minutes.
They'll continue to cook a little even after you take the pot off the heat, so err on the side of undercooked rather than over.
Can I make this shrimp creole recipe spicier, and what's a good way to do it?
Absolutely! If you like a bit of a kick, there are a few ways to dial up the heat. You can add more cayenne pepper to the sauce, of course. A dash of your favorite hot sauce works wonders too. Some folks even like to throw in a chopped jalapeño along with the bell peppers for an extra layer of spice.
How long does leftover shrimp creole last, and what's the best way to store it?
Leftover shrimp creole is usually good for 3-4 days in the fridge, stored in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down completely before you pop it in there you don't want to encourage any unwanted bacteria. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months, but the texture of the shrimp may change slightly.
I'm a vegetarian; can I adapt this shrimp creole recipe? What are some good substitutions?
You bet! A great vegetarian version can easily be made. Omit the shrimp, and add diced andouille sausage substitute, cubed tofu, or black beans for a vegetarian friendly option. Some hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant would work well too.
Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly depending on what you choose to add.
What side dishes go well with shrimp creole? I'm looking for some inspiration!
Shrimp Creole is lovely with a few classic Southern sides. Cornbread is always a winner it's perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce. Collard greens add a nice bit of bitterness and greens. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast.
And don't forget the rice; it's the perfect base for all that flavorful goodness!
Shrimp Creole A Taste Of New Orleans At Home

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 4-5g |