Easy Shrimp Creole is a tasty dish that brings the flavors of Louisiana right to your table. It features shrimp cooked in a zesty tomato sauce with bell peppers and onions.
This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner! I love how colorful and fragrant it is—plus, it’s great served over rice for a filling meal. 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen large shrimp is essential for this dish. If you’re allergic, diced chicken or firm tofu can be good alternatives. Make sure shrimp are peeled and deveined for a smoother texture.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps cook the vegetables. You can substitute with canola, avocado oil, or even butter if you prefer a richer taste.
Onion, Bell Pepper, and Celery: Known as the “holy trinity” in Creole cooking, these veggies build a solid flavor base. Feel free to mix with other peppers or even carrots for a slight twist!
Diced Tomatoes: Using canned tomatoes with green chilies gives a nice kick. You could replace it with plain diced tomatoes and add some chopped jalapeños for heat. Fire-roasted tomatoes also work excellently!
How Do I Get the Perfect Sauté for the Vegetables?
Sautéing vegetables properly is key for flavor. Start by heating oil over medium heat. Here’s how to do it right:
- Add onions, bell peppers, and celery, and let them cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
- Don’t skip the garlic! Add it for just a minute to avoid bitterness, releasing its fresh aroma.
The sautéed veggies will enhance the overall taste of your shrimp creole, making it more delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp is quick, and overcooking can make them rubbery. Follow these steps to get it right:
- After simmering your sauce, gently add the shrimp. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
- A good tip is to remove the pot from heat just as they are done cooking; they’ll continue to cook slightly even after being taken off the stove.
This technique will give you tender, juicy shrimp every time!
How to Make Easy Shrimp Creole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Shrimp Creole recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need around 35 minutes from start to finish. A quick and tasty meal that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they’re tender and fragrant. This is going to form the flavorful base of your dish!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute. You want to cook it just until it becomes fragrant, but not so long that it burns—we want that delicious garlic aroma!
3. Build the Sauce:
Now it’s time to add the rest of your sauce ingredients! Toss in the canned diced tomatoes (with all their juices), chicken broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you’re feeling adventurous!). Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it bubble away for about 10-15 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Once the sauce is simmering, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot. Cook them for about 3-5 minutes or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Shrimp cook quick, so keep an eye on them!
5. Taste and Serve:
Give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning if you like. Once everything is well combined and flavorful, take it off the heat. Ready to serve? Spoon the shrimp creole over warm cooked rice and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a lovely touch. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them beforehand. The easiest way is to place them in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, make sure to pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in your dish.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or seafood stock works well as a substitute. For a richer flavor, you can also use low-sodium broth if you’re watching your sodium intake. You can even use water, but consider enhancing it with a splash of Worcestershire sauce or some extra spices.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover shrimp creole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth if it appears too thick. Avoid microwaving it for long periods to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you want more heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. For an extra kick, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking. Just adjust according to your heat preference!
