Easy Shrimp Creole Recipe – Spicy & Flavorful in 30 Minutes! 🔥

Table of Contents: Shrimp Creole Recipe

Shrimp Creole Recipe

Shrimp Creole Recipe: A Taste of Louisiana in Your Kitchen

Remember those cozy Sunday dinners, filled with laughter and the aroma of something truly special simmering on the stove? This Shrimp Creole Recipe will transport you right back. It’s a dish that embodies warmth, comfort, and a little bit of spice – a true classic that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. If you’re looking for a flavorful Southern Creole Shrimp experience, you’ve come to the right place! This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary hug.

This vibrant and flavorful Classic Shrimp Creole is a cornerstone of Louisiana cuisine, a rich and satisfying spicy shrimp stew that’s been passed down through generations. It’s a dish that celebrates fresh ingredients and bold flavors, offering a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and a gentle kick of heat. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, seeking a comforting family meal, or simply craving a taste of the South, this Shrimp Creole is guaranteed to impress. It’s a dish that feels both special and approachable, perfect for seasoned cooks and those just starting their culinary journey.

The beauty of Shrimp Creole lies in its simplicity. While it boasts a complex flavor profile, the method is straightforward, allowing the quality of the ingredients to truly shine. It’s a one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend cooking. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring a perfect pot of Creole goodness every time.

Alternate Names & Variations

This beloved dish goes by a few different names, including Creole Shrimp, Shrimp à la Creole, and sometimes simply Creole Shrimp. You might also encounter variations that incorporate different types of seafood, like crawfish or crab, but the core principles of the Creole sauce remain the same. Some cooks like to add a splash of dry sherry or a pinch of filé powder (ground sassafras leaves) for an extra layer of complexity. For a milder version, reduce the cayenne pepper, or for a truly fiery experience, explore adding a Scotch bonnet pepper – a staple in some authentic spicy shrimp stew recipes.

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Ingredients: Shrimp Creole

Here’s what you’ll need to create this authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe:

• * 2 ounces (1/4 cup) Butter
• * 1 cup Yellow Onion, diced
• * 1 cup Celery, diced
• * 1 Garlic Clove, minced
• * 2 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
• * ¾ teaspoon Salt (more or less to taste)
• * 1 teaspoon Sugar
• * ⅛ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (or more, to taste)
• * 1 teaspoon Paprika
• * 1 small Bay Leaf
• * 4 drops Hot Sauce (Louisiana-style recommended, adjust to your preference)
• * 1 medium Green Bell Pepper, cleaned and diced
• * 19 oz can Crushed Tomatoes
• * 2 pounds Fresh Shrimp, peeled and deveined

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Step-by-Step Instructions

• 1. Melt the Butter: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. This is the foundation of your flavorful sauce, so don’t rush this step!
• 2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and celery to the melted butter and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Chef’s Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pot. If necessary, sauté the vegetables in batches to ensure even cooking.
• 3. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and stir constantly for 3-5 minutes. This creates a roux, which is the thickening agent for the sauce. Continue stirring until the roux turns a light golden brown color. Chef’s Tip: A darker roux will impart a nuttier flavor, but requires more attention to prevent burning.
• 4. Add Seasonings: Stir in the salt, sugar, cayenne pepper, paprika, bay leaf, and hot sauce. Mix well to combine the seasonings with the roux and vegetables.
• 5. Incorporate Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Chef’s Tip: For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the tomatoes.
• 6. Add Bell Pepper: Stir in the diced green bell pepper and continue to simmer, covered, for another 15 minutes, or until the bell pepper is tender-crisp.
• 7. Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot and stir to coat them in the sauce. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Chef’s Tip: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become tough and rubbery. They cook quickly!
• 8. Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve hot over rice, grits, or potatoes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

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Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
Total Time: 65-80 minutes
Servings: 4
Approximate Calories: 350 per serving (estimate, varies with portion size and ingredients)

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Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Shrimp Creole Recipe works because it builds flavor in layers. The roux provides a rich base, the sautéed vegetables add sweetness and depth, and the long simmering time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Using high-quality crushed tomatoes is also key – they contribute significantly to the overall taste.

This is truly easy comfort food for family dinners. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, start with a smaller amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce. If you like it spicy, feel free to add more! For a richer flavor, consider using shrimp stock instead of water if you have it on hand. And remember, the key to a great Creole dish is patience – allowing the sauce to simmer for a sufficient amount of time is crucial for developing its full potential.

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Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Leftover Shrimp Creole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually deepen overnight! For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To freeze, allow the Creole to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion.

When reheating, gently warm the Creole in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid boiling, as this can make the shrimp tough. This Southern Creole Shrimp dish also reheats well in the microwave, but be sure to cover it to prevent splattering.

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People Also Ask: Shrimp Creole

How do you make shrimp creole?

Making Shrimp Creole involves creating a flavorful base with a roux (butter and flour), sautéing aromatic vegetables like onion, celery, and bell pepper, and then simmering them in a tomato-based sauce seasoned with Creole spices. Once the sauce has developed its flavor, the shrimp are added and cooked until pink and opaque. It’s a relatively straightforward process, but the key is to build the flavors gradually and allow the sauce to simmer for a good amount of time. Don’t be intimidated by the roux – it’s easier to make than you might think!

What are the main ingredients in shrimp creole?

The main ingredients in Shrimp Creole are shrimp, of course, along with the “holy trinity” of Creole cooking: onion, celery, and bell pepper. A roux made from butter and flour is essential for thickening the sauce, and crushed tomatoes provide the base. Creole seasoning, including paprika, cayenne pepper, and a bay leaf, adds the signature flavor. Hot sauce is also a common addition, allowing you to customize the spice level.

Is shrimp creole very spicy?

Shrimp Creole can be as spicy as you like! Traditionally, it has a gentle warmth from cayenne pepper and hot sauce. However, the level of spice is entirely adjustable. This recipe calls for ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 4 drops of hot sauce, which provides a mild kick. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a hotter hot sauce. Some people even add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper.

What do you serve with shrimp creole?

Shrimp Creole is traditionally served over fluffy white rice, which perfectly soaks up the flavorful sauce. Grits are another popular choice, especially in the Southern United States. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes. A side of crusty bread is great for mopping up any remaining sauce. For a complete meal, consider adding a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

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Conclusion: Shrimp Creole

I hope you enjoy this Shrimp Creole Recipe as much as my family does! It’s a dish that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones and creating lasting memories. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings and make it your own.

If you try this recipe, please let me know how it turns out in the comments below. I love hearing from you! And be sure to share your photos on social media – I’d love to see your creations. Happy cooking!

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