Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Shrimp Creole is a Southern classic that combines the delicate flavor of shrimp with a rich and flavorful sauce. This recipe is quick, simple, and packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With a mix of sweet bell peppers, onions, garlic, and spices, all simmered together in a rich tomato sauce, this dish is both comforting and satisfying. The touch of heat from the hot sauce and paprika adds just the right kick to make this dish truly unforgettable.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (green, red, or a mix)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or grits, for serving
Directions
1. Heat Oil
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Vegetables
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute, or until fragrant.
4. Incorporate Tomatoes
Add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to the skillet. Mix well to combine the flavors.
5. Flavor the Sauce
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp into the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Stir occasionally to ensure the shrimp cook evenly.
7. Adjust Seasonings
Taste the dish and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more hot sauce if you prefer extra spice or more Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor.
8. Serve
Remove from heat and serve the Shrimp Creole over your choice of cooked rice or grits. Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15-25 minutes
- Total time: 30-40 minutes
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover Shrimp Creole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a little bit of water or broth to thin out the sauce when reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them before adding them to the skillet. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture, so the sauce doesn’t become too watery.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! If you like more heat, you can increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
What can I serve with Shrimp Creole besides rice or grits?
Shrimp Creole pairs well with crusty bread for sopping up the delicious sauce. You could also serve it with a fresh green salad or sautéed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Can I make Shrimp Creole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the Shrimp Creole up to 1 day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator, then reheat it gently before serving. Just be sure to add the shrimp last to avoid overcooking them.
What other vegetables can I add to Shrimp Creole?
You can add other vegetables like celery, carrots, or even okra for a different texture and flavor. Just sauté them with the onion and bell pepper.
Can I use a different type of seafood in this recipe?
Yes! If you don’t have shrimp, you can substitute with crab, scallops, or even fish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Conclusion
This Shrimp Creole recipe brings the flavors of the South right to your kitchen with its vibrant, flavorful sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp. It’s quick, simple, and packed with savory, tangy goodness that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Serve it over rice or grits, and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal!
The Best Shrimp Creole: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté and Simmer
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
This Shrimp Creole recipe delivers the perfect balance of bold flavors with tender shrimp in a savory, slightly spicy tomato-based sauce, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped (green, red, or a mix)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon hot sauce (to taste)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Cooked rice or grits, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Mix well to combine the flavors.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired, adding more hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce if preferred.
- Remove from heat and serve over rice or grits. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Notes
You can use frozen shrimp, just thaw and pat dry before adding them to the skillet.
To make it spicier, increase the hot sauce or add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
Other vegetables like celery, carrots, or okra can be added for extra texture and flavor.
If you prefer, you can substitute shrimp with other seafood like crab, scallops, or fish, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Serve with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or sautéed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
