Easy Homestyle Shrimp Creole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Bursting with vibrant flavors, this classic shrimp creole recipe brings the spirit of New Orleans right to your kitchen.

Southern comfort meets bold creole spices in a dish that dances with zesty complexity.

Fresh Gulf shrimp simmer in a rich, robust tomato-based sauce that captures generations of culinary tradition.

Aromatic onions, bell peppers, and celery create a deeply satisfying base for this beloved Southern classic.

Warm, hearty, and packed with regional character, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Each forkful promises a delicious journey through Louisiana’s incredible food heritage.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this mouthwatering creole masterpiece.

Ingredients For Spicy Shrimp Creole

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides the main protein and flavor of the dish.

• Onion, Celery, Bell Pepper: Classic Creole trinity that creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic complexity to the dish.

• Seafood Stock: Provides rich, oceanic flavor to the sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy base to the Creole sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Sea Salt: Enhances overall seasoning of the dish.
• Cayenne, Smoked Paprika: Introduces spicy and smoky flavor profiles.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complex, umami depth to the sauce.
• Thyme Sprigs, Bay Leaves: Contribute subtle herbal notes to the sauce.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide richness and help develop flavors during cooking.

How To Prepare Classic Shrimp Creole

Step 1: Kickstart the Sizzle

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Quickly sear the shrimp for about a minute on each side until they turn pink and develop a golden crust.

This technique seals in the succulent juices.

Transfer the perfectly cooked shrimp to a separate plate, setting them aside for later.

Step 2: Dance of the Vegetables

Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter.

• Diced onion
• Chopped celery
• Sliced bell pepper

Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and develop a light brown color, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing an incredible aroma.

Step 3: Craft the Flavor Foundation

• Sea salt
• Cayenne pepper
• Smoked paprika

Dust the flour over the mixture and whisk thoroughly until completely combined.

Allow the mixture to cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.

Step 4: Unleash the Sauce Magic

Gradually stream in the seafood stock, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

• Diced tomatoes
• Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Bay leaves

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Let the Flavors Mingle

Allow the sauce to simmer for roughly 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

This is when the flavors develop and intensify.

If the sauce becomes too thick, splash in some additional stock or water.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves.

Return the shrimp to the sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring they remain juicy and tender.

Serve hot and enjoy your Shrimp Creole!

Cooking Tips For A Tasty Creole Dish

• Sear quickly over high heat and remove from pan immediately to maintain tenderness and prevent overcooking.
• Whisk flour constantly when making the base to avoid lumps and create a smooth, rich sauce texture without burning.
• Adjust cayenne and smoked paprika gradually to control heat level, allowing each person to customize their preferred spiciness.
• Dice onion, celery, and bell pepper into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution.
• Replace seafood stock with chicken or vegetable stock if unavailable, maintaining the recipe's depth and complexity.

Storing And Warming Up Shrimp Creole

• Store leftover Shrimp Creole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal flavor.
• Transfer cooled Shrimp Creole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 month, ensuring the shrimp remain tender and sauce stays flavorful.
• Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent overcooking the shrimp.
• Warm the Shrimp Creole in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of seafood stock or water to restore sauce consistency. Stir gently and heat until warmed through, taking care not to overcook the shrimp, which can become tough and rubbery.

Sides That Match Shrimp Creole Perfectly

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the spicy, tangy flavors of the Shrimp Creole. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the rich sauce and enhances the seafood's delicate taste.
• Serve with Crusty French Bread: Grab a warm, crusty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce. Its sturdy texture and neutral flavor provide the perfect vehicle for capturing every last drop of the spicy, tomato-based goodness.
• Create a Refreshing Citrus Salad: Whip up a light side salad with mixed greens, grapefruit segments, and a lemon vinaigrette. The citrusy notes will balance the dish's warmth and add a fresh, bright contrast to the hearty Creole sauce.
• Match with Dirty Rice: Prepare a side of traditional Louisiana dirty rice to complete the Creole experience. The seasoned rice with ground meat and herbs provides a robust, complementary base that soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly.

Shrimp Creole Variations To Explore

• Seafood Swap Creole: Replace shrimp with fresh white fish like cod or halibut, cut into chunks for a lighter protein option that absorbs the rich sauce beautifully.
• Low-Carb Creole: Skip the flour roux and use arrowroot powder or xanthan gum as a thickener, perfect for those following ketogenic or gluten-free diets.
• Vegetarian Creole: Substitute shrimp with firm tofu or cauliflower florets, maintaining the classic Louisiana flavor profile while creating a plant-based version that's packed with spices and vegetables.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients except shrimp into a slow cooker, letting it simmer on low for 4-6 hours, then add shrimp during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a hands-off approach to this classic dish.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before searing. Frozen shrimp work perfectly fine and can save you time in preparation.

• How spicy is this Shrimp Creole?

The recipe has a mild heat from cayenne pepper, but you can adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne to suit your taste preference.

• Is this dish gluten-free?

Not by default, since the recipe uses flour for the roux. To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

• What makes a good seafood stock for this recipe?

Homemade seafood stock is best, but store-bought works well too. Look for a rich, flavorful stock without too much salt to enhance the dish’s overall taste.

Why Shrimp Creole Packs Flavor In Every Bite

• Packed with bold Creole spices like cayenne and smoked paprika, this recipe delivers a mouthwatering taste experience that'll wake up your taste buds and transport you to Louisiana.
• Adaptable to different preferences, this one-pan dish works great for casual family dinners, date nights, or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Combines protein-packed shrimp with fresh vegetables, creating a balanced dish that's both satisfying and nutritionally wholesome for health-conscious food lovers.

Shrimp Creole Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Louisiana’s beloved Shrimp Creole dances with bold Cajun spices and plump Gulf shrimp, creating a soulful symphony of flavors. Comfort and culture merge in this classic New Orleans dish that promises to transport dinner guests straight to the heart of Southern hospitality.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) large or jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tail-off

Aromatics and Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery sticks, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Additional Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing shrimp)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) seafood stock or chicken stock
• 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 3 thyme sprigs
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon for spicier)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (to taste)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with olive oil. Quickly sear shrimp for approximately 60 seconds per side until they transform into a soft pink hue with golden edges. Carefully transfer the shrimp to a separate plate, preserving their delicate moisture.
2. Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Introduce diced onion, celery, and bell pepper, sautéing until vegetables soften and develop a light caramelized appearance, roughly 5-7 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute.
3. Infuse seasonings by sprinkling sea salt, cayenne, and smoked paprika into the vegetable mixture. Dust flour over the ingredients and whisk thoroughly, ensuring complete integration. Allow the mixture to toast for 1-2 minutes, eliminating any raw flour undertones.
4. Gradually stream seafood stock into the skillet while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Introduce diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Blend ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Allow sauce to develop depth by simmering for approximately 30 minutes, periodically stirring. Monitor consistency, adding additional stock if the sauce becomes too thick.
6. Extract thyme sprigs and bay leaves from the sauce. Reintroduce seared shrimp, gently warming them for 2 minutes to maintain tenderness and ensure complete flavor absorption.

Notes

• Choose fresh, large shrimp with firm texture and mild ocean scent for the best flavor and most succulent results.
• Take time whisking flour into butter to create smooth base without lumps, which ensures silky sauce consistency.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on heat tolerance – start with less and gradually increase for personalized spiciness.
• Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make recipe celiac-friendly without compromising texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun/Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg