Easy Southern Shrimp Creole Recipe: Taste The Gulf Magic

Creamy, zesty shrimp creole tantalizes taste buds with its bold Louisiana-inspired flavors.

This classic recipe bursts with savory seafood and robust spices that dance across your palate.

Succulent shrimp swim in a rich, tomato-based sauce that brings New Orleans straight to your kitchen.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this mouthwatering dish, blending cultural traditions with incredible taste.

Each bite tells a story of culinary passion and southern comfort.

Spice lovers and seafood enthusiasts will absolutely adore this vibrant, soul-warming meal that promises to become a new family favorite.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Keeping Shrimp Creole Fresh And Ready Again

• Store leftover Shrimp Creole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Transfer cooled Shrimp Creole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place refrigerated Shrimp Creole 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 until heated thoroughly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Pour Shrimp Creole into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir gently and consistently until warmed through. Avoid overcooking the shrimp to maintain tenderness.

Pairings That Work With This Creole Dish

• Enhance Flavor Blast: Pair this zesty shrimp Creole with crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich sauce and complement its spicy notes.
• Texture Harmony: Serve alongside fluffy white rice or creamy stone-ground grits to soak up the delicious sauce and balance the dish's bold flavors.
• Wine Lover's Choice: Select a light-bodied, slightly fruity Pinot Grigio that won't overpower the delicate shrimp while matching the recipe's Cajun spice profile.
• Southern Comfort Drink: Enjoy an ice-cold Louisiana-style beer like Abita Amber, which brings out the recipe's regional character and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy Creole sauce.

Shrimp Creole Variations That Add A Twist

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Version: Replace traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly alternative that cuts down on carbohydrates while maintaining the dish's rich flavor profile.
• Vegan Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with firm tofu or jackfruit, using a seafood-style seasoning blend to mimic the original recipe's maritime essence and keep the Creole spirit alive.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all seasonings and sauces are certified gluten-free, and verify Worcestershire sauce is made without wheat-based ingredients to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners.
• Lighter Seafood Option: Use lighter seafood like scallops or white fish instead of shrimp, maintaining the recipe's core Creole technique while offering an alternative protein source for seafood lovers.

FAQs

• How spicy is this Shrimp Creole?

The heat level depends on your Cajun seasoning and optional cayenne pepper. You can control the spiciness by adjusting these ingredients or using a mild Cajun seasoning blend.

• Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning and prevents watery sauce.

• What's the best type of tomato sauce to use?

Choose a high-quality, smooth tomato sauce without added herbs. Plain tomato sauce works best to let the Cajun seasonings shine through and create a balanced flavor profile.

• Do I need special equipment to make this recipe?

No special equipment is required. A large skillet or sauté pan, basic kitchen utensils, and a cutting board are all you need to create this delicious Shrimp Creole.

What Makes This Shrimp Creole Extra Special

• This shrimp creole recipe delivers complex Cajun tastes with simple cooking techniques that even novice home chefs can master.
• Dial up or tone down heat levels by adjusting cayenne and hot sauce, making it perfect for different taste preferences and family members.
• Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single-pot cooking method that combines vegetables, protein, and rich sauce into a complete meal served over rice.

What You’ll Need For The Best Shrimp Creole

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the star protein in this classic Creole dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery: The traditional Cajun holy trinity that creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic depth to the overall flavor profile.

• Tomato Sauce: Provides a rich, tangy foundation for the Creole sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a complex, savory umami flavor to the dish.
• Bay Leaf: Contributes a subtle herbal undertone during cooking.
• Cajun Seasoning: Delivers a signature spicy and bold Louisiana-style flavor.
• Thyme: Offers a earthy and slightly minty herb note.
• Cayenne Pepper: Provides optional heat and traditional Creole spiciness.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for final seasoning and balancing flavors.
• Hot Sauce: Optional condiment for additional heat.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for bright garnish and color contrast.
• Water: Used to create sauce consistency and rinse tomato sauce can.

How To Create A Flavorful Shrimp Creole Dish

Step 1: Kick Off the Vegetable Symphony

Grab a large skillet and start dancing with your onions, bell peppers, and celery.

Sizzle them over medium heat until they become soft and slightly golden.

If the veggies start getting too brown, drop the heat and splash a bit of water to keep them happy.

Step 2: Awaken the Spice Parade

Toss in the garlic, Cajun seasoning, thyme, cayenne, and bay leaf.

Let these flavor champions mingle and release their aromatic magic for about a minute.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Wonderland

Pour tomato sauce into the skillet.

Use half a can of water to rinse out every delicious bit from the can.

Stir in Worcestershire sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle bubbling dance.

Step 4: Let the Sauce Transform

Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes.

The goal is a slightly thickened sauce that will beautifully coat your shrimp and rice.

Stir occasionally to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 5: Welcome the Shrimp Stars

Gently slide the shrimp into the sauce.

Cook them for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn a lovely pink and become firm.

Watch them closely to avoid rubbery disappointment.

Step 6: Final Flavor Flourish

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and hot sauce.

Remove the bay leaf, sprinkle fresh parsley on top, and serve this delicious creation piping hot over rice.

Helpful Cooking Tips For Shrimp Creole

• Lower the heat and add a splash of water if vegetables start browning too quickly to maintain even cooking and prevent bitter flavors.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing for balanced flavor.
• Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and firm, watching carefully to avoid rubbery texture – typically 1-2 minutes per side ensures perfect doneness.
• Use half a tomato sauce can with water to rinse the container, capturing every bit of flavor and creating a more robust sauce base.
• Let spices cook for a minute after adding to release their aromatic compounds, which intensifies the overall taste profile of the Creole dish.

The Best Shrimp Creole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Culinary magic meets Southern charm in this mouthwatering Shrimp Creole recipe, celebrating New Orleans’ rich flavor heritage. Spicy, succulent shrimp dance with robust tomato sauce, promising a delectable journey you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds large shrimp (16–20 size), peeled, deveined, and tails off

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, deseeded and minced
• 2–3 celery ribs, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Additional parsley sprigs for garnish

Seasonings, Liquids, and Cooking Fats:

• 2 tablespoons neutral canola oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Hot sauce, adjusted to taste
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Steamed rice, served on the side or underneath

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, sautéing onions, bell peppers, and celery until vegetables become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Introduce aromatic spices including minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, thyme, cayenne, and bay leaf, stirring continuously to prevent burning and allow spices to release their intense flavors for about 60 seconds.
3. Create the foundational sauce by adding tomato sauce, rinsing the can with water to capture every bit of tomato, and incorporating Worcestershire sauce. Gently raise the temperature to achieve a mild bubbling consistency.
4. Reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching and enable the liquid to condense into a rich, clingy texture.
5. Carefully fold raw shrimp into the simmering sauce, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they transform from translucent to opaque pink, ensuring each piece is evenly heated without becoming tough.
6. Perform final seasoning adjustments using salt, black pepper, and optional hot sauce. Discard bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately over steamed rice while piping hot.

Notes

• Lower the heat and add a splash of water if the vegetables start browning too quickly, ensuring even cooking and preventing bitter flavors.
• Stirring seasonings for a minute releases their essential oils, creating a more intense and aromatic flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Cook shrimp briefly – only 1-2 minutes per side – to maintain their tender, juicy texture and avoid rubbery consistency.
• Substitute shrimp with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version, or use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a low-carb alternative.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg