Go Back
+ servings
Shrimp Creole Recipe

Quick and Easy Shrimp Creole Recipe for Flavorful Nights

This Easy Shrimp Creole recipe brings robust flavors from New Orleans to your table in just 45 minutes, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Creole, Louisiana
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Cooking Base
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil Can be substituted with ghee for a richer flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon butter Can replace with additional oil for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 medium onion Provides sweetness and savory depth.
  • 1 medium green bell pepper Red or yellow bell peppers can be used for a sweeter taste.
  • 1 stalk celery Can substitute with fennel for a different flavor profile.
  • 3 cloves garlic Use fresh for best results.
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun/Creole seasoning Can be adjusted to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme Use fresh thyme if available (use 3 times the amount).
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper Can be adjusted or omitted.
  • 1 leaf bay leaf Remove before serving to avoid bitterness.
For the Sauce
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce Can substitute with crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
  • 1 cup water Vegetable broth can be an alternative for more flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Can replace with soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
For the Protein
  • 1 pound large shrimp (16-20 count) Peeled and deveined.
For Seasoning and Garnishing
  • to taste Tabasco sauce Optional for added heat.
  • to taste salt For seasoning.
  • to taste black pepper For seasoning.
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley For garnish.
  • 1 wedge lemon Can omit if not available.
  • 3 cups cooked rice Jasmine or basmati rice works well.

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add canola oil and butter, letting them melt and shimmer.
  2. Add chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and chopped celery to the skillet. Cook for 10-12 minutes until very soft.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Pour in tomato sauce and water. Add Worcestershire sauce and bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes.
  5. Fold in shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes until pink and opaque.
  6. Season with salt, black pepper, and Tabasco sauce to taste.
  7. Remove bay leaf and serve over cooked rice, garnished with parsley and lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingsCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Adjust cayenne pepper for preferred spice level. Freezer friendly; can store sauce without shrimp for future meals.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!