Description
Shrimp Creole is a bold and flavorful dish rooted in Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage. Combining the “Holy Trinity” of onions, bell peppers, and celery with a spiced tomato sauce and succulent shrimp, this dish is the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. Served over rice, it’s a comforting meal that comes together in just 45 minutes—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken or seafood broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Creole seasoning
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For Serving:
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables – In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, and celery, and cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add Garlic and Spices – Stir in garlic, Creole seasoning, cayenne pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce – Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer, and let cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Cook the Shrimp – Add shrimp to the sauce and cook for 3-5 minutes until pink and opaque. Stir in lemon juice and parsley.
- Serve – Remove the bay leaf and serve hot over cooked white rice with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.
- Use wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Let the sauce simmer longer for deeper flavor before adding shrimp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéed
- Cuisine: Creole, Southern