Louisiana Shrimp Creole is a zesty and comforting dish packed with juicy shrimp, fresh tomatoes, and a mix of colorful bell peppers. It has a wonderful blend of spices that adds great flavor!
This dish really makes my taste buds dance! I love serving it over rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. It’s like a little party in a bowl! 🎉🍤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp work too—just thaw them beforehand. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, try using chicken or firm tofu for a different twist.
Vegetables: The holy trinity of Cajun cooking is onion, bell pepper, and celery. You can swap in other veggies like zucchini or squash if you prefer, but keep the onions for flavor.
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are convenient and tasty! Fresh tomatoes can be used in season, but peel them first for better texture. If you want less acidity, try a can of crushed tomatoes.
Creole seasoning: If you don’t have Creole seasoning, make your own mix using equal parts paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano, and black pepper. Just adjust the amounts to get the flavor you like.
How Can I Get the Best Flavor While Cooking the Vegetables?
Getting the right flavor from the veggies is crucial! Start by sautéing them at medium heat, allowing them to soften and release their flavors. Don’t rush this step! Here’s how:
- Set your skillet to medium heat and add the oil or butter.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery together. Stir frequently for 5-7 minutes.
- Wait until the veggies are soft and slightly golden, as that caramelization adds depth to your dish.
Remember, the more patiently you cook them, the better your dish will turn out!
Louisiana Shrimp Creole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Seafood:
- 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
For The Base:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For The Sauce:
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or about 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp Creole seasoning (or a mix of paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano, black pepper)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup chicken broth or seafood stock
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 10 minutes getting everything prepped and ready to cook. Then, it takes around 30 minutes to cook the dish, so plan for around 40 minutes total from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Base:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the vegetable oil or butter over medium heat. Allow it to warm up before moving on to the next step.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the finely chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, and chopped celery to the skillet. Sauté these veggies, stirring often, until they are soft and translucent—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds rich flavor!
3. Add Garlic for Flavor:
Once your veggies are soft, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells amazing!
4. Mix in the Saucy Goodness:
Now, add the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, sugar, Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if you like it spicy. Toss in the bay leaf too! Stir everything together until well mixed.
5. Simmer the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth or seafood stock. Bring this whole mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, so it thickens up a little bit. You’ll start to see all those delicious flavors come together!
6. Season to Taste:
After your sauce has thickened, season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste as you go!
7. Cook the Shrimp:
Gently add the shrimp to the sauce. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. They cook quickly, so keep an eye on them!
8. Finishing Touch:
Remove the bay leaf from the mixture, then stir in the fresh parsley for a pop of freshness.
9. Serve it Up:
Serve your Louisiana Shrimp Creole hot over a generous scoop of cooked white rice. Garnish with extra parsley if you wish. Enjoy every mouthful!
Enjoy your flavorful and hearty Louisiana Shrimp Creole! It’s sure to bring warmth to your dinner table!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for a quick thaw. Pat them dry before adding to the sauce to avoid extra moisture.
What Can I Use Instead of Creole Seasoning?
If you don’t have Creole seasoning on hand, you can create your own mix using equal parts paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, and black pepper. Adjust the amounts based on your spice tolerance!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a touch of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! You can add other vegetables such as zucchini, okra, or corn for additional flavor and texture. Just make sure to keep the cooking times in mind, as some veggies may take longer to soften than others.
