Zesty Louisiana-Style Shrimp Creole
This classic New Orleans dish brings bold Creole flavors to your kitchen with tender shrimp simmered in a vibrant tomato-based sauce. Serve it over rice for a spicy, satisfying Southern meal.
🍴 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken or seafood stock
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
🔥 Instructions
Sauté the Holy Trinity:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until soft, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Build the Base:
Add the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to intensify the flavor. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and stock. Mix well.
Season the Sauce:
Sprinkle in Creole seasoning, thyme, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Simmer and Thicken:
Reduce heat and simmer the sauce uncovered for 15–20 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken slightly.
Add the Shrimp:
Stir in the shrimp and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.
Serve it Up:
Spoon the shrimp and sauce over warm rice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy the Creole kick!
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Best Shrimp Creole
- 🍤 Frozen Wild-Caught Gulf Shrimp — Perfectly plump, wild-caught shrimp are key to authentic flavor and texture.
- 🍳 Deep Nonstick Skillet — A roomy, high-quality skillet ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.
- 🧂 Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning — The iconic blend that gives your Creole dishes that signature Louisiana flair.
- 🍚 Rice Cooker with Keep-Warm Function — Fluffy white rice made easy, and it stays warm until you’re ready to serve.
💡 Helpful Tip: If you like it extra spicy, stir in a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce before serving. And don’t forget—the longer the sauce simmers, the deeper the flavor!