Armstrong'S Shrimp Creole
A flavorful Louisiana-style shrimp creole with smoky bacon, rich tomato base, and bold spices, perfect for seafood lovers and those craving hearty, comforting dishes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped bacon ⓘ
- 2 cloves chopped garlic ⓘ
- 2/3 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 large chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 medium chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large can Spanish or stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon M.S.G. ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large heavy saucepan, fry chopped bacon, garlic, chopped celery, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper in olive oil.
- Add the Spanish or stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, M.S.G., salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 3 hours.
- Add shrimp and boil for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve the shrimp creole over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use high-quality bacon and fresh vegetables. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh shrimp with frozen shrimp, just ensure they are thawed before cooking. Adjust the heat by adding more or less Tabasco sauce according to your preference. For a heartier version, consider adding sliced Jalapeno Peppers. This dish is versatile and can be made ahead of time for a family meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shrimp creole over a bed of fluffy white rice for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of Broccoli Cold Salad for a refreshing contrast. For added flavor, you can garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. This dish is perfect for gatherings, and leftovers make a fantastic lunch the next day.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover shrimp creole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Armstrong'S Shrimp Creole contains roughly 261 calories, with 9g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1488mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! While shrimp is traditional, you can substitute or add other seafood like crab, scallops, or even fish. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through without becoming tough.
Is it necessary to use MSG in this recipe?
MSG is optional and used to enhance flavor. If you prefer to avoid it, you can omit it without sacrificing too much taste. Consider using additional spices or herbs, like thyme or bay leaves, to boost flavor instead.
How spicy is this shrimp creole?
The spiciness of the dish can be adjusted based on the amount of Tabasco sauce you use. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with a small amount and taste as you go. Remember, you can always add more spice later, but it's hard to remove heat once it's in!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).