Basic Shrimp Creole
A flavorful Louisiana-style shrimp creole featuring tender shrimp in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests craving bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat bacon grease in a skillet.
- Saute finely chopped onions and bell peppers until tender.
- Remove vegetables and drain grease back into the skillet.
- Add flour to the skillet and cook until browned.
- Combine canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato juice with the browned flour mixture to make the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add boiled and peeled small shrimp to the sauce and cook until heated through.
- Serve the shrimp creole over cooked white rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option or use olive oil for a different base. If you're short on time, frozen shrimp can be used; just ensure they are thawed before adding to the sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with Swiss Cream Of Potato Soup for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shrimp creole over a generous scoop of cooked white rice, allowing the sauce to soak into the grains. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple green salad or crusty bread. This dish also goes well with a refreshing La Cours Punch to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover shrimp creole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basic Shrimp Creole contains roughly 3172 calories, with 21g protein, 170g carbohydrates, and 266g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value), iron (59% of the Daily Value), and protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1893mg per serving (82% 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 fresh shrimp instead of boiled and peeled?
Yes, you can use fresh shrimp. Just make sure to peel and devein them before adding them to the sauce. Cook until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes just a few minutes, depending on their size.
What type of rice is best for serving?
Long-grain white rice is ideal for this dish as it absorbs the sauce well without becoming mushy. However, you can also use jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant alternative. Just ensure it's fully cooked before serving.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the shrimp when ready to serve, reheating the sauce gently to keep the shrimp from overcooking.
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).