Cajun Shrimp Creole
A flavorful Cajun shrimp creole with bold spices, rich tomato sauce, and tender shrimp, perfect for a hearty meal with rice that brings Cajun flair to your table.
Ingredients
- 1/4 c. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 c. onion, chopped medium ⓘ
- 1/2 c. bell pepper, chopped medium ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. parsley flakes
- 1 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 c. shrimp, cleaned and deveined ⓘ
- 1/4 c. tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 c. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 10 inch skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add flour and stir until it begins to brown.
- Add chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, parsley flakes, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
- Simmer on medium heat until the onion is limp and clear.
- Add shrimp and cook until all shrimp are pink.
- Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water.
- Simmer for 20 minutes on low heat.
- Serve over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of white wine while simmering. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper or substitute with paprika. Fresh shrimp can enhance the dish, but frozen shrimp work well if thawed properly. For a thicker sauce, increase the flour slightly or reduce the water. Pair this with Southern Broiled Trout for a delightful seafood feast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cajun Shrimp Creole over fluffy white rice or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A light green salad or coleslaw complements the dish well, adding a refreshing crunch. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of your favorite seafood recipes, such as Baked Seafood or Seafood Strata, to enhance the Cajun flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cajun Shrimp Creole contains roughly 928 calories, with 27g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (152% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (80% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2572mg per serving (112% 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 frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This prevents excess water from being released during cooking, which can dilute the flavors. Simply place the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for a quick thaw.
What can I substitute for shrimp?
If you're looking for a substitute, consider using diced chicken breast or firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Both can be cooked in a similar manner, absorbing the rich flavors of the sauce. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as chicken will take longer to cook than shrimp.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper or incorporate diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the mix. You can also serve the dish with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer to control their spice level.
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).