Creole Shrimp And Okra
A flavorful Creole shrimp and okra dish with smoky bacon, spicy seasoning, and tender vegetables, perfect for those craving bold, comforting flavors with rice. Suitable for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 1/4 lb. bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, cleaned and chopped ⓘ
- 2 tsp. seafood seasoning blend ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1 large can stewed tomatoes and juice ⓘ
- 1/4 c. tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 c. hot water ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. fresh okra, chopped ⓘ
- 1 lb. medium shrimp, shelled and deveined ⓘ
- 3 c. cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine bacon, onion, green pepper, garlic, seafood seasoning, and red pepper in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover with plastic wrap; microwave for 5 minutes, stirring once after 3 minutes.
- Stir in stewed tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, and water.
- Cover and microwave on High for 8 minutes.
- Add chopped okra; stir in and microwave for 5 minutes.
- Add shelled and deveined shrimp to the mixture.
- Cover and let stand to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve hot over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the seafood seasoning blend with your favorite Cajun spices. If fresh okra is unavailable, frozen okra can work in a pinch. To make this dish a bit heartier, you can add some diced potatoes or serve alongside German Potato Salad (Microwave) for a delicious side.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Creole Shrimp and Okra over a generous scoop of cooked rice for a satisfying meal. Pair it with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish also pairs beautifully with Broiled Cheese And Bacon Fingers for a delightful appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creole Shrimp And Okra contains roughly 604 calories, with 35g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (228% of the Daily Value), protein (70% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1677mg per serving (73% 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 instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding to the dish. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from becoming rubbery.
What can I substitute for okra if I don't like it?
If you're not a fan of okra, you can substitute it with zucchini or green beans. Both will add a nice texture and complement the flavors of the dish while keeping it vibrant and colorful.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and shrimp. You can replace the bacon with smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness and add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even chickpeas for protein.
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).