Creole Shrimp
Creole Shrimp offers a flavorful, spicy blend of shrimp cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce with aromatic onions, celery, green peppers, and a hint of cayenne. Perfect for those who enjoy bold, southern-inspired flavors, it pairs well with rice or crusty bread for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook onions in butter until yellow.
- Blend in flour, crushed bay leaf, diced celery, minced parsley, chopped green pepper, cayenne pepper, pepper sauce, salt, tomato paste, and water.
- Cook slowly, stirring occasionally until thickened (about 30 minutes).
- Stir in shrimp and cook until shrimp are done.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce mix. If you're short on time, frozen shrimp can be used instead of fresh; just ensure they're thawed before cooking. You can also substitute the green pepper with red or yellow peppers for a sweeter taste. For a creamier version, add a splash of cream at the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Creole shrimp over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. A simple side salad or steamed vegetables can complement the dish nicely. This recipe pairs beautifully with Spicy Shrimp Creole for a seafood feast. Garnish with additional parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it, covered, in short bursts, stirring in between until heated through. Avoid overheating, as shrimp can become rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creole Shrimp contains roughly 422 calories, with 12g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (214% of the Daily Value), iron (130% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (89% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1980mg per serving (86% 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! You can substitute shrimp with other seafood like scallops or even a mix of seafood for added variety. Just be mindful of cooking times, as different seafood will require different cooking durations to ensure they don’t overcook and become tough.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Yes! To increase the heat level, you can add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños when cooking the vegetables. If you like it very spicy, consider using a hotter pepper sauce or even a dash of hot sauce when serving.
What if I don't have tomato paste?
If you don't have tomato paste on hand, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitute. Just reduce the amount of water slightly, as these alternatives are more liquid. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
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).