Easy Shrimp Creole

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Cajun

Shrimp Creole is a flavorful and hearty dish featuring tender shrimp simmered in a zesty tomato sauce with green peppers and onions. Served over hot rice, it's perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, offering a balance of spice and freshness that appeals to seafood lovers and fans of Southern cuisine.

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Ingredients

  • 14 1/2 oz. whole peeled tomatoes, undrained and chopped
  • 1/2 cup No Fat Italian oil dressing
  • 1 medium green pepper, cut in chunks
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 lb. uncooked shrimp
  • 1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper
  • 2 cups hot cooked rice
  • 1/2 tsp. sugar

Instructions

  1. In a medium skillet, heat the dressing and sauté the green pepper and onion.
  2. Stir in the chopped tomatoes with liquid and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
  3. Add the shrimp, crushed red pepper, and sugar.
  4. Simmer, covered, for an additional 15 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink.
  5. Serve the Shrimp Creole over hot cooked rice.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper or add a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute the shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are thawed and patted dry before cooking. This dish is quite versatile and can be served with a side of Rice Salad From France for added freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Shrimp Creole over the hot cooked rice, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions for an extra touch. It pairs beautifully with a side of West Indies Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a hearty meal, consider adding crusty bread or biscuits to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Shrimp Creole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy Shrimp Creole contains roughly 583 calories, with 16g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1124mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).

583 kcal 29% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 15.7g 31% DV
Total Fat 5.2g 7% DV
Carbs 121.9g 44% DV
Fiber 7.2g 26% DV
Sugar 4.1g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1123.5mg 49% DV
Potassium 570mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 0.2mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 66.3mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 78.4mg 87% DV
Calcium 58mg 4% DV
Iron 4.3mg 24% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Shellfish

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 canned shrimp instead of fresh?

While you can use canned shrimp, it’s best to use fresh or frozen shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Canned shrimp can become mushy when cooked, which may not provide the same enjoyable experience in this dish.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. However, always check the labels on your dressing and any other packaged ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free certified.

What can I substitute for the Italian dressing?

If you don't have No Fat Italian dressing, you can easily make a homemade version using olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices. A simple mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, and Italian herbs will work well as a flavorful alternative.

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).

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