Frank'S Shrimp Creole
A flavorful Louisiana-style shrimp creole with a rich tomato-based sauce, aromatic seasonings, and tender shrimp, perfect for seafood lovers and those craving bold, spicy flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- Okra ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vinegar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/4 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 can stewed tomatoes plus as much water as needed ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds cooked shrimp, peeled ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a deep frypan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, diced celery, sliced okra, minced garlic, chopped green pepper, and sliced mushrooms; sauté until tender.
- Blend in flour, salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, and add the bay leaf.
- Add stewed tomatoes with water and tomato paste; cover and simmer for about 10 minutes over medium heat.
- Stir the mixture well.
- Add the cooked shrimp to the sauce.
- Serve the shrimp creole over hot rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine while sautéing the vegetables. If you want a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or some cayenne pepper. You can substitute the shrimp with crab or crawfish for a different twist. If you have leftover okra from another dish, it's a perfect addition here.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shrimp creole over a bed of fluffy white rice for a satisfying meal. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. For a complete dinner, pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. This dish also pairs beautifully with Seafood Soup for a delightful seafood-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes well; just make sure it's cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frank'S Shrimp Creole contains roughly 1179 calories, with 12g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 107g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (140% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (115% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (82% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2496mg per serving (109% 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 ensure they are fully thawed and peeled before adding them to the sauce. This can save time and still yield a delicious dish. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are heated through without overcooking.
What can I substitute for okra?
If you don't have okra or prefer not to use it, you can replace it with diced zucchini or bell peppers. Both options will add texture and flavor to the dish. However, keep in mind that okra has a unique thickening quality that may slightly alter the sauce's consistency.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level in this shrimp creole can be adjusted to your taste. The recipe as written offers a mild flavor profile, but you can increase the chili powder or add hot sauce for extra heat. For a milder version, simply reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it entirely.
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).