Mama'S Shrimp Creole
Mama's Shrimp Creole offers a flavorful blend of tomatoes, spices, and tender shrimp, perfect for a hearty and colorful seafood meal enjoyed over rice.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. cans tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
- 1/8 tsp. curry powder ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 lb. fresh mushrooms, cleaned and sliced ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 12 oz. cooked, deveined shrimp ⓘ
- 2 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 1/2 Tbsp. water ⓘ
- 3 c. hot cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the tomatoes and seasonings.
- Add chopped vegetables and stir until thoroughly moistened. Cook over medium-high heat until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Combine cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
- Add the cooked, deveined shrimp to the saucepan.
- Heat and stir just until the mixture reaches a boil.
- Remove the bay leaf and serve the shrimp creole over hot cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the tomato mixture. If you don't have fresh mushrooms, canned mushrooms can be used as a substitute, but be sure to drain them well. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less curry powder. This dish is also great with a mix of vegetables, so feel free to add in some zucchini or bell peppers if you have them on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mama's Shrimp Creole over a generous scoop of hot cooked rice for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance the flavors. For a twist, try serving it alongside Acadiana Smothered Okra for a delicious Southern-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the shrimp creole in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also add a splash of water or broth if it becomes too thick. For longer storage, consider freezing portions, which can last up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Shrimp Creole contains roughly 427 calories, with 9g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1184mg per serving (51% 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 works well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them properly before adding them to the dish. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or by running them under cold water for a quicker thaw.
What can I substitute for tomatoes if I don't have any?
If you don't have canned tomatoes, you can use tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes instead. Adjust the seasoning to taste, as these options may be more concentrated. Alternatively, you could use fresh tomatoes if they're in season, but you'll need to peel and chop them first.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the shrimp with firm tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of water and add extra vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
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).