Microwave Shrimp Creole
A quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender shrimp in a spicy tomato-based creole sauce, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal anytime.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp oil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp flour ⓘ
- 1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes and chilies, chopped ⓘ
- 8 oz tomato sauce ⓘ
- 13 3/4 oz can chicken or beef broth ⓘ
- 2 lb raw, peeled shrimp ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Saute celery, onion, green onions, garlic, bell pepper, and oil in a 3-quart dish on high for 20 minutes until wilted.
- Stir in flour.
- Add chopped Ro-Tel tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken or beef broth.
- Cook on high for 10 minutes.
- Add shrimp, cover, and cook on high for 6 minutes or until shrimp are pink and tender, stirring once or twice.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the mix. If you don't have Ro-Tel tomatoes, fresh diced tomatoes with a dash of chili powder can work as a substitute. You can also swap shrimp for cooked chicken or sausage for a different protein option, similar to dishes like Spicy Cajun Chicken Pesto.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shrimp creole over cooked rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A fresh green salad or sautéed vegetables make excellent side dishes to balance the meal. This dish pairs beautifully with additional hearty options like Savory Sausage And Rice Casserole for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in a covered dish for 2-3 minutes or until heated through, stirring halfway to ensure even warming. You may need to add a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Shrimp Creole contains roughly 1339 calories, with 22g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 112g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (138% of the Daily Value), protein (45% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2925mg per serving (127% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just ensure they are thawed completely before adding them to the dish. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thawed shrimp will cook faster than fresh.
What can I substitute for the broth?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, vegetable broth is a great substitute for chicken or beef broth. It will provide a similar depth of flavor without the meat. Just be sure to choose a low-sodium version to control the saltiness of the dish.
How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness of the dish mainly depends on the type of Ro-Tel tomatoes used and your preference for heat. If you enjoy milder flavors, opt for the original Ro-Tel. For those who like it spicy, the hot version can enhance the heat without overpowering 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).