New Orleans Shrimp Creole
A flavorful New Orleans classic featuring succulent shrimp in a rich tomato-based sauce with vegetables and spices, perfect for seafood lovers and hearty dinner options.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup oleo or butter
- 3/4 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced celery ⓘ
- 13 oz can tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pounds cooked shrimp ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, melt butter and brown onions, garlic, green pepper, and celery.
- Cook uncovered about 20 minutes until tender.
- Add tomatoes, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
- Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and cooked shrimp.
- Cover and simmer for 6 to 8 minutes.
- Serve over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the shrimp creole. If fresh tomatoes are available, you can substitute them for canned tomatoes. Adjust the brown sugar to taste if you prefer a less sweet dish. For a unique twist, try adding some diced okra for extra texture, similar to what's found in Ocean Catfish Cajun Style.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shrimp creole over fluffy cooked rice for a complete meal. A green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully, adding freshness to the dish. You might also consider serving it alongside crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a more filling option, serve with a side of Southern-style cornbread, which complements this dish well.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp creole in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Orleans Shrimp Creole contains roughly 415 calories, with 7g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (120% of the Daily Value) and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1632mg per serving (71% 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 raw shrimp instead of cooked shrimp?
Yes, you can use raw shrimp, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Add the raw shrimp to the skillet after the tomatoes and other ingredients have simmered for about 15 minutes. Cook until the shrimp turns pink and opaque, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes.
What can I substitute for rice?
If you're looking for alternatives to rice, consider serving the shrimp creole over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. You could also use pasta for a different twist, but make sure to adjust the sauce quantity to maintain the right consistency.
Is this dish spicy?
The shrimp creole is not inherently spicy, but you can easily adjust the heat level. Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste if you prefer a spicier version. Start with a small amount and increase gradually to avoid overwhelming 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).