Quick Shrimp Creole
A vibrant, flavorful shrimp creole with tomato sauce, peppers, and spices, perfect for a quick, hearty meal that suits seafood lovers and those craving bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop the onion, green pepper, and celery.
- Mince the garlic and sauté in oil for 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato sauce, water, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and boil for 5 to 8 minutes.
- Serve over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce mixture. If you don't have shrimp on hand, chicken or diced firm tofu can be good substitutes. To save time, use pre-chopped vegetables or a frozen vegetable mix. This recipe can easily be adapted to include other vegetables like okra or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This shrimp creole is best served over fluffy white rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a simple green salad or cornbread. It also pairs beautifully with Bayou Jambalaya for a hearty feast. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions on top adds a nice touch of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover shrimp creole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving for extended periods to keep the shrimp tender and juicy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Shrimp Creole contains roughly 676 calories, with 20g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (90% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2323mg per serving (101% 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're thawed completely before cooking for even cooking. You can place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes to thaw quickly. Adjust the cooking time slightly if necessary, as frozen shrimp may take a minute longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute. Just adjust the quantity slightly and consider adding a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity if needed. For a different flavor profile, you could use a tomato-based pasta sauce.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Shrimp creole is great for meal prep. Just make sure to store it in individual portions. However, shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, so try to consume it within a day or two. Reheating gently will help maintain the texture and flavor.
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).