Sandy'S Shrimp Creole
Sandy's Shrimp Creole offers a flavorful, hearty dish with tender shrimp simmered in a tangy tomato sauce, accented by green peppers, onions, and spices. Perfect for seafood lovers and those craving a spicy, comforting meal, it pairs beautifully with rice for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel, devein, and wash the shrimp.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and green pepper; sauté until soft.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly.
- Remove from heat and blend in flour until smooth.
- Add tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Gradually add water, stirring to blend.
- Add shrimp, salt, black pepper, Tabasco sauce, thyme, and chopped parsley.
- Cover and simmer for about 40 minutes.
- Serve over hot, cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using half butter and half margarine. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the amount of flour. For a spicier kick, adjust the Tabasco sauce to your taste. Fresh herbs can enhance the dish; if you have fresh thyme, use it instead of dried. You can also substitute shrimp with other seafood like crab or crawfish for a variation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Shrimp Creole over a bed of fluffy white rice for a satisfying meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce. For a complete meal, consider a fresh green salad or a seafood cocktail dip as a starter. This dish also complements well with a light, chilled white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sandy'S Shrimp Creole contains roughly 664 calories, with 32g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (199% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2054mg per serving (89% 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 work well in this dish. Just be sure to thaw them completely before peeling and deveining. You can place them in a bowl of cold water for quicker thawing or leave them in the refrigerator overnight.
What can I substitute for the margarine?
You can substitute margarine with an equal amount of butter or olive oil for a different flavor profile. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil is another viable alternative that will add a unique taste to the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat level, add more Tabasco sauce or include diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. You can also serve it with extra hot sauce on the side, allowing each guest to customize the heat to their preference.
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).