Scallop Or Shrimp Creole
A vibrant Creole dish featuring tender scallops or shrimp in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with peppers, onions, and spices, perfect for seafood lovers and those seeking bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 green peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large cans (28 oz. each) tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup celery, sliced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 1 pound scallops or shrimp ⓘ
- 2 cups rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onions, green peppers, and garlic in olive oil until soft.
- Add ground pepper, thyme, cayenne pepper, bay leaf, brown sugar, and salt; stir well.
- Add tomatoes and cook over low heat for 30 minutes or until sauce thickens.
- Add sliced mushrooms and celery; cook for a few more minutes.
- Stir in chopped parsley and seafood (scallops or shrimp); cook for 5 to 10 minutes until seafood is cooked through.
- Serve immediately over cooked rice to prevent overcooking the seafood.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine while sautéing the vegetables. If you don't have scallops, shrimp can be used as a substitute, and vice versa. Fresh herbs can also enhance the dish; try adding fresh thyme or basil towards the end of cooking for a fragrant finish. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Creole over fluffy cooked rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. It pairs beautifully with Ensaladillo Rusa(Spanish Potato Salad) or a light green salad for a refreshing contrast. Consider topping with additional chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. This dish is also excellent with crusty bread for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can overcook the seafood, leading to a rubbery texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scallop Or Shrimp Creole contains roughly 1783 calories, with 35g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 135g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (161% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (143% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2751mg per serving (120% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, add the seafood, and cook until heated through. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What type of rice works best for this dish?
Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice are excellent choices for this recipe, as they remain fluffy and separate when cooked. You could also use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added texture, but keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time.
Can I use frozen seafood instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen scallops or shrimp can be used in this dish. Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. This can help maintain the texture and flavor of the seafood while saving you time on prep.
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).