Shrimp Creole Microwave
Shrimp Creole Microwave offers a quick and flavorful seafood dish with a rich tomato base, tender vegetables, and spicy notes from Tabasco. Perfect for busy weeknights or a tasty appetizer, it combines fresh shrimp with classic Creole flavors in just minutes using your microwave.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place butter in a 2 1/2-quart casserole.
- Heat full power 20 to 30 seconds or until melted.
- Stir in green pepper, onion, and celery.
- Cook full power 6 to 8 minutes until vegetables are tender, stirring halfway through.
- Sprinkle vegetables with flour and stir to blend.
- Mix in tomatoes and cook full power until heated, 4 to 6 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Blend in remaining ingredients and cook full power about 6 minutes, or until shrimp are fully cooked, stirring twice during cooking.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning or a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the dish. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the flour to 2 tablespoons. For a healthier option, use olive oil instead of butter. This Shrimp Creole can be easily adjusted with your favorite vegetables like zucchini or diced tomatoes with green chilies for a bit of spice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Shrimp Creole over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well, offering a refreshing contrast. For a complete seafood experience, consider serving it with a side of Shrimp Cocktail as an appetizer. This dish is perfect for entertaining or a cozy family meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Avoid overcooking the shrimp during reheating to maintain their texture. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Creole Microwave contains roughly 762 calories, with 21g protein, 158g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (185% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (181% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2335mg per serving (102% 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, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding to the dish. To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for about 10-15 minutes. Ensure they are shelled and cleaned as specified in the recipe for the best results.
What can I substitute for the bay leaf?
If you don't have a bay leaf, you can omit it or use a pinch of dried thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile. While the bay leaf adds a subtle depth to the dish, the other ingredients will still shine through without it.
Is this dish spicy?
The spiciness of Shrimp Creole largely depends on the amount of Tabasco sauce you add. The recipe suggests 5 to 6 drops, which provides a mild kick. For a spicier version, feel free to increase the Tabasco to your preference or add some diced jalapeños when cooking the vegetables.
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).