Shrimp Creole With Rice
A flavorful shrimp creole with a rich tomato base, tender shrimp, and aromatic spices, perfect for satisfying seafood lovers and hearty family meals.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 1/4 cups chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 1/4 cups chopped green peppers ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons salad oil or shortening ⓘ
- 50 ounces rice
- 3 1/2 pounds peeled cooked shrimp ⓘ
- 3 1/4 quarts tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lite salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onions, celery, and green peppers in salad oil or shortening until tender.
- Combine tomato juice, tomato paste, lite salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice or vinegar.
- Add the vegetable mixture to the tomato mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add peeled cooked shrimp and cook until mixture is heated through.
- Cook rice according to package directions.
- Serve hot shrimp creole over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of hot sauce to the tomato mixture. You can substitute the shrimp with diced chicken or firm tofu for a different protein option. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water during the simmering process. This dish pairs beautifully with Macaroni Tuna Salad for a delightful seafood feast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hot shrimp creole over a mound of fluffy rice, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish goes well with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or a light salad, such as Riviera Bean Salad, to balance the meal. A chilled glass of white wine also enhances the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave the shrimp creole in short increments, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Creole With Rice contains roughly 372 calories, with 5g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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, but be sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the dish. This ensures even cooking. If using uncooked shrimp, adjust the cooking time to allow them to cook through properly as you add them to the sauce.
What can I substitute for tomato juice?
If you don't have tomato juice on hand, you can substitute with vegetable broth mixed with crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes. This will provide a similar flavor profile while still keeping the dish delicious. Adjust the seasoning to balance the flavors as needed.
How spicy is this shrimp creole?
The heat level of this shrimp creole can be adjusted to your preference. The recipe includes cayenne pepper, which adds a mild kick. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of cayenne or omit it entirely. Conversely, for more heat, feel free to add additional cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
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).