Shrimp Creole
Shrimp Creole is a flavorful, hearty dish featuring tender shrimp simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce with celery, onion, and green peppers. This dish offers a perfect balance of spice and sweetness, making it ideal for seafood lovers and those craving a comforting, aromatic meal. Serve over rice for a complete experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute celery, onion, and green pepper in 1/4 cup margarine until tender.
- Add canned tomatoes, water, sugar, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well.
- Cover and simmer the mixture for 30 minutes.
- Add raw shrimp and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Mix cornstarch with water in a cup until all lumps dissolve.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce and cook until it thickens.
- Cool slightly and stir to ensure the sauce is evenly thickened.
- Serve the Shrimp Creole over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding diced garlic or a pinch of cayenne pepper while sautéing the vegetables. If you don't have margarine, butter or olive oil can be used as substitutes. You can also use frozen shrimp; just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. For a healthier option, serve it over quinoa instead of rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Shrimp Creole over a bed of fluffy white rice for a classic presentation. It also pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing Russian Salmon Salad or as part of a seafood recipes spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Shrimp Creole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to keep the shrimp tender.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Creole contains roughly 94 calories, with 2g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 933mg per serving (41% 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 cooked shrimp instead of raw?
Yes, you can use cooked shrimp. Simply add them in the last few minutes of cooking to heat through, avoiding overcooking. Adjust cooking time to ensure they are heated properly without becoming rubbery.
What can I substitute for diced tomatoes?
If you don’t have diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce can be used as alternatives. You could also use fresh tomatoes; just peel and chop them into small pieces. Adjust the liquid content accordingly.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! To add spice, include diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce when you add the other ingredients. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the dish as it simmers for an extra kick.
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).