Shrimp Creole(Microwave)
Shrimp Creole offers a flavorful blend of tomatoes, peppers, and spices with tender shrimp, perfect for a hearty and quick seafood meal that can be prepared in advance.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. shortening ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery with leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic, pressed ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 cup whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 2-quart casserole, melt shortening at High for 1 to 2 minutes; blend in flour.
- Add chopped onion, chopped celery, chopped green pepper, and pressed garlic.
- Microwave at High for 3 to 4 1/2 minutes or until onion is transparent; stir in tomato paste until smooth.
- Add canned whole tomatoes, water, salt, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, bay leaves, sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cover and microwave at Medium for 20 to 25 minutes or until sauce is thick and bubbly, stirring once or twice.
- Stir in shrimp; cover and microwave at 50% Medium for 3 1/2 to 7 1/2 minutes or until shrimp are opaque, stirring once or twice.
- Do not overcook.
- Let stand, covered, for 3 to 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, consider adding a bit more flour when blending with the shortening. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper or substitute it with paprika. Fresh shrimp will enhance the flavor, but frozen shrimp can be used—just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. Incorporate other vegetables like diced bell peppers or carrots based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Shrimp Creole over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For added freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. This dish pairs beautifully with Oyster Cracker Hors D'Oeuvres for a delightful seafood-themed meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Alternatively, heat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Creole(Microwave) contains roughly 376 calories, with 6g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (51% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1471mg per serving (64% 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 other types of seafood instead of shrimp?
Yes, you can substitute shrimp with other seafood like scallops or crab meat. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different seafood may require varying cooking times to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper or include a dash of hot sauce when mixing the ingredients. You can also experiment with adding diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
What can I serve with Shrimp Creole?
Pair Shrimp Creole with steamed rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. You might also enjoy serving it with cornbread or garlic bread to complement the rich flavors of the dish.
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).