Shrimp Creole(This Recipe Doubles Well.)
Shrimp Creole is a flavorful, spicy seafood dish with a rich tomato base, perfect for those who enjoy bold tastes and a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons salad oil ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- a dash of bottled hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 12 oz. cleaned raw shrimp ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook onion, celery, and garlic until tender but not brown.
- Add tomatoes, salt, sugar, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, and tomato sauce; simmer uncovered for 45 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into the sauce.
- Cook and stir until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
- Add shrimp and chopped green pepper.
- Cover and simmer until the shrimp are done, about 5 minutes.
- Serve over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Shrimp Creole, consider adding a bay leaf while simmering the sauce. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili powder and hot pepper sauce. For a healthier twist, substitute olive oil for salad oil and add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. This dish can easily be made with frozen shrimp if fresh is unavailable.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Shrimp Creole over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad dressed with Caesar Mayonnaise Dressing or a side of cornbread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light seafood dish like Crab Spread Or Dip.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Creole(This Recipe Doubles Well.) contains roughly 233 calories, with 5g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 845mg per serving (37% 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 ensure they are fully thawed before adding them to the dish. This will help them cook evenly and maintain their texture.
What can I substitute for tomatoes if I don't have canned ones?
If you don't have canned tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes that have been peeled and diced, or even tomato puree. Adjust the seasoning accordingly, as fresh tomatoes may vary in acidity.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of chili powder or add fresh jalapeños for a kick. Additionally, consider using a spicier hot sauce to boost the heat level to your liking.
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).