Shrimp Creole(Yields 8 Servings)
Shrimp Creole is a flavorful Southern dish featuring tender shrimp in a savory tomato-based sauce with bacon, onions, and celery, perfect for hearty gatherings and seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In microwave, cook bacon for 4 to 5 minutes at full power to render the fat.
- Pour the bacon fat into a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, diced celery, and season with salt and pepper.
- Saute for 10 minutes or until tender.
- Add tomato paste, chopped tomatoes with juice, and sugar.
- Cook over low heat, covered, for an hour, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in shrimp and Worcestershire sauce.
- Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Cover and cook for 15 more minutes.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the sautéed vegetables. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute turkey bacon for the regular bacon. Don't skimp on the Worcestershire sauce, as it enhances the umami of the dish. Feel free to adjust the sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Shrimp Creole over fluffy steamed rice for a classic pairing. It also goes well with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a green salad, such as Sandy'S Oriental Spinach Salad, or a side of roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Shrimp Creole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Creole(Yields 8 Servings) contains roughly 286 calories, with 28g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (57% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1430mg per serving (62% 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, frozen shrimp can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding to the dish. This can be done by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or quickly running them under cold water.
What can I substitute for bacon in this recipe?
If you want a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon entirely or use smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor. Alternatively, turkey bacon or pancetta can be used for a lighter or different flavor profile.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing the vegetables. For a more pronounced spice, consider serving with hot sauce on the side or incorporating some crushed red pepper flakes into the 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).