Spicy Shrimp Creole
Spicy Shrimp Creole is a flavorful, hearty dish featuring tender shrimp simmered in a robust tomato-based sauce with aromatic herbs and a hint of heat. Perfect for seafood lovers, it pairs beautifully with hot cooked rice and offers a taste of Creole-inspired cuisine with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb peeled fresh shrimp ⓘ
- 1 small onion chopped ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 medium cloves garlic minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp butter melted ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can chopped tomatoes undrained ⓘ
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp dried whole oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp whole thyme ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp red pepper ⓘ
- hot cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion, chopped green pepper, chopped celery, and minced garlic in melted butter in a Dutch oven until tender.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, thyme, and red pepper.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes or until desired consistency is achieved.
- Stir in peeled shrimp and simmer over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes or until shrimp are done.
- Serve the shrimp creole over hot cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce to the dish or substituting the red pepper with cayenne for more heat. You can also use frozen shrimp if fresh isn't available; just ensure they are thawed before cooking. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. Pair this dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shrimp creole over a generous helping of hot cooked rice for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. For a more festive occasion, consider serving it alongside seafood recipes like Catfish Stew or Crab And Mushroom Dressing to create a delicious spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp creole in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving directly as it can overcook the shrimp and make them rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Shrimp Creole contains roughly 467 calories, with 16g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (216% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (172% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 60g 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp creole a day in advance. Just refrigerate it after cooking and reheat it gently on the stove before serving. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious!
What type of shrimp should I use?
Fresh shrimp is ideal for this recipe, but you can also use frozen shrimp that has been thawed. Look for shrimp that are large and peeled for the best texture. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp, as they may become tough during reheating.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn for added texture and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly for any additional vegetables to ensure they are tender but not mushy.
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).