Weldon'S Shrimp Creole
Weldon's Shrimp Creole offers a savory, spicy tomato-based stew with tender shrimp and aromatic vegetables, perfect for seafood lovers and those craving bold Southern flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 stick margarine ⓘ
- 2 small cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 large can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 dash Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 4 bay leaves ⓘ
- salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste ⓘ
- 1 bag crab boil (optional) ⓘ
- 6 to 7 pounds frozen shrimp ⓘ
- 3 to 4 cups cooked white rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute the diced onion, celery, and green pepper in margarine until tender.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, lemon juice, sugar, thyme, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook on low for 7 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Optional: Add crab boil for extra heat and let it stay in for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add the frozen or fresh shrimp and continue simmering until the shrimp are cooked through.
- Remove bay leaves and crab boil, then serve the creole over cooked white rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, let the vegetables sauté longer until they caramelize slightly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the water or increase the tomato paste. You can substitute the shrimp with crawfish or crab for a different seafood experience. Adjust the spices to your heat preference, and consider adding some diced tomatoes for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shrimp creole over a generous scoop of cooked white rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully. A side of crusty bread works well to soak up any remaining sauce. For a refreshing contrast, consider a simple green salad or pairs beautifully with Parmesan Baked Ocean Perch for a delightful seafood-themed meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Weldon's Shrimp Creole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. It can also be frozen for up to three months; just ensure it’s cooled completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Weldon'S Shrimp Creole contains roughly 448 calories, with 12g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (137% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (110% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1330mg per serving (58% 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 fresh shrimp instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh shrimp can be used in this recipe. Just ensure they are peeled and deveined before adding them to the pot. The cooking time may be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on them until they're pink and opaque.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To enhance the heat in your Shrimp Creole, consider adding additional dashes of Tabasco sauce or incorporating a diced jalapeño or cayenne pepper. If you’re using crab boil, ensure it's a spicy variety for added kick.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce mixed with a bit of vinegar as a substitute. Alternatively, a combination of balsamic vinegar and a pinch of sugar can mimic the flavor profile without altering the dish significantly.
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).