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The Best Shrimp Creole

The Best Shrimp Creole for a Cozy Night In

A delightful Shrimp Creole recipe that combines the Holy Trinity of vegetables in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun, Creole, Southern
Calories: 375
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Canola Oil Ideal for sautéing; swap with vegetable oil for a lighter option.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Adds richness; ghee can be used for a dairy-free alternative.
  • 1 medium Onion Sweet and flavorful; use shallots for a milder taste.
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper Provides crunch; consider any bell pepper or jalapeños for heat.
  • 2-3 stalks Celery Offers texture; leeks work well for a milder onion feel.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Imparts a robust flavor; fresh is best, but garlic powder is fine in a pinch.
For Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun/Creole Seasoning Brings character; homemade or store-bought works.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Adds earthiness; fresh thyme is double the amount.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Provides heat; omit for milder flavors or use black pepper instead.
  • 1 Bay Leaf Deepens flavor complexity.
For the Sauce
  • 1 can (15-ounce) Tomato Sauce Forms the rich sauce base; crushed tomatoes give a chunkier texture.
  • 1 cup Water Dilutes the sauce; use half broth for extra flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Elevates umami; soy sauce can be a substitute.
For the Star Ingredient
  • 1.5 pounds Large Shrimp The focus of the dish, replacing with scallops or fish is acceptable.
Final Touches
  • Tabasco Sauce Spice it up to taste!
  • Salt and Pepper Essential for seasoning.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley Adds a pop of freshness and color.
  • Lemon Wedges Balances the dish's richness with a zesty kick.
  • Cooked Rice Serves as the perfect base for this delightful Shrimp Creole.

Equipment

  • Large nonstick skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large nonstick skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of canola oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Allow the butter to foam and bubble, signaling that it's hot enough for the next step.
  2. Add 1 medium chopped onion, 1 chopped green bell pepper, and 2-3 chopped celery stalks to the skillet. Stir frequently and sauté these vegetables until they are very soft and translucent, about 10-12 minutes.
  3. Once the vegetables are soft, stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1 bay leaf. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and the spices bloom.
  4. Pour in 1 can of tomato sauce and 1 cup of water, followed by 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Use a wooden spoon to stir everything together, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Carefully stir in 1.5 pounds of peeled and deveined large shrimp. Cook for just 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp turn firm and opaque.
  7. Taste your dish and season with Tabasco sauce, salt, and pepper accordingly. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  8. Spoon the hearty shrimp mixture over fluffy cooked rice, adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 375kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 28gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 220mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 850IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 3.6mg

Notes

Enjoy whipping up the best Shrimp Creole that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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