Irresistible Shrimp Creole: A Flavorful Comfort Dish

Shrimp Creole is a dish that dances on your taste buds, bringing together the sweet notes of shrimp, the earthy warmth of spices, and the vibrant colors of fresh vegetables. Imagine a bowl brimming with tender shrimp swimming in a zesty tomato sauce, surrounded by bell peppers and onions that sing with flavor. It’s like a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited!

I remember the first time I made shrimp creole; it was a rainy evening, and I needed some comfort food to lift my spirits. As the rich aroma filled my kitchen, I could hardly wait to dive into this Louisiana classic. Perfect for cozy dinners or lively gatherings, shrimp creole promises an explosion of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was, turning that rainy night into a culinary celebration.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp; make sure they are peeled and deveined for easy cooking.

• Bell Peppers: Choose a mix of red and green for color and sweetness.

• Onion: A medium yellow onion adds depth to the sauce.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic goodness.

• Canned Tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes for a rich base; they add body and flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth helps control saltiness while enhancing flavor.

• Spices (Paprika, Cayenne Pepper): Adjust these according to your heat preference for that perfect kick.

• Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil ensures everything cooks beautifully without sticking.

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brightens up the dish and adds freshness as a garnish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Gather your ingredients because it’s time to cook up some shrimp creole!

Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent, then toss in diced bell peppers and minced garlic until fragrant.

Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all those glorious flavors into one pot of goodness.

Season It Right: Sprinkle paprika and cayenne pepper over the mixture. Stir everything together until well mixed; let those spices work their magic as they heat through.

Cook the Shrimp: Add peeled shrimp to the pan. Cook until they turn pink and opaque—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes depending on their size.

Garnish and Serve!: Once cooked through, remove from heat and top with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot over rice or with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Now you’ve got yourself an irresistible bowl of shrimp creole that’s bursting with flavor! Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing vegetables until they’re soft, then add shrimp and seasoning to create a rich flavor base. This sequence ensures everything cooks perfectly without overcooking your shrimp.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out shrimp for chicken or add extra veggies like bell peppers for more color and crunch. A splash of hot sauce can also kick up the heat.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover shrimp creole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain texture and avoid rubbery shrimp.

Making this dish reminds me of my mom’s kitchen, where she always insisted that “just a pinch” could make all the difference, especially when her friends came over for dinner.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for shrimp creole?

Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed and drained before cooking.

How spicy is shrimp creole generally?

It can vary; you can adjust heat levels by adding or omitting hot sauce.

What side dishes pair well with shrimp creole?

Serve it with rice or crusty bread to soak up those delicious sauces.

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Shrimp Creole

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Shrimp Creole is a vibrant Louisiana classic that combines succulent shrimp, zesty tomatoes, and fresh vegetables for a flavor-packed experience. This comforting dish boasts a rich tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices, making it perfect for cozy nights or festive gatherings. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also impresses guests with its colorful presentation. Serve it over rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up every drop of the delightful sauce. Get ready to elevate your dinner table with this irresistible recipe!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Louisiana

Ingredients

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• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
• 1 cup bell peppers (diced, mixed red and green)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent.
2. Add diced bell peppers and minced garlic; cook until fragrant.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth; mix well.
4. Season with paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper; stir thoroughly.
5. Add shrimp to the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
6. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot over rice or with crusty bread.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 180mg