Louisiana Shrimp Creole is a zesty dish that combines juicy shrimp with tomatoes, bell peppers, and a mix of spices. It’s like a party in a bowl, bursting with flavor!
Honestly, it’s so good that you’ll want to serve it over rice for a complete meal. I love how quick it comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights! 🍤🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp are the star of this dish, but frozen shrimp work just as well. Thaw them beforehand for even cooking. If you have a shellfish allergy, you could use chicken or tofu as an alternative.
Vegetable Oil: This is used for making the roux, but you can substitute with olive oil or canola oil. If you want a richer flavor, butter is also a great choice.
Bell Peppers: Any color works! I often use a mix of red and green for added sweetness. If peppers aren’t your thing, zucchini or carrots can be a tasty swap that blends nicely in the dish.
Creole Seasoning: This spice mix gives the dish its unique flavor. If you can’t find it, a combination of paprika, cayenne, and some Italian herbs will work in a pinch.
How Do You Make a Perfect Roux?
The roux is key for thickening and flavor in your Shrimp Creole. Here’s how to nail it:
- Heat the oil over medium heat; keep it steady, as high heat can burn the roux.
- Gradually whisk in the flour. Stir constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon—it’s about patience!
- Cook for 10-15 minutes until it’s a deep, golden brown, like peanut butter. Don’t rush this step; it builds flavor!
Once your roux is looking good, you can move on to adding the veggies and liquids to create a thick, tasty sauce for your shrimp!
How to Make Louisiana Shrimp Creole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (green or mixed colors), chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup seafood or chicken stock
- 2 tsp Creole seasoning (or a blend of paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying your Louisiana Shrimp Creole in about 45 minutes total. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner! 🕒
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Roux:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour and stir constantly as it cooks. Keep an eye on it and cook until the mixture turns a lovely peanut-butter brown color, which should take about 10-15 minutes. This step adds amazing depth and flavor to your dish—so don’t rush it!
2. Add the Vegetables:
Once your roux is ready, throw in the chopped onions, bell peppers, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about 5-7 minutes, or until the veggies are nice and soft. The kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
3. Mix in Tomatoes and Stock:
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and seafood or chicken stock. Mix everything together well until it’s all combined.
4. Season and Simmer:
Add the Creole seasoning, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and hot sauce (if you like it spicy). Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. This allows it to thicken up and lets all the flavors blend beautifully.
5. Cook the Shrimp:
While the sauce is simmering, season the shrimp with a little salt and pepper. Once the sauce is ready, add the shrimp to the skillet and cook them in the sauce until they turn pink and opaque, about 5 minutes. They don’t need long to cook!
6. Final Touches:
Stir in the chopped parsley and sliced green onions for a fresh finish. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Creole seasoning, if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Dish up generous servings of the shrimp creole over cooked white rice. You can also sprinkle on more parsley or green onions for a lovely garnish. Enjoy your flavorful Louisiana Shrimp Creole!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or putting them in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water for a quick thaw.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Shrimp Creole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
What Can I Substitute for the Creole Seasoning?
If you don’t have Creole seasoning, you can make your own blend using a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and salt. Adjust the quantities to your taste for a similar flavor profile!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the shrimp with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable stock instead of seafood or chicken stock. You may also want to add in more vegetables for extra flavor and texture!