Description
Savory Shrimp Creole dances with Louisiana’s bold flavors, blending succulent shrimp and zesty tomato sauce. Rich spices and hearty ingredients promise a spellbinding culinary journey you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning (like Tony Chacheres or homemade)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth (or seafood stock)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Chopped parsley
- Chopped green onion
Instructions
- Prepare the shellfish by generously coating with zesty Creole spice blend, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned. Allow to rest while preparing the aromatic base.
- Initiate the flavor foundation by melting butter and oil in a spacious skillet. Introduce finely chopped onions, vibrant bell peppers, and crisp celery, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and tender. Incorporate minced garlic, stirring briefly to release its fragrant essence.
- Transform the mixture by introducing diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and savory broth. Enhance with Worcestershire sauce, fiery hot sauce, earthy paprika, fragrant thyme, robust oregano, and a single bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to create a harmonious sauce.
- Allow the sauce to gently simmer, developing depth and complexity. Periodically stir the bubbling liquid, watching as it gradually thickens and concentrates its robust flavors. This process should take approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Carefully nestle the seasoned shrimp into the simmering sauce, ensuring each piece is submerged. Cook delicately, just until the shellfish transforms to a blush pink and becomes opaque, typically 5-7 minutes. Exercise caution to prevent overcooking, which can result in tough, rubbery texture.
- Conclude the culinary preparation by removing the bay leaf. Present the Creole creation atop a bed of steaming rice, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and delicate green onion rings for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Prevent rubbery shrimp by cooking them just until they turn pink and curl slightly, which usually takes 3-5 minutes on medium heat.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting hot sauce or using mild Creole seasoning for sensitive palates.
- Enhance flavor depth by using homemade seafood stock instead of regular broth for a richer taste profile.
- Make it gluten-free by ensuring Worcestershire sauce and Creole seasoning are certified gluten-free, and serve over cauliflower rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg