Shrimp Creole

Here's an authentic Shrimp Creole recipe, a classic Louisiana dish with bold Creole flavors. It's a rich, tomato-based dish with the perfect balance of spice and seafood goodness. It differs from Shrimp Étouffée which is instead built on a roux. As opposed to a mirepoix of carrot, celery and onion, the "Cajun holy trinity" of bell pepper, celery and onion are used.

Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs shrimp (peeled & deveined)
• 2 tbsp butter or vegetable oil
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 bell pepper (chopped, green or mix of colors)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken or seafood broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Louisiana-style hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• ½ cup green onions (chopped, for garnish)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• Cooked white rice (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Holy Trinity:
   • Heat butter or oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
   • Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
   • Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Build the Creole Sauce:
   • Add diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
   • Stir in paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, and sugar (if using).
   • Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
   • Add the shrimp to the sauce and cook for about 5 minutes, just until they turn pink and opaque.
   • Stir in fresh lemon juice.
4. Serve:
   • Remove bay leaves.
   • Serve hot over white rice.
   • Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Creole:

• Make it ahead – The sauce gets even better after sitting for a few hours. Just reheat and add shrimp when ready to serve.
• Use fresh Gulf shrimp for the best flavor.
• Spice to taste – Adjust cayenne and hot sauce levels based on your preference.
• Add a smoky twist – Some cooks add a little smoked sausage for extra depth.

Enjoy your authentic Shrimp Creole with a side of French bread or cornbread!