Name: Shrimp Creole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Creole
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter; 1 large onion, diced; 1 rib celery, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon flour; 1/3 cup dry white wine (optional); 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, or 1 ¼ cups fresh peeled and diced tomatoes; 1 cup chicken stock; 2 bay leaves; Hot pepper sauce (like Tabasco), to taste; 2 lbs large uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 32 shrimp); 6–8 cups hot cooked rice, for serving; 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

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I made this Shrimp Creole the other night and honestly… I’ve been dreaming about it ever since. It’s bold, comforting, and just the right kind of spicy to wake up your taste buds without overpowering the rest of your meal. You know that kind of dish where everyone goes silent at the table because it’s that good? Yeah—this is one of those.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

It’s hearty, spicy, and oh-so-flavorful
Comes together in just one pot (yay for fewer dishes!)
Feels special enough for guests but easy enough for weeknights
You can easily tweak the heat level to your liking
Pairs perfectly with simple sides and a glass of wine

Ingredients (Just a Preview!)

You’ll find the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below, but here’s a quick peek at what you’ll need:

Butter, for that rich Southern base
Onion, celery, and green bell pepper—this trio is the soul of Creole cooking
Garlic, thyme, cayenne, and black pepper for bold flavor
A bit of flour and chicken stock to build the sauce
Diced tomatoes and white wine (if you want to get fancy)
Uncooked shrimp (the bigger, the better!)
Rice, green onions, and hot sauce to round it all out

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Step 2: Add the Spices and Flour

Step 3: Pour In the Wine and Tomatoes

Step 4: Add the Shrimp

Step 5: Serve Over Rice and Garnish

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook super fast and can get rubbery if left too long
If your sauce gets too thick, just add a splash more chicken stock
Want a richer flavor? Add a pat of butter right before serving
You can prep the sauce ahead and just add the shrimp right before dinner

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Not a fan of shrimp? Try this with chunks of firm white fish or even cooked chicken
For a vegetarian twist, skip the shrimp and stir in chickpeas or white beans
Don’t want the heat? Dial back the cayenne or leave it out completely
No white wine? Use extra chicken stock or a splash of lemon juice for brightness

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Shrimp Creole is traditionally served over fluffy white rice, which soaks up all that saucy goodness. If you’re looking to mix it up, try serving it with:

Crusty French bread to mop up the sauce
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Grilled okra or sautéed greens on the side
A cold beer or a glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave
If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, just stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen it up

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re thawed and patted dry before adding them to the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes—make the sauce a day in advance, then reheat and add the shrimp just before serving.

Is Shrimp Creole very spicy?
It has a little kick, but it’s easy to adjust. Start with less cayenne and hot sauce if you’re sensitive to spice.

What’s the difference between Shrimp Creole and Étouffée?
Both are Louisiana classics, but Creole uses a tomato-based sauce while Étouffée has a roux-based, often thicker, gravy-like sauce.

Conclusion

If you’re craving something comforting, flavorful, and just a little bit fiery, Shrimp Creole is a must-try. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and has them going back for seconds (and thirds). Make it once, and I promise it’ll become part of your regular rotation.

Shrimp Creole

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Creole, Southern
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This classic Louisiana-style Shrimp Creole is simmered in a bold tomato-based sauce with aromatic veggies, spices, and tender shrimp. Served over rice, it’s a comforting, spicy Southern dish perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Instructions

Melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté until soft, about 7–10 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
Add salt, thyme, black pepper, cayenne, and flour. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
Deglaze the pan with white wine (if using). Add diced tomatoes and chicken stock.
Toss in bay leaves and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add shrimp and cook for 5–7 minutes, until pink and cooked through.
Add hot sauce to taste. Remove bay leaves.
Serve over hot rice and garnish with green onions.