Shrimp Creole
A quintessential Louisiana classic, this Shrimp Creole features plump, tender shrimp simmered in a rich, zesty tomato sauce built upon the 'Holy Trinity' of onion, bell pepper, and celery. Served over fluffy white rice, it's a deeply flavorful and satisfying one-pot meal that brings the vibrant taste of New Orleans to your kitchen.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Make the Roux
- b.In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter with the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- c.Whisk in the flour until a smooth paste forms. Cook, whisking constantly, for 3-5 minutes until the roux is the color of peanut butter and has a nutty aroma. Do not let it burn.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Holy Trinity
- b.Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery (the 'Holy Trinity') to the roux. Cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are very soft and translucent.
- c.Stir in the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Sauce
- b.Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly. This deepens the tomato flavor.
- c.Gradually pour in the seafood stock while whisking to prevent lumps. Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), cayenne, smoked paprika, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- d.Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Shrimp
- b.Uncover the pot and add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the simmering sauce.
- c.Stir to combine and cook for 3-5 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and curl into a 'C' shape. Do not overcook, as they will become tough.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Remove the pot from the heat. Discard the bay leaf.
- c.Stir in the fresh parsley and the green parts of the sliced green onions.
- d.Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cayenne if needed.
- e.Serve immediately over hot cooked white rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, make your own shrimp stock by simmering the shrimp shells in water with some vegetable scraps while you prep the other ingredients.
- 2The 'Holy Trinity' should be chopped finely and uniformly to ensure they melt into the sauce.
- 3Don't rush the roux or the simmering time. These steps are crucial for developing the deep, complex flavors of the dish.
- 4If the sauce becomes too thick during simmering, you can add a splash of stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
- 5The Creole sauce base can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before adding the shrimp to cook.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein
Add 1/2 pound of sliced andouille sausage along with the vegetables for a smoky, spicy kick. You can also substitute the shrimp with diced chicken thighs, cooking them for longer until tender.
VegetableVegetable
For a touch of classic Southern flavor, add 1 cup of sliced fresh or frozen okra during the last 10 minutes of the sauce's simmering time.
Spice LevelSpice Level
Increase the heat by adding a finely minced jalapeño or serrano pepper with the Holy Trinity, or by increasing the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Shrimp provides high-quality protein that is essential for building and repairing tissues, including muscle, without a high saturated fat content.
Rich in Antioxidants
The tomatoes are packed with lycopene, while bell peppers and onions provide vitamins A and C. These antioxidants help protect your cells from damage.
Supports Heart Health
Shrimp contains omega-3 fatty acids and the antioxidant astaxanthin, which may help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health.
Metabolism Boosting
The capsaicin found in cayenne pepper can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism, aiding in calorie burning.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of Shrimp Creole (about 1.5 cups, without rice) contains approximately 350-450 calories, depending on the amount of oil and butter used. Serving it with 1 cup of white rice adds about 200 calories.