Description
This Easy Shrimp Creole recipe delivers a flavorful, spicy tomato-based sauce loaded with tender shrimp and vegetables. It’s a classic Louisiana-style dish simmered to perfection in a large pot, combining the vibrant flavors of Cajun seasoning, fire-roasted tomatoes, and fresh aromatics. Perfect served over rice for a hearty, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 Sweet Onion, chopped
- 1 Small Green Bell Pepper, seeds removed and chopped
- 1 Small Red Bell Pepper, seeds removed and chopped
- 3 Large Celery Stalks, chopped
- 4 Garlic Cloves, grated or finely chopped
Liquids & Sauces
- ¼ Cup Oil
- 28 oz Can Fire Roasted Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 Cup Water
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- Hot Sauce, to taste (optional)
Seasonings
- 2-3 teaspoons Cajun Seasoning
- 2 Bay Leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Protein
- 2 Lbs Thawed Shrimp, peeled and deveined
To Serve (Optional)
- Fresh Parsley
- Lemon Wedges
- Cooked Rice
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions, green and red bell peppers, and celery. Cook these vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the grated or finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until the garlic releases its aroma without burning.
- Simmer Sauce: Add the Cajun seasoning, bay leaves, fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, water, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and hot sauce if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency, approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot with the sauce. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring gently, until the shrimp turn pink on the outside and are fully opaque inside, indicating they are cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Discard the bay leaves. Serve the shrimp creole hot over cooked rice, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired for added brightness and freshness.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of hot sauce or add cayenne pepper along with the Cajun seasoning.
- Do not overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become tough if left too long.
- Use fresh shrimp if possible for the best flavor and texture.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings without altering cook times significantly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Creole
