Spicy Shrimp Creole: The Ultimate Shrimp Creole Recipe
Introduction to Spicy Shrimp Creole
Welcome to the world of Spicy Shrimp Creole, a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Louisiana right to your dinner table. This dish is not only packed with flavor but is also easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. With a blend of fresh vegetables, succulent shrimp, and a kick of heat, Spicy Shrimp Creole is sure to impress your taste buds!
A Personal Story Behind My Spicy Shrimp Creole Journey
I first encountered Shrimp Creole during a family vacation in New Orleans. The aromas wafting from the kitchens of Creole restaurants were irresistible, and I knew I had to learn how to make this dish myself. After countless attempts and adjustments, I finally crafted a recipe that captures the essence of that memorable meal. Now, it’s a staple in my home, bringing warmth and joy to every occasion.
What Makes This Spicy Shrimp Creole Recipe Special?
This Spicy Shrimp Creole recipe stands out due to its robust flavors and the ease with which it can be prepared. The combination of bell peppers, onions, and garlic creates a flavorful base, while the shrimp adds a delicious seafood element. The use of Creole seasoning and hot sauce provides that signature zing, allowing you to customize the spice level to your liking. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal that simplifies cleanup!
The Full Spicy Shrimp Creole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped (or jalapenos for extra heat)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 14.5 ounce can chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup shrimp stock (or chicken stock)
- 2 tablespoons Creole seasoning (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Louisiana style hot sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Rice, chopped parsley, sliced peppers, and extra hot sauce for serving
Instructions
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped green bell pepper (or jalapenos for extra heat), onion, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the chopped garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to release its aroma.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to deepen the flavor.
- Next, add the canned tomatoes, shrimp stock, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, Creole seasonings, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Tip: Adjust the Creole seasoning based on your spice preference.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes to thicken and enhance the flavors. If you have more time, allow it to simmer longer for even more depth.
- Remove the bay leaves from the sauce before adding the shrimp.
- Add the shrimp to the sauce, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cook for a couple more minutes until the shrimp turns pink and is fully cooked. Tip: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
- Serve the Spicy Shrimp Creole over rice, garnished with chopped parsley, sliced peppers, and a drizzle of extra hot sauce if desired.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Spicy Shrimp Creole
This dish is fantastic served over a bed of fluffy white rice, but you can also try it with quinoa or grits for a twist. For a veggie-packed option, add in some chopped okra or zucchini during the cooking process. If you’re looking for a milder version, simply stick to the green bell pepper and adjust the hot sauce to your taste. Don’t hesitate to play around with the seasonings to make it your own!
Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Shrimp Creole
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, frozen shrimp work well! Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the sauce.
What can I substitute for shrimp stock? You can use chicken stock or vegetable broth if shrimp stock isn’t available.
How spicy is this dish? The spice level can vary based on the type of peppers and the amount of hot sauce you use. Feel free to adjust according to your heat tolerance!
No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.
Recipe Stats
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories per Serving: 250
Servings: 4
Spicy Shrimp Creole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped or jalapenos for extra heat
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 14.5 ounce can chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup shrimp stock or chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons Creole seasoning or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Louisiana style hot sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- rice
- chopped parsley
- sliced peppers
- extra hot sauce for serving
Instructions
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped green bell pepper (or jalapenos for extra heat), onion, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the chopped garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to release its aroma.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to deepen the flavor.
- Next, add the canned tomatoes, shrimp stock, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, Creole seasonings, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Tip: Adjust the Creole seasoning based on your spice preference.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes to thicken and enhance the flavors. If you have more time, allow it to simmer longer for even more depth.
- Remove the bay leaves from the sauce before adding the shrimp.
- Add the shrimp to the sauce, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cook for a couple more minutes until the shrimp turns pink and is fully cooked. Tip: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
- Serve the Spicy Shrimp Creole over rice, garnished with chopped parsley, sliced peppers, and a drizzle of extra hot sauce if desired.