Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of savoring the heart and soul of Louisiana cuisine right at your own table, this Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe is your golden ticket. Bursting with bold flavors from fragrant vegetables, perfectly seasoned shrimp, and a rich, spicy tomato sauce, this dish captures the essence of Creole cooking in every hearty spoonful. The blend of Cajun seasoning, smoky Worcestershire, and a touch of heat from Tabasco brings a vibrant, comforting warmth that pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, creating a meal that’s as satisfying as it is unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe comes from simple but essential ingredients, each lending its unique note to the final dish. From the crispness of diced celery and bell pepper to the spice blend that ties everything together, these ingredients are easy to find and guarantee a flavorful experience.

• 2 tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to perfection.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Balances the butter with a subtle fruity flavor, perfect for cooking the aromatics.
• 3 celery ribs, finely diced: Imparts a mild crunch and fresh aroma that’s a Creole staple.
• 1 small sweet onion, diced: Builds the savory base with natural sweetness and depth.
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced: Brings a gentle bitterness and vibrant color to the sauce.
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic punch.
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed: The star ingredient, providing succulent seafood flavor.
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce and bind flavors together.
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning: A classic blend that delivers the authentic Creole heat and spice.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes with a hint of sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Adds smoky undertones and mild warmth.
• 3/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• 1/3 cup chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base that keeps the sauce moist and tasty.
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Forms the rich, vibrant sauce backbone.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, tangy complexity.
• 2 bay leaves: Infuse subtle herbal notes during simmering.
• 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (optional, plus more for serving): Brings the iconic Creole kick, adjustable to your spice preference.
• 4 cups cooked white rice: The perfect fluffy bed to soak up that delicious sauce.
• Chopped flat-leaf parsley (optional): Adds fresh color and a bright herbal finish.

How to Make Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating the butter and olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the diced celery, sweet onion, and green bell pepper. Cook these together for about 8 to 10 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their beautiful aromas. Then stir in the minced garlic and give it an extra minute to awaken your senses with that fragrant, inviting garlic scent.

Step 2: Make the Spice Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with Cajun seasoning, sugar, chili powder, and salt. This little blend is where the authentic Creole character really starts to shine. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly for about a minute to coat everything and develop a rich, toasty flavor base for your sauce.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot — those bits are pure gold for taste. Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and Tabasco if you want that extra heat. Bring this mixture up to a boil on high, then reduce to low and let simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. This slow simmer is where the sauce thickens up, and all the flavors beautifully meld into one cohesive, mouthwatering Creole sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Once your sauce has thickened and your kitchen smells incredible, bring the heat back to medium and add the shrimp. Cook them gently for 4 to 5 minutes while stirring occasionally. You’ll know they’re done when they turn an inviting pink and curl up slightly — tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked seafood is what you’re aiming for here.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Before serving, carefully remove the bay leaves from the pot. Spoon the savory shrimp creole over steaming, fluffy white rice and sprinkle with fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley if using. A dash more Tabasco on the side lets everyone customize their perfect level of spice. This final step ties everything together into a plate of pure Louisiana comfort.

How to Serve Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe

Garnishes

A simple garnish can elevate your shrimp creole from delicious to stunning. Chopped flat-leaf parsley adds a fresh, bright contrast to the deep red sauce, while a wedge of lemon can brighten the dish beautifully. For an extra touch, sprinkle some sliced green onions or a few dashes of Tabasco for guests who like it fiery.

Side Dishes

While the dish stands perfectly on its own with white rice, consider adding some Southern-inspired sides for a full Creole feast. Warm, crusty French bread is ideal for soaking up every last drop of sauce. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, and classic cornbread pairs wonderfully thanks to its subtle sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive presentation, serve your shrimp creole in individual deep bowls with a generous mound of rice in the center, topped with shrimp and lush sauce cascading over. Another idea is to plate it family-style in a large, rustic dish so everyone can dig in together. If you’re hosting, adding colorful Cajun-style accents like red napkins and rustic crockery will bring the Louisiana vibe straight to your dining table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe tastes just as amazing the next day. After cooling, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen as it rests, making reheated servings even more satisfying.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to make it in advance. Just be sure to cool it completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. It can stay frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat shrimp creole slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much in the fridge. Avoid high heat to keep the shrimp tender and prevent overcooking.

FAQs

What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?

Large shrimp work best because they stay juicy and tender during cooking and make for a beautiful presentation. Fresh or fully thawed frozen shrimp peeled and deveined are ideal to ensure even cooking.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply reduce or omit the Tabasco sauce and adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste. The dish will still have incredible Creole flavor without the overpowering heat.

Is this dish gluten-free?

The all-purpose flour used in this recipe contains gluten, but you can substitute a gluten-free flour or a cornstarch slurry as a thickener to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.

Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?

While shrimp is traditional and recommended, you can swap in chicken or firm white fish if you like, adjusting cooking times accordingly. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will vary slightly.

What can I do with leftovers besides reheating?

Leftover shrimp creole can be turned into a tasty Creole pasta sauce or stuffed into bell peppers for a delicious twist. It also makes a flavorful topping for baked potatoes or hearty sandwiches.

Final Thoughts

Making this Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe is like bringing a piece of Louisiana warmth and hospitality into your kitchen. Its layers of flavor, from the tender shrimp to the spicy, richly seasoned sauce, make it a dish you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe promises to deliver joy and comfort in every bite. Dive in, savor each spoonful, and enjoy a true taste of Creole tradition!

Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 54 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Authentic Shrimp Creole recipe is a flavorful, classic Southern dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a richly spiced tomato-based sauce with aromatic vegetables. Perfect for a hearty dinner, it’s served over fluffy white rice and easily customizable with spicy Tabasco sauce to taste.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 3 celery ribs, finely diced
• 1 small sweet onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced

Seafood

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed

Liquids and Sauces

• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (optional, plus more for serving)

Fats and Oils

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Dry Ingredients and Spices

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 bay leaves

To Serve

• 4 cups cooked white rice
• Chopped flat-leaf parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the butter and olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced celery, sweet onion, and green bell pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
2. Make the Spice Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Cajun seasoning, sugar, chili powder, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly for about 1 minute to coat the veggies and help develop flavor.
3. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and Tabasco sauce if using. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and all flavors meld together.
4. Cook the Shrimp: Increase the heat back up to medium. Add the shrimp to the sauce and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink, are cooked through, and begin to curl.
5. Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves from the pot. Spoon the shrimp creole over hot cooked white rice and garnish with chopped flat-leaf parsley. Serve with additional Tabasco sauce on the side if desired.

Notes

• You can adjust the heat level by varying the amount of Tabasco sauce added or served on the side.
• Use freshly peeled and deveined shrimp for best flavor and texture.
• Serve immediately for the best texture, as shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked or reheated.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour alternative.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern, Cajun