There’s something magical about the aroma of Shrimp Creole wafting through the kitchen. Imagine plump shrimp sizzling away in a rich, tomato-based sauce, mingling with bell peppers and onions like they’re at a festive party. creamy scalloped potatoes The moment you take that first bite, your taste buds dance with joy as the flavors explode in a delightful symphony of spice and warmth.

I can’t help but smile when I think back to the last time I made this dish. Friends gathered around the table for a cozy dinner, their faces lighting up with every savory spoonful. savory pizza pockets Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Shrimp Creole always brings people together for good food and hearty laughter.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Shrimp Creole recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Bold flavors meld beautifully, creating an unforgettable taste experience
- The vibrant colors make it visually stunning on any plate
- Versatile enough for serving over rice or pasta, it adapts to your preferences effortlessly
I still chuckle remembering how my friends attempted to pronounce “Creole.” Let me tell you, it was quite the entertainment!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Shrimp: Opt for large, peeled shrimp—preferably wild-caught—for optimal flavor and texture.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: Use high-quality tomatoes; they’ll form the sauce base and add richness.
- Bell Peppers: A mix of red and green bell peppers adds color and sweetness; chop them finely for even cooking.
- Onion: Sweet onions work best; they caramelize beautifully and provide depth to the sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will give your dish a warm aroma—don’t skimp on this!
- Cajun Seasoning: A must-have for that authentic flavor kick; adjust according to your spice preference.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness—use it to sauté your veggies perfectly.
- Rice or Pasta: Serve over fluffy white rice or al dente pasta—both complement the creole sauce wonderfully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. tropical cocktail pairing.
How to Make Shrimp Creole
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients together—this makes cooking smoother. Chop the onion and bell peppers into small pieces while keeping your shrimp ready for action.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened—about 5-7 minutes. Enjoy those sweet aromas wafting through your kitchen.
Add Garlic and Seasoning: Toss in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning next. Stir well until fragrant—about 1 minute—and watch as those flavors develop into something magical.
Incorporate Tomatoes: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir everything together and let simmer for about 10 minutes so that all those incredible flavors meld together. quick chicken stir fry recipe.
Cook the Shrimp: Add your fresh shrimp into the pan, stirring gently until they turn pink and opaque—this should take about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them; nobody wants rubbery shrimp!
Serve It Up!: Once fully cooked, serve the delicious Shrimp Creole over fluffy rice or pasta. Grab a fork (or two) and dig into that vibrant masterpiece you’ve created!
And there you have it—a delightful bowl of Shrimp Creole that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
You Must Know
- Shrimp Creole is a lively dish that bursts with flavors, making it perfect for dinner parties
- The colorful ingredients and aroma create an inviting atmosphere, while the spicy kick keeps everyone coming back for more
- It’s a dish that truly warms the heart
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing the onions and peppers before adding tomatoes and spices; this builds flavor depth. Once combined, let it simmer gently to marry the flavors beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or add sausage for extra heartiness. You can also adjust spice levels by adding hot sauce or paprika based on your taste preferences. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh shrimp for the best flavor; frozen shrimp can lose their texture
- Be mindful not to overcook shrimp; they should be pink and slightly firm
- Letting your dish sit after cooking allows flavors to deepen beautifully
Cooking Shrimp Creole brings back memories of my friend’s wedding when this dish was a hit; everyone kept asking for seconds!
FAQ
What is Shrimp Creole?
Shrimp Creole is a Louisiana dish featuring shrimp in a spicy tomato-based sauce served over rice.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, but fresh shrimp provides better texture and flavor in your Shrimp Creole.
How can I adjust the spiciness of Shrimp Creole?
Add more hot sauce or cayenne pepper to customize the heat level in your Shrimp Creole.

Shrimp Creole
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the vibrant and hearty flavors of Shrimp Creole, a classic Louisiana dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, spicy tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, delivering a delightful experience with every bite. Serve it over fluffy rice or pasta for a meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed red and green), diced
- 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cooked white rice or pasta
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by chopping onions and bell peppers while keeping the shrimp ready.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and bell peppers until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and Cajun seasoning; stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with juices; simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add shrimp to the pan; cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes. Avoid overcooking.
- Serve hot over rice or pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Louisiana
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 200mg