Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Thaw them thoroughly under cold running water, pat dry, and proceed as directed. Fresh shrimp are ideal, but frozen is perfectly fine for getting dinner on the table quickly.

Shrimp Creole should have a gentle but noticeable kick. You control the heat with the amount of Cajun seasoning and Tabasco—feel free to dial it up or down for your preference.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just use a larger pot to avoid crowding and ensure the sauce thickens nicely. This is a fantastic recipe for serving a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

What type of rice works best?

Classic white rice is standard, but long-grain varieties such as jasmine or basmati are great too. If you prefer brown rice or even cauliflower rice, both make excellent bases for this saucy dish.

Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe

Name: Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons salted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 celery ribs, finely diced; 1 small sweet onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced; 3 garlic cloves, finely minced; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/3 cup chicken broth; 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (optional, plus more for serving); 4 cups cooked white rice; Chopped flat-leaf parsley (optional)

Description

This Authentic Shrimp Creole recipe delivers a classic Louisiana dish bursting with the bold flavors of the Cajun trinity—celery, onion, and bell pepper—simmered in a rich, spicy tomato sauce and finished with tender shrimp. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s best served over fluffy white rice with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant, hearty meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

2 tablespoons salted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 celery ribs, finely diced
1 small sweet onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed

Spice Mixture

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

Sauce Ingredients

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

For Serving

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

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Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

For extra flavor, use homemade Cajun seasoning or adjust the spice level with more or less Tabasco.
Fresh or frozen shrimp both work; just thaw before using frozen shrimp.
You can substitute brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
Remove bay leaves before serving to avoid bitterness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (with rice)
Calories: 370
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 1200mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 190mg