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    Classic Creole Shrimp

    clock-icon50 minutes
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    Pixicook editorial team

    A delicious and flavorful Creole shrimp dish served over steamed rice, perfect for bringing the vibrant flavors of Creole cuisine to your table.

    Ingredients for Classic Creole Shrimp

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    serves
    4 peoplechevron
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    Smoked Paprika

    tablespoons

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    Chili Powder

    tablespoons

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    Onion Powder

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Garlic Powder

    teaspoons

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    Cayenne Pepper

    teaspoons

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    Fine Sea Salt

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Black Pepper

    teaspoons

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    Shrimp, peeled and deveined

    0 lb

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    Creole Seasoning, homemade or store-bought

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Unsalted Butter

    0 stick

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    All Purpose Flour

    cups

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    Yellow Onion, finely chopped

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Celery Ribs, thinly sliced

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Bell Pepper, seeded and finely chopped

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Garlic Clove, minced

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Tomato Sauce, no salt added

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Hot Sauce, to taste

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Granulated Sugar

    teaspoons

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    Dried Thyme

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Dried Oregano

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Dried Basil

    teaspoons

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    Dried Bay Leaves

    each

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    Chopped Scallions

    cups

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    Chopped Flat-Leaf Parsley, leaves and tender stems

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Steamed Rice

    to serve

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Classic Creole Shrimp

    1. Make Creole Seasoning

    Mix the smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to make the Creole seasoning.

    2. Season Shrimp

    Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with one teaspoon of the Creole seasoning.

    3. Make Roux

    Melt the butter in a Dutch oven or a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly with a wooden spoon for about 10 minutes until the roux reaches the color of peanut butter.

    4. Cook Vegetables

    Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper to the roux. Increase the heat slightly and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

    5. Simmer Sauce

    Stir in the water, tomato sauce, hot sauce, sugar, thyme, oregano, basil, bay leaves, and the remaining teaspoon of Creole seasoning. Season with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes.

    6. Cook Shrimp

    Add the seasoned shrimp to the simmering sauce. Cook for about 5 minutes, turning halfway through, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.

    7. Rest and Garnish

    Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand uncovered for about 10 minutes. Garnish with chopped scallions and parsley.

    8. Serve

    Serve the shrimp and sauce over steamed rice.

    Variations

    Étouffée

    Use a thicker, roux-based sauce with crawfish or shrimp for a rich and velvety dish.

    Jambalaya

    Swap the shrimp for chicken, andouille sausage, and shrimp, and add rice to cook in the pot.

    Creole Gumbo

    Add okra and file powder, using a mix of seafood, chicken, and sausage, served with rice.

    Creole Stuffed Peppers

    Stuff bell peppers with Creole shrimp, rice, and holy trinity, then bake.

    Protein Twist

    Mix in scallops or chunks of white fish like halibut. Add spicy andouille sausage for a surf and turf version.

    Pitfalls and tips

    Quality of Shrimp

    Start with fresh, wild-caught shrimp if possible. The flavor and texture are superior to frozen or farm-raised varieties. Opt for shell-on shrimp, as cooking them in their shells can add depth to the flavor.

    The Holy Trinity

    The foundation of any Creole dish is the 'Holy Trinity' of onion, bell pepper, and celery, chopped to a uniform size for even cooking. Cook them down until very soft and aromatic to develop flavor.

    Simmering

    Let the sauce simmer gently to meld the flavors, but be cautious not to overcook the shrimp; they should be added towards the end and need only a few minutes to cook through.

    Roux

    Cook your flour and fat slowly to a rich, dark brown color for the right texture and flavor. Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent hot spots and ensure even cooking.

    Taste and Adjust

    Always taste your dish before serving. Adjust seasonings as needed to perfect the balance of spices, heat, savory, and sweet.


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