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Classic Creole Shrimp

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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

units in
USchevron
serves
4 peoplechevron

Smoked Paprika

tablespoons

Chili Powder

tablespoons

Onion Powder

teaspoons

Garlic Powder

teaspoons

Cayenne Pepper

teaspoons

Fine Sea Salt

teaspoons

Black Pepper

teaspoons

Shrimp, peeled and deveined

0 lb

Creole Seasoning, homemade or store-bought

teaspoons

Yellow Onion, finely chopped

each

Celery Ribs, thinly sliced

each

Bell Pepper, seeded and finely chopped

each

Garlic Clove, minced

each

Tomato Sauce, no salt added

0 oz

Hot Sauce, to taste

teaspoons

Dried Thyme

teaspoons

Dried Oregano

teaspoons

Dried Basil

teaspoons

Chopped Flat-Leaf Parsley, leaves and tender stems

cups

Steamed Rice

to serve

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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