Name: The Best Shrimp Creole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Louisiana Creole
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tbsp vegetable oil or butter; 1 cup onion, finely chopped; 1 cup green bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup celery, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 tsp Creole seasoning (or Cajun seasoning); 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and black pepper to taste; Cooked white rice, for serving

This shrimp creole recipe is a flavorful, classic Louisiana dish packed with tender shrimp simmered in a spicy tomato-based sauce with the holy trinity of vegetables—onion, bell pepper, and celery. It’s a vibrant, comforting meal that I love serving over fluffy white rice for a true Southern experience.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup onion, finely chopped

3 tbsp vegetable oil or butter

1 cup green bell pepper, chopped

1 cup celery, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

1/2 cup tomato sauce

1 cup chicken broth

2 tsp Creole seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooked white rice, for serving

Directions

Heat the oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. I cook these veggies for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant.

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Let this simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop deep flavor.

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.

Stir in the fresh parsley and give the seasoning a final taste, adjusting salt, pepper, or heat if needed.

Serve the shrimp creole over a bed of hot cooked white rice.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people. The total time from start to finish is about 35 minutes, with 10 minutes for prep and 25 minutes for cooking. It’s perfect for a quick yet impressive meal.

Variations

I sometimes like to switch things up by using different proteins like chicken or sausage if I want a twist. For a low-carb option, I swap the rice for cauliflower rice. If I’m short on time, I put everything in the slow cooker (except the shrimp, which I add near the end) for a hands-off version that still delivers big flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer gently warming it in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the shrimp tender and prevent the sauce from drying out. You can also microwave it, but do so in short bursts to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

FAQs

What can I use if I don’t have Creole seasoning?

I usually substitute with Cajun seasoning or make my own mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just make sure your Worcestershire sauce and Creole seasoning don’t contain gluten. Most of the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I freeze shrimp creole?

Shrimp can get tough when frozen and reheated, so I don’t recommend freezing the cooked shrimp creole. However, you can freeze the sauce without shrimp and add fresh shrimp when reheating.

How spicy is this recipe?

It has a moderate heat from the cayenne and Creole seasoning. I adjust the cayenne pepper to my taste and sometimes add hot sauce for extra kick.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, fresh tomatoes work great when in season. I just dice about 4 medium tomatoes and cook them down until soft before adding the other ingredients.

Conclusion

Shrimp creole is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s bursting with bold flavors but still comforting and easy to make. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe always feels like a warm hug from the South. I hope you enjoy making and savoring it as much as I do.