Description
This Shrimp Creole recipe features tender shrimp simmered in a rich tomato based sauce layered with aromatic vegetables and classic Creole spices. The dish delivers bold flavor with balanced heat and a comforting texture that pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice. It is an approachable skillet meal that feels hearty, vibrant, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
Butter
Onion finely chopped
Green bell pepper chopped
Celery ribs chopped
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Garlic cloves minced
Paprika
Dried thyme
Dried oregano
Ground cayenne pepper
Low sodium chicken broth
Bay leaves
Whole canned tomatoes crushed
Green onions sliced plus extra for garnish
Crystal Worcestershire Sauce
Fresh lemon juice
Vegetable oil
Large shrimp peeled and deveined
Cooked white rice for serving
Instructions
1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add the onion bell pepper and celery then cook until softened and fragrant while seasoning lightly with salt and pepper
2. Stir in the garlic paprika thyme oregano and cayenne and cook briefly until the spices release their aroma and coat the vegetables evenly
3. Pour in the chicken broth add the bay leaves and bring to a gentle simmer allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and concentrate in flavor
4. Add the crushed tomatoes and cook until the sauce thickens and deepens in color while stirring occasionally
5. Mix in the green onions and Worcestershire sauce then simmer until the sauce becomes rich and cohesive before removing from heat and stirring in lemon juice
6. Heat vegetable oil in a separate skillet and cook the shrimp until pink opaque and just tender while seasoning lightly with salt and pepper
7. Combine the shrimp with the prepared sauce and gently toss so the shrimp absorb the flavors without overcooking
8. Serve hot over freshly cooked white rice and garnish with additional green onions
Notes
This recipe works best with medium to large shrimp to maintain a juicy texture
Cooking the shrimp separately prevents them from becoming rubbery during sauce reduction
If the sauce thickens too much add a small splash of chicken broth to loosen it
Taste and adjust seasoning gradually especially salt and cayenne
Remove bay leaves before serving for the best texture
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for several days and reheated gently on the stove
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Creole