Name: Louisiana Shrimp Creole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Creole
Ingredients: 1 chopped onion; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp hot pepper sauce (e.g., Tabasco); 2 tbsp butter; 1 tsp Creole seasoning; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried basil; 1 bay leaf; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of savoring the vibrant flavors of the South, then Louisiana Shrimp Creole is your golden ticket. This dish is a celebration of fresh shrimp simmered in a luscious, spicy tomato sauce bursting with the classic trinity of onion, bell pepper, and celery. It’s a warm, comforting, and downright addictive meal that perfectly balances heat with heart, making it a beloved staple for anyone wanting a taste of Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage.

Louisiana Shrimp Creole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Louisiana Shrimp Creole lies in its simple yet thoughtfully combined ingredients. Each one layers a unique character to the dish — from fragrant herbs and spices to the fresh vegetables that build the sauce’s beautiful base.

Butter (2 tbsp): Provides a rich, silky foundation to sauté the veggies and develop deep flavor.
Onion (1 chopped): Adds sweetness and a gentle bite, forming part of the essential Creole trinity.
Green bell pepper (1 chopped): Brings crisp freshness and a subtle bitterness that balances the tomato’s acidity.
Celery (2 stalks chopped): Offers a hint of earthiness and crunch to round out the flavor profile.
Garlic (2 cloves minced): Infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic punch.
Diced tomatoes (1 can): The bright, tangy heart of the sauce that keeps each bite lively.
Tomato sauce (1 can): Provides body and a smooth texture for the base of the creole sauce.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp): Introduces complexity with its savory umami notes.
Hot pepper sauce (1 tsp): Delivers a kick of heat — Tabasco is a classic choice to highlight Louisiana’s spicy roots.
Creole seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs and spices that gives the dish its authentic southern soul.
Dried oregano (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle earthiness to deepen the sauce’s flavor.
Dried basil (1/2 tsp): Brings out a sweet, herbaceous undertone to balance the spice.
Bay leaf (1): Imparts a gentle aromatic lift that rounds out the simmering sauce.
Shrimp (1 lb peeled and deveined): The star of the show, tender and juicy, soaking up all those wonderful flavors.

How to Make Louisiana Shrimp Creole

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Sauté the Veggies

Start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat. The butter not only prevents sticking but also becomes the flavor base for the vegetables. Toss in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic, stirring them gently until they are tender and fragrant. This classic combination, known as the Creole trinity, is essential to unlocking the dish’s signature flavor and vibrant color.

Step 2: Create the Sauce

Once your veggies are perfectly softened, it’s time to add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. These provide the rich, velvety body of the Louisiana Shrimp Creole. To build more depth, mix in Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, Creole seasoning, dried oregano, dried basil, and the bay leaf. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes. This gentle bubbling thickens the sauce and lets those bold flavors marry beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Now for the star ingredient — the shrimp. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp directly into the simmering sauce. Cook them just until they turn opaque, roughly 5 to 7 minutes. Overcooking shrimp can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them. As they cook, they absorb all the zesty, herbaceous sauce, making every bite an irresistible mix of spice, sweetness, and seafood freshness.

Step 4: Final Touches

Before serving your Louisiana Shrimp Creole, don’t forget to remove the bay leaf. It’s done its job in infusing that delightful aroma but isn’t meant to be eaten. Give your creole one last stir and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as rich in history as it is in flavor.

How to Serve Louisiana Shrimp Creole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or scallions on top brightens the plate and adds a burst of color. A wedge of lemon on the side lets diners add a zesty lift to their serving if they want a little extra tang. Both options are simple ways to enhance the already complex flavors of this dish.

Side Dishes

Louisiana Shrimp Creole pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice, which helps soak up that spicy tomatoey sauce. For a lighter or low-carb option, cauliflower rice works just as well. Crusty French bread or garlic bread is another excellent choice to mop up every last delicious drop.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve this Louisiana Shrimp Creole over creamy grits for a soulful southern twist or tuck it into warm pita pockets for an unexpected handheld treat. For an elegant dinner, try plating it alongside sautéed green beans or a crisp green salad for balance. The versatility of this dish lets you tailor it to suit casual weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Louisiana Shrimp Creole in an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic meal to enjoy again without losing the vibrant taste and texture.

Freezing

While fresh shrimp is always best, you can freeze Louisiana Shrimp Creole if necessary. Transfer the cooled creole into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed, the sauce remains flavorful, but the shrimp may be slightly less tender, so it’s best enjoyed fresh if possible.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or broth can revive the sauce’s consistency. Avoid microwave reheating if you want to keep the shrimp tender and juicy.

FAQs

What makes Louisiana Shrimp Creole different from gumbo?

Both dishes are Louisiana classics, but Shrimp Creole is tomato-based with a pronounced vegetable and spice flavor, while gumbo is a thick stew often thickened with a roux and usually features okra or filé powder. Creole tends to be lighter and brighter, whereas gumbo is richer and earthier.

Can I use frozen shrimp in this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before adding to the sauce. This helps them cook evenly and prevents extra water from diluting the flavors.

Is Louisiana Shrimp Creole very spicy?

You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of hot pepper sauce. The recipe includes some to provide a gentle kick, but you can add more if you like your creole fiery or omit it for milder tastes.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the shrimp and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant to the sauce. The Creole base stays tasty and robust even without seafood.

What is the best way to serve Louisiana Shrimp Creole for a crowd?

Serve it buffet style with large trays of steamed rice and multiple sides so everyone can customize their plates. Keep the shrimp creole warm in a slow cooker to maintain temperature without overcooking the shrimp.

Final Thoughts

Louisiana Shrimp Creole is more than just a recipe — it’s a warm embrace from the bayou on a plate. Its vibrant ingredients, rich flavor, and comforting textures make it a perfect dish to share with family and friends. Whether you’re new to Creole cooking or a seasoned enthusiast, this recipe invites you to enjoy a little taste of Louisiana’s spirited culinary tradition. So grab your skillet and create some magic in your kitchen today!

Louisiana Shrimp Creole Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 21 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Louisiana Shrimp Creole is a classic, flavorful dish from Louisiana featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich and spicy tomato sauce with aromatic vegetables and traditional Creole seasonings. Perfectly balanced with a hint of heat and robust herbs, this dish embodies the vibrant soul of Creole cuisine.

Instructions

Prepare the base: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat to create a flavorful foundation for your dish.
Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until they are tender and fragrant, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, Creole seasoning, dried oregano, dried basil, and bay leaf. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 20 minutes to meld flavors and thicken the sauce.
Cook shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn opaque, approximately 5-7 minutes. This ensures the shrimp is perfectly cooked and tender.
Final touches: Remove the bay leaf from the sauce before serving. Serve your Louisiana Shrimp Creole hot, ideally over rice or with crusty bread.

Notes

You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot pepper sauce according to your preference.
For an authentic touch, serve this dish over steamed white rice.
Use fresh shrimp if available for best flavor and texture.
Creole seasoning blends vary; ensure yours includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne for authentic flavor.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: Creole, Louisiana