Experience the magic of Creole cuisine with this mouthwatering shrimp recipe. The combination of fresh shrimp, vibrant vegetables and a medley of rich, spicy seasonings is sure to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of New Orleans. Perfect for an intimate dinner or a festive family gathering, this Creole-style shrimp recipe is a surefire way to impress your guests and yourself with its rich, vibrant flavors.
The key to this recipe is the Cajun seasoning, which is a blend of various spices that gives Creole cuisine its unique flavor. If you can't find it in your local supermarket, you can easily make it at home using ingredients like paprika, oregano, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. The other not-so-common ingredient is Worcestershire sauce, a fermented condiment made from malt vinegar and other ingredients. It's used in many dishes to add a savory, umami flavor.
Creole-Style Shrimp Recipe Ingredients
Olive oil: This is used for sautéing. It adds a mild flavor and helps in cooking the other ingredients.
Onion: When cooked, onions provide a sweet flavor that forms the backbone of the dish.
Green bell pepper: This adds a crisp texture and a subtle flavor to the dish.
Celery: An essential ingredient in Creole cuisine, it adds a refreshing, crisp texture.
Garlic: This adds an aromatic and savory flavor to the dish.
Tomatoes: They provide acidity and sweetness, which balances out the richness of the other ingredients.
Tomato sauce: This adds depth and richness to the dish.
Cayenne pepper: This adds heat to the recipe.
Cajun seasoning: This gives the recipe its signature Creole flavor.
Bay leaf: This herb provides a subtle yet complex flavor.
All purpose flour: This is used to thicken the sauce of the dish.
Water: Used to dilute the sauce to the right consistency.
Large Shrimp: These are the star of the dish - they provide a meaty, delicate flavor and a nice bite.
Worcestershire sauce: This adds a tangy, savory flavor.
Hot sauce: For extra heat, depending on your preference.
Scallion: These provide a fresh, vibrant finish to the dish.
Fresh parsley: This adds a fresh and slightly bitter flavor which complements the richness of the dish.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
One reader, Jordanna Ehlers says:
This creole style shrimp recipe is a game-changer! The blend of spices and fresh ingredients creates an explosion of flavors. The shrimp turned out succulent and the sauce was rich and savory. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a taste of the South!
Techniques for Preparing Creole Style Shrimp
How to sauté vegetables: Sauté the chopped onion, green bell pepper, garlic, and celery in olive oil until tender. This technique involves cooking the vegetables in a small amount of oil over medium heat until they become soft and aromatic.
How to make a slurry: Combine the flour and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. This slurry will be used to thicken the tomato mixture in the recipe.
How to season shrimp: Lightly season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning before adding them to the tomato mixture. This involves sprinkling the seasoning evenly over the shrimp to add flavor.
How to adjust salt: Taste the dish and adjust the salt as needed before serving. This step ensures that the dish is properly seasoned to enhance the flavors.
How To Make Shrimp Creole
This mouthwatering shrimp creole is loaded with plump shrimps that are cooked with peppers, tomato sauce, and various spices for a flavor-packed meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tspolive oil
- 1medium onion,chopped
- ½cupgreen bell pepper,chopped
- ½cupcelery,chopped
- 2garlic cloves,minced
- 14oztomatoes,diced
- 8oztomato sauce
- ¼tspcayenne pepper
- ¼tspcajun seasoning
- 1bay leaf
- 1tbspall purpose flour,or 1 tsp corn starch for gluten-free
- 2tbspwater
- 1lblarge shrimp,peeled and deveined
- 2tspworcestershire sauce
- 2tsphot sauce,to taste
- 1medium scallion,sliced
- 2tbspfresh parsley,chopped
- salt,to taste
Instructions
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In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat.
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Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, garlic and celery and saute until tender.
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Add tomatoes and tomato sauce, cayenne pepper, cajun spice, bay leaf and bring to a boil.
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Cover and reduce heat to low and simmer 20 to 30 minutes.
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Make a slurry of the flour and water and stir into the tomato mixture.
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Continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
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Lightly season the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning and add immediately to the tomato mixture.
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Add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce; stir together.
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Cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, or until shrimp is opaque and cooked through, adjust salt if needed.
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Add chopped green onion and parsley and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 163.45kcal
- Fat: 3.94g
- Saturated Fat: 0.70g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.93g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.78g
- Carbohydrates: 14.93g
- Fiber: 3.36g
- Sugar: 6.86g
- Protein: 18.00g
- Cholesterol: 142.88mg
- Sodium: 1019.88mg
- Calcium: 106.51mg
- Potassium: 696.27mg
- Iron: 1.77mg
- Vitamin A: 134.65µg
- Vitamin C: 40.96mg
Helpful Technique for Making Creole Style Shrimp
When preparing the shrimp, make sure they are properly deveined and cleaned. This not only ensures the shrimp is safe to eat, but also allows the cajun seasoning and other flavors to penetrate better, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Additionally, be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can quickly become tough and rubbery. They should be cooked just until they turn pink and opaque.
Time-Saving Tips for Creole Style Shrimp Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Opt for one-pot recipes to minimize cleanup and save time.
Quick thaw: Thaw frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for faster results.
Efficient multitasking: While the sauce simmers, prep the shrimp to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Speedy seasoning: Use pre-mixed Cajun seasoning to cut down on prep time and ensure a flavorful dish.
Smart substitutions: Substitute pre-chopped frozen vegetables to save time on prep work.
Streamlined cleanup: Clean as you go to avoid a pile of dishes at the end of the cooking process.
Rapid roux: Use store-bought roux to skip the step of making it from scratch.
Quick fix: Opt for pre-cooked shrimp to significantly reduce cooking time.
Effortless garnish: Use kitchen shears to easily and quickly chop fresh herbs for garnish.
Substitute Ingredients For Shrimp Creole Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a delicate taste to the dish.
green bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell peppers can be used as a substitute for green bell peppers, providing a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunchy texture and a hint of licorice flavor, which can complement the dish in place of celery.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a convenient option without compromising the flavor.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for fresh tomatoes, offering convenience and consistent flavor.
tomato sauce - Substitute with tomato paste: Tomato paste can be diluted with water to replace tomato sauce, providing a richer and more concentrated tomato flavor.
cayenne pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can be used as a milder substitute for cayenne pepper, adding a smoky flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
cajun seasoning - Substitute with Old Bay seasoning: Old Bay seasoning can be used as a substitute for Cajun seasoning, providing a blend of savory and aromatic spices.
all purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent in place of all-purpose flour, creating a gluten-free option.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used to add depth of flavor when substituting for water in the recipe.
shrimp - Substitute with crawfish: Crawfish can be used as a flavorful alternative to shrimp, adding a unique taste to the dish.
Worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce, providing a savory and umami flavor.
hot sauce - Substitute with chili paste: Chili paste can be used as a substitute for hot sauce, adding heat and depth of flavor to the dish.
scallion - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for scallions, providing a mild onion flavor and vibrant green color.
fresh parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used as a substitute for fresh parsley, adding a fresh and citrusy flavor to the dish.
Presenting Creole Style Shrimp
Elevate the dish with a stunning presentation: When plating the Creole-style shrimp, consider using a combination of vibrant fresh herbs and edible flowers to add a pop of color and visual appeal to the dish.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Create an elegant and artistic drizzle of olive oil around the edge of the plate to add a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Utilize elegant plating techniques: Employ the use of tweezers to carefully place each shrimp and vegetable, ensuring precision and attention to detail in the plating process.
Garnish with microgreens: Sprinkle a delicate arrangement of microgreens on top of the dish to add a fresh and visually appealing element to the overall presentation.
Consider the use of unique serving vessels: Explore the use of chic serving bowls or elegant platters to present the Creole-style shrimp in a visually striking and sophisticated manner.
Create a harmonious balance of colors and textures: Pay attention to the arrangement of the ingredients, aiming for a visually appealing balance of colors and textures on the plate.
Add a touch of sophistication with edible gold leaf: For an extra touch of luxury, consider delicately placing a small piece of edible gold leaf on top of the dish as a luxurious and visually stunning garnish.
Incorporate intricate sauce designs: Use a squeeze bottle to create intricate and artistic designs with the tomato sauce on the plate, adding a touch of finesse to the overall presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Creole Style Shrimp
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and sautéing ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp cutting tool used for slicing, chopping, and dicing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A sturdy surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Wooden spoon: A versatile tool for stirring, mixing, and sautéing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
- Slotted spoon: A spoon with slots or holes, used for lifting and draining foods from liquids.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping, beating, and blending ingredients.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle, used for making sauces, boiling, and simmering.
- Tongs: A gripping tool used for lifting, turning, and serving foods.
- Grater: A tool used for grating cheese, vegetables, and other ingredients.
- Garlic press: A tool used for crushing and mincing garlic cloves.
- Can opener: A tool used for opening cans of ingredients.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen tool with holes, used for draining liquids from foods.
- Meat thermometer: A tool used for measuring the internal temperature of meats and other dishes.
- Lemon squeezer: A tool used for extracting juice from lemons and other citrus fruits.
- Peeler: A tool used for peeling the skin off fruits and vegetables.
- Pastry brush: A kitchen tool with bristles, used for brushing sauces, glazes, and oils onto food.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and broiling dishes.
- Stove: A cooking appliance used for heating and cooking food in pots and pans.
Storing and Freezing Creole Style Shrimp
- Let the creole style shrimp cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled shrimp and sauce to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
- If storing in the refrigerator, consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.
- When freezing, remove as much air as possible from the container or bag to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Frozen creole style shrimp can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat, thaw the frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight.
- Transfer the thawed shrimp and sauce to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the sauce appears too thick after thawing, add a small amount of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
- Avoid reheating the shrimp more than once, as this can lead to a rubbery texture and diminished flavor.
Reheating Leftover Creole Style Shrimp
Reheat the creole style shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method helps to preserve the texture of the shrimp and prevents them from becoming rubbery.
If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out while reheating. This will help to maintain the original consistency of the dish.
For a quicker reheating method, place the creole style shrimp in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the shrimp to become tough.
If you have leftover rice or grits, reheat them separately and serve the creole style shrimp over the top. This will help to keep the flavors and textures distinct.
To add a fresh twist to your leftover creole style shrimp, serve them over a bed of fresh spinach or mixed greens. The warmth of the shrimp and sauce will slightly wilt the greens, creating a delicious and healthy meal.
If you have access to an oven, you can place the creole style shrimp in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 325°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method is particularly useful if you have a large quantity of leftovers to reheat.
Interesting Fact About Creole Style Shrimp
The Creole style shrimp recipe originates from the vibrant and diverse culinary traditions of Louisiana. This dish reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region, blending influences from French, Spanish, African, and Native American cuisines. The use of cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning in the recipe showcases the bold and spicy flavors characteristic of Creole cooking. Shrimp, a popular seafood choice in Creole cuisine, adds a delicious and protein-rich element to the dish. The combination of aromatic vegetables, zesty spices, and succulent shrimp creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Creole culinary artistry.
The Economics of Cooking Creole Style Shrimp at Home
The cost-effectiveness of this creole style shrimp recipe is quite high. The ingredients are relatively affordable and commonly found in households. The combination of shrimp, vegetables, and spices creates a flavorful and satisfying dish. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-25, making it a budget-friendly option. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering its taste, nutritional value, and affordability.
Is Creole Style Shrimp Healthy or Unhealthy?
The creole style shrimp recipe is a relatively healthy dish with a few areas for improvement. Here are some positive aspects of the recipe:
- The use of olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats
- Vegetables like onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic offer essential nutrients and fiber
- Shrimp is a lean protein source, low in calories and rich in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids
- The recipe uses a moderate amount of salt and relies on spices for flavor
However, there are a few concerns:
- The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which is a refined carbohydrate
- The addition of hot sauce and worcestershire sauce may increase the sodium content
- The recipe lacks a significant source of complex carbohydrates or additional vegetables
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the all-purpose flour with a whole grain alternative like whole wheat flour or use a slurry made from cornstarch for a gluten-free option
- Reduce the amount of hot sauce and worcestershire sauce to lower the sodium content, and instead, rely more on herbs and spices for flavor
- Serve the shrimp over a bed of brown rice, quinoa, or whole grain pasta to add complex carbohydrates and fiber to the meal
- Increase the variety and amount of vegetables in the dish, such as adding diced zucchini, carrots, or okra to boost the nutrient content and provide more texture and color to the plate
Editor's Opinion on Creole Style Shrimp Recipe
This Creole-style shrimp recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of aromatic vegetables, tangy tomatoes, and bold spices creates a rich and savory base for the succulent shrimp. The addition of Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce adds depth and a hint of heat, while the fresh scallions and parsley provide a burst of freshness. The dish is well-balanced and bursting with Creole flair. It's a perfect choice for a special dinner or a gathering with friends.
Enhance Your Shrimp Creole Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Shrimp Creole Recipe:
This recipe offers an authentic taste of Creole cuisine, featuring fresh shrimp and a flavorful blend of cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. The combination of tomatoes and tomato sauce creates a rich, savory base, while the addition of worcestershire sauce and hot sauce adds depth and complexity. The use of onion, green bell pepper, and celery enhances the dish with aromatic flavors. With a carefully balanced mix of ingredients and a step-by-step cooking process, this recipe promises to deliver a mouthwatering Creole-style shrimp dish that users can trust and enjoy.
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