Shrimp Creole

The vibrant, bold flavors of this Shrimp Creole are rooted in Louisiana’s rich culinary tradition. From the holy trinity of onion, bell pepper, and celery to the spiced tomato sauce, this dish is packed with authentic Southern charm and complexity.

Whether you’re a fan of Gulf shrimp or looking for an easy weeknight dinner that delivers a big punch of flavor, this Shrimp Creole is your go-to. It’s quick to make, endlessly flavorful, and perfect for serving over a fluffy bed of white rice with a squeeze of lemon. Make it once, and it’s guaranteed to be a repeat favorite!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons canola oil

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

• 2 ribs celery, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon Cajun or Creole seasoning

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

• 1 cup water

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1½ pounds large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined, tails removed

• Tabasco or other hot sauce, to taste

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish

• Lemon wedges, for serving

• Cooked white rice, for serving

Directions:

1. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat oil and butter over medium-high heat.

2. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 10–12 minutes until very soft, adjusting heat as needed to avoid browning.

3. Stir in garlic, Creole seasoning, thyme, cayenne, and bay leaf. Sauté for about 30 seconds to let the spices bloom.

4. Add tomato sauce, water, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.

5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

6. Add shrimp to the pan and cook for 1–2 minutes per side or until they turn pink and firm.

7. Season with hot sauce, salt, and black pepper to taste.

8. Remove the bay leaf and stir in chopped parsley.

9. Serve hot over cooked white rice with lemon wedges and extra parsley for garnish.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 379 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Deep Cultural Roots of Shrimp Creole

Shrimp Creole is more than just a dish—it’s a cultural expression rooted in the heart of Louisiana’s rich culinary history. A proud staple of Creole cuisine, this dish is a flavorful fusion born from French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. It reflects the vibrant melting pot of New Orleans, where global flavors blend seamlessly to create something deeply unique and comforting.

Unlike its cousin, shrimp étouffée—which is built upon a roux base—Shrimp Creole features a tomato-based sauce simmered with the “holy trinity” of Creole cooking: onions, celery, and green bell peppers. Add a punch of Creole or Cajun seasoning, a hint of cayenne, and succulent wild-caught shrimp, and the result is a robust, spicy, and soul-warming dish that’s deeply satisfying yet relatively light.

What Makes This Shrimp Creole Recipe Stand Out

This particular Shrimp Creole recipe, adapted from a trusted personal chef with over 20 years of experience, delivers a deeply flavorful and consistent result every single time. It’s straightforward and accessible enough for a weeknight meal but refined enough to impress guests at a dinner party. Here’s why this recipe is a standout:

• No roux needed: Traditional Shrimp Creole often requires a roux (a mixture of fat and flour) to build flavor and texture. This version skips the roux entirely, relying on a slow-simmered tomato base and softened vegetables to create depth without heaviness.

• Time-friendly: This recipe takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights while still delivering bold and complex flavors.

• Wild-caught shrimp: The use of wild-caught large shrimp ensures the final texture remains tender and succulent, not rubbery—a common issue with farmed shrimp.

• Balanced heat: The inclusion of cayenne and hot sauce offers just the right amount of warmth without overpowering the other flavors. It’s easily adjustable for those who prefer more or less spice.

The Importance of the “Holy Trinity”

Central to the success of any Creole dish is the trio of onion, celery, and bell pepper—known as the “holy trinity” in Southern cuisine. This aromatic foundation is sautéed until “melty soft” in this recipe, allowing the vegetables to release their full flavor. Unlike a traditional mirepoix (onion, celery, carrot), the green bell pepper adds a slightly bitter but essential contrast to the sweet and acidic tomato sauce.

Cooking these vegetables until they’re soft and translucent is a key step that shouldn’t be rushed. It’s this patience that creates the savory base which supports and elevates the rest of the dish.

Flavor Development Without Complexity

One of the best features of this Shrimp Creole is how much flavor it builds with simple pantry staples. The spices—Cajun or Creole seasoning, thyme, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf—are “bloomed” in the oil and butter before the liquids are added. This blooming process allows the fat-soluble aromas to intensify, resulting in a richer overall taste.

Then comes the tomato sauce, a simple but powerful base that’s simmered to perfection. The sauce is enhanced with Worcestershire sauce for a bit of umami, and hot sauce is added at the end for extra zing. The shrimp are added only at the very end to ensure they’re tender and not overcooked.

Nutritional Profile and Health Benefits

Despite its indulgent taste, this Shrimp Creole recipe is quite health-conscious. It contains approximately 379 calories per serving, with only 9 grams of fat and 17 grams of protein. Served with a portion of steamed rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, it provides a balanced, protein-rich meal that feels both hearty and nourishing.

Shrimp themselves are an excellent source of lean protein, selenium, and vitamin B12. Combined with the fiber and antioxidants found in tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, this dish offers plenty of nutritional value along with its unforgettable taste.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Shrimp Creole is traditionally served over hot white rice, which helps absorb the savory tomato sauce and rounds out the meal. However, there are several ways to make this dish your own:

• Low-carb: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

• Vegetarian twist: Replace shrimp with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of Worcestershire (which contains anchovies).

• Seafood medley: Add scallops, crab, or even mussels for a more luxurious variation.

• Creamy version: Swirl in a tablespoon of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamy Creole adaptation.

Pair this dish with a light side salad, sautéed kale, or grilled cornbread for a complete Southern-style dinner.

Storage, Meal Prep, and Freezing

This Shrimp Creole recipe is perfect for batch cooking. You can prepare the sauce ahead of time—minus the shrimp—and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently and add the shrimp at the end for a freshly cooked texture.

You can also freeze the sauce (again, without shrimp) for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it slowly on the stovetop. This makes it an excellent make-ahead meal for guests or busy weeknights when you want something hearty without the hassle.

Leftovers also reheat well. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, simply add a tablespoon or two of water or broth while warming it up.

Creole vs. Cajun: Know the Difference

People often confuse Creole and Cajun cuisine, but there are distinct differences. Creole food is often described as “city food,” originating from New Orleans, and includes tomatoes, seafood, herbs, and a variety of spices. Cajun food is more rustic and typically includes darker roux-based stews, sausages, and more earthy flavors.

This Shrimp Creole recipe leans fully into its Creole identity—light, tomato-forward, herbaceous, and full of bright seafood flavor.

A Dish That Brings People Together

One of the most beautiful aspects of Shrimp Creole is its ability to bring people together. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining friends, or just treating yourself to a flavorful home-cooked meal, this dish offers warmth, richness, and a sense of Southern hospitality.

The vibrant colors, the bold aroma, and the contrast of savory sauce with fluffy rice make every bite a memorable one. This is the kind of dish that feels like home—even if you’ve never been to Louisiana.

Conclusion

This Shrimp Creole recipe isn’t just a quick dinner option—it’s a celebration of flavor, tradition, and culinary history. By keeping the method simple but emphasizing deep flavor through thoughtful cooking techniques and quality ingredients, it honors its Creole roots while adapting beautifully to modern kitchens.

Whether you’re new to Southern cuisine or a longtime fan, this Shrimp Creole deserves a spot in your rotation. It’s spicy, comforting, and utterly satisfying—a dish that proves good food doesn’t have to be complicated to be incredible.