Description
This Easy Shrimp Creole with Rice is a flavorful and vibrant Cajun-inspired dish featuring succulent shrimp simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with aromatic vegetables and spices. Served over fluffy white rice, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or any time you crave a taste of the South.
Ingredients
Shrimp Creole
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 15 oz can petite diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 1 lb frozen shrimp, thawed, cooked, peeled, deveined, tail off
- Chopped green onion (for garnish)
Serving
- Cooked white rice
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to release the flavors of the spices and garlic.
- Add Liquids and Bay Leaves: Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaves. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Simmer Base: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly reduce the liquid.
- Add Tomatoes and Worcestershire Sauce: Stir in the petite diced tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce. Continue to simmer the sauce for another 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop deeper flavor.
- Heat Shrimp: Add the thawed, cooked shrimp into the pot and cook just until the shrimp are heated through, about 3-4 minutes. Avoid overcooking since shrimp are already cooked.
- Finish with Lemon and Seasoning: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp creole hot over a bed of cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, colorful finish. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Use cooked shrimp to reduce cooking time and avoid overcooking.
- If fresh shrimp are used, cook them thoroughly before adding to the sauce.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
