If you’re craving a taste of Louisiana that’s both soulful and bursting with flavor, you’ll fall in love with this Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with excitement: plump shrimp simmered in a tomato-based sauce rich with the “holy trinity” of Creole cooking, a blend of peppers, onions, and celery, and a gentle kick of spice. Every bite is a celebration of Southern hospitality, perfect for weeknight dinners or festive weekends when you want to serve something truly memorable.

Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe is how each ingredient plays an important role, building layers of flavor, color, and texture. Don’t be intimidated by the list—every item is essential for that signature Creole depth, and most are simple pantry staples!

Large shrimp (1 1/2 pounds, peeled and deveined): Choose fresh or frozen; just make sure they’re tender and juicy for the best results.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle fruity note and helps sauté the vegetables beautifully.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Gives the sauce a creamy, silky finish—feel free to substitute with a dairy-free option if needed.
Onion (1 cup, diced): The base of the Creole “holy trinity,” delivers sweetness and depth.
Green bell pepper (1/2 cup, diced): Offers mild bitterness and gorgeous color.
Celery (1/2 cup, diced): Essential for that authentic Creole flavor profile and a little crunch.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Just a touch brings warmth and aroma to the sauce.
Diced tomatoes, with juices (14.5 oz can): The heart of the sauce, providing tang and body.
Tomato sauce (1/2 cup): Rounds out the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Chicken or seafood broth (1/4 cup): Adds savory depth—shrimp stock is extra special if you have it.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings umami and a touch of complexity.
Hot sauce (1 teaspoon, optional): Adjust to taste for a gentle or bold kick.
Cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon): For a signature Creole heat—add more or less as you like.
Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a smoky undertone that makes the dish unforgettable.
Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Adds herbal notes that tie everything together.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out every flavor in the pot.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Sharpens the other spices and finishes the dish.
Bay leaves (2): Infuse the sauce as it simmers, adding a subtle, earthy aroma.
Green onions (1/4 cup, sliced): Sprinkle on top for a burst of freshness and color.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brightens up each serving with a fresh herbal finish.
Cooked white rice (for serving): The classic, fluffy base that soaks up all that delicious sauce.

How to Make Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. When the butter is melted and bubbly, add the onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté these until they’re softened and aromatic, about 5 to 7 minutes. This trio is the flavor backbone of the Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe, so take your time and let them get nice and tender.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Build the Sauce

Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until fragrant—don’t let it brown. Now, add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, chicken or seafood broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if you want a little extra heat), cayenne, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir everything together until well mixed. You’ll notice the kitchen filling with the most wonderful aromas!

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat to low and let your sauce cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally. This gentle simmer helps the flavors meld and the sauce thicken up just right. If you’re using shrimp stock, this is where it really shines, adding even more seafood richness to your Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe.

Step 4: Add the Shrimp

Once your sauce has thickened, slide in the shrimp. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring gently. The shrimp will turn a beautiful pink and become opaque when they’re done. Be careful not to overcook—they should be plump and juicy, not rubbery.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Remove the bay leaves and turn off the heat. Stir in the green onions and fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. These finishing touches really make the Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe sing, adding brightness to each spoonful.

Step 6: Serve Over Rice

Spoon the shrimp and sauce generously over hot, fluffy white rice. The rice absorbs all that spicy, savory goodness, making every bite a comforting delight. Now you’re ready to enjoy a true Creole classic!

How to Serve Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe

Garnishes

To make your Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe as eye-catching as it is delicious, sprinkle each bowl with a handful of sliced green onions and a dusting of fresh parsley. For a restaurant-worthy finish, add a wedge of lemon on the side or an extra dash of hot sauce for those who like it spicy.

Side Dishes

While a generous scoop of white rice is traditional, you can pair this dish with buttery cornbread, sautéed greens, or a simple green salad to keep things light and fresh. If you want to keep it low-carb, cauliflower rice makes a great substitute that still soaks up all that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe in individual ramekins or shallow bowls at a dinner party, or ladle it over creamy grits for a Southern spin. Leftover sauce also makes a fantastic topping for baked potatoes or grilled fish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Shrimp Creole keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making for an even tastier lunch the next day!

Freezing

If you want to freeze your Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe, it’s best to do so before adding the shrimp. The sauce freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the sauce, reheat, and then add fresh shrimp to cook through for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can become tough if overheated.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before adding to the sauce. Frozen shrimp are a convenient option and work beautifully in this dish.

How spicy is the Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe?

It has a gentle kick from the cayenne and hot sauce, but you can easily adjust the heat to suit your taste. For a milder version, reduce the cayenne and skip the hot sauce; for more heat, add an extra pinch!

What’s the best rice to use?

Classic long-grain white rice is traditional, but jasmine or basmati rice work well too. For a low-carb swap, try cauliflower rice—the sauce is the real star, so it tastes fantastic with any base.

Can I make this Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free, and you can easily substitute olive oil or a vegan butter for the dairy. Just double-check all your sauces and stocks to ensure they’re gluten-free if needed.

Can I use other seafood in this recipe?

Definitely. Crawfish tails, scallops, or chunks of firm white fish are all delicious in Creole sauce. Just adjust the cooking time so your seafood stays tender.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a home-cooked Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe with the people you love. It’s a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a little taste of Louisiana to your table—so don’t wait, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to this Southern classic tonight!

Authentic Shrimp Creole Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Authentic Shrimp Creole recipe captures the bold and vibrant flavors of traditional Creole cooking. Featuring succulent shrimp simmered in a rich, spicy tomato-based sauce with bell peppers, celery, and onions, this dish is perfect served over fluffy white rice. It’s simple to prepare yet packed with depth and spice, making it a comforting Southern classic that brings a taste of New Orleans to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

Vegetables

1 cup onion, diced
1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Liquids & Sauces

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup chicken or seafood broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Spices & Seasonings

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 bay leaves

Serving

Cooked white rice (for serving)

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Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
Prepare the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, chicken or seafood broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce if using, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves to the skillet. Stir everything together well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld beautifully.
Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the simmering sauce. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes just until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, being careful not to overcook them.
Finish the Dish: Remove the bay leaves from the sauce. Stir in the sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
Serve: Spoon the shrimp creole over cooked white rice and serve hot for an authentic Creole experience.

Notes

For extra depth of flavor, substitute shrimp stock for the broth if available.
Adjust the spiciness by adding more cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a hotter dish, or reduce them for a milder version.
Traditionally served over white rice, this dish can also be paired with cauliflower rice to make a low-carb alternative.
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with additional olive oil or a dairy-free margarine.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Creole / Southern