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The Best Quick & Easy Authentic Louisiana Shrimp Creole

A vibrant bowl of Shrimp Creole featuring large seasoned shrimp and green peppers in a rich tomato sauce, served next to a mound of white rice.
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Make this classic Louisiana Shrimp Creole for a bold, flavorful, and comforting Southern seafood dinner. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for weeknights, delivering authentic Cajun spice without needing a roux.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more for extra heat)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
  4. Add the salt, black pepper, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the simmering sauce. Stir gently.
  6. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque throughout. Do not overcook the shrimp.
  7. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings, adding more salt or cayenne pepper if desired for a bolder flavor.
  8. Serve the Shrimp Creole immediately over hot cooked white rice. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the chicken broth with dry white wine.
  • If you prefer serving this Southern comfort food with grits instead of rice, prepare your grits while the sauce simmers.
  • This recipe makes a great spicy shrimp dish perfect for a family dinner seafood night.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/shrimp-creole-best-quick-easy-authentic-recipe/