Shrimp Creole

Shrimp Creole is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl—bold, comforting, and packed with incredible flavor. It’s zesty, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make, making it the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner that feels a little bit special.

Don’t let the name fool you; Shrimp Creole is easier than it sounds. With just a few basic ingredients and one pan, you can create a dish that tastes like it’s straight out of New Orleans. The best part? Most of the work is hands-off, giving you more time to relax while dinner practically cooks itself.

This recipe is a favorite when craving something rich and flavorful with a little spicy kick. Juicy shrimp, a savory tomato-based sauce, and a bed of fluffy rice—what’s not to love?

Why You’ll This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and one pan, this recipe is perfect, even if you’re short on time or energy.
• Bold Flavors: Combining spices, shrimp, and a rich tomato-based sauce creates a flavorful dish.
• Customizable Heat: You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste—mild or extra spicy, it’s up to you!
• Perfect for Weeknights: It’s quick to prepare and pairs easily with cooked rice for a complete meal.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Bring the taste of New Orleans to your kitchen with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Shrimp Creole is a hit with everyone whether it’s a family dinner or a small gathering.

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Shrimp: The star of the dish, adding a juicy, tender bite that soaks up all the Creole flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a velvety base for sautéing the vegetables.
• Sweet Onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
• Green Pepper: A classic Creole ingredient that adds freshness and a slight crunch.
• Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic, savory notes.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings the signature heat and spice that Shrimp Creole is known for.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Add an extra kick of heat for those who love spice.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the flavors in the dish.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the tomato-based sauce to a perfect consistency.
• Diced Tomatoes (with juices): Forms the rich, tangy base of the Creole sauce.
• Green Onions (optional): A fresh, flavorful garnish that adds a pop of color.
• Cooked Rice: The perfect bed for soaking up the savory sauce and shrimp.

How to Make Shrimp Creole

Follow along to learn how to make Shrimp Creole!

• Step One: Melt the butter over medium heat in a large saucepan.
• Step Two: Add in onion, green pepper, and garlic, and sauté for 10 minutes until onion is softened and translucent.
• Step Three: Stir in cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and cornstarch before bringing to a boil.

• Step Four: Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in shrimp. Simmer, covered, for 6 to 10 minutes or until shrimp is cooked.
• Step Five: Serve over a bed of rice and top with green onions, if desired.

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What to Serve with It

• Fluffy White Rice: The classic pairing that soaks up all the spicy, savory sauce. You can also try brown or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Crusty French Bread: Perfect for scooping up every last drop of that rich tomato sauce. Bonus points if it’s warm and buttered!
• Simple Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the dish’s bold flavors.
• Cornbread: A slightly sweet and buttery cornbread makes a great Southern-inspired side.
• Steamed Vegetables: Keep it light with steamed green beans, asparagus, or broccoli on the side.
• Fried Okra: Add a side of crispy fried okra to your plate for an authentic Louisiana vibe.
• Sweet Tea or Iced Lemonade: Complete the meal with a refreshing drink to cool off the heat of the spices.

Variations and Substitutions

• Seafood Swap: Don’t have shrimp? Try substituting with crawfish, scallops, or chunks of firm white fish like cod or tilapia.
• Chicken Creole: Diced chicken breast or thighs make a great alternative if you’re not a seafood fan. Cook them thoroughly before adding to the sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the shrimp and bulk the dish with diced zucchini, mushrooms, or canned chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Milder Heat: Tone the spice by reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. You can always add hot sauce to the table for those who want more heat.
• Spicier Creole: Love the heat? Add extra cayenne, red pepper flakes, or even a splash of your favorite hot sauce for a fiery kick.
• Low-Carb Swap: Serve over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or mashed cauliflower instead of regular rice for a lighter option.
• Tomato Alternatives: If you’re out of canned diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes or even fresh, diced tomatoes can work in a pinch—just adjust the seasoning to taste.
• Herb Garnish: Not a fan of green onions? Top the dish with chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh finish.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, place the cooled Shrimp Creole (without the rice) in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. You can also reheat it in the microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Opt for fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture possible. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and pat them dry before adding to the dish.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them! Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Aim for a pink, opaque color to know they’re perfectly done.
• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chop the vegetables and measure the spices before cooking. This makes the process smoother and stress-free.
• Adjust the Spice: The heat level is customizable! Start with less cayenne and red pepper flakes, then add more to taste as it cooks.
• Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it while simmering.
• Go Fresh: Freshly chopped green onions or parsley make a big difference as a garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
• Let the Flavors Meld: The sauce tastes even better after simmering for a bit, so don’t rush the process. The flavors deepen as they cook together.
• Double It Up: This recipe doubles easily if you’re serving a crowd or want leftovers for the week. Just use a larger pan to accommodate everything.
• Serve Immediately: Shrimp Creole is best enjoyed fresh and hot, straight off the stove. Serve it over freshly cooked rice for the ultimate comfort meal.

Shrimp Recipes

• Shrimp Chowder
• Garlic Shrimp with Chilli Pesto Pasta
• Curried Shrimp Rolls
• Zesty Shrimp Flatbread
• Shrimp Salad
• Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
• Air Fryer Shrimp

You’ll also like Manhattan Clam Chowder, Cajun Seasoning, and Oven Baked Chicken Fried Rice.

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Rate this Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Shrimp Creole

Created by Stacie Vaughan

Servings 6

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Shrimp Creole is a flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender shrimp in a spicy tomato sauce. Easy to make, customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners!

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Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 lb shrimp uncooked, deveined, tails removed
• ▢ ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ▢ 1 sweet onion chopped
• ▢ 1 green pepper chopped
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• ▢ ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• ▢ ½ tsp salt
• ▢ 2 tbsp cornstarch
• ▢ 1 can diced tomatoes 28oz can
• ▢ 2 green onions chopped (optional)
• ▢ 6 cups cooked rice to serve

Instructions

• In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add in onion, green pepper and garlic and sauté for 10 minutes until onion is softened and translucent.
• Stir in cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, diced tomatoes (with their juices), cornstarch and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in shrimp. Simmer, covered, for 6 to 10 minutes or until shrimp is cooked.
• Serve over a bed of rice and top with green onions, if desired.

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Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 411kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 180mg | Sodium: 1126mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Course Main Dishes

Cuisine American

Keyword shrimp

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