5 from 1 vote

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.

Shrimp creole in a blue dutch oven.


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.
Ingredients on a marble counter.

How to Make Shrimp Creole

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    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.
    Collage of preparing the recipe in a pan.
    • 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.
    The recipe over a bed rice in a bowl.

    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.
    The recipe in a dutch oven with a serving spoon.

    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.
    The recipe in a bowl over a bed of rice.

    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.
    The recipe in a bowl with rice with a spoon.

    Shrimp Recipes

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

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    5 from 1 vote

    Shrimp Creole

    Created by Stacie Vaughan
    Servings 6
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 25 minutes
    Total Time 35 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!

    SAVE THIS RECIPE!

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    Ingredients
     
     

    • 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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    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




    60 Comments

    1. Delicious! It’s been a long time since I’ve had Shrimp Creole. I like mine spicy too!

    2. Beautiful dish and the flavours seem like they would be bright and zesty especially with the addition of the pepper.

    3. Karen Evans says:

      I don’t est anything from the ocean (or meat) but my friend Shirley is from “down east”. I am going to give her the recipe. Thank You!! 🙂

    4. kathy downey says:

      this is worth the try,its delish

    5. kathy downey says:

      this is a keeper for sure

    6. Mm going to make this tomorrow night!

    7. Michael Lambert says:

      Wow, this sounds really good. May have to try this recipe.

    8. kathy downey says:

      wow,this sure is my kinda dish !

    9. Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe! Sounds fabulous and I wilol be checking this one out for sure!

    10. Shannon Gnocato says:

      OMG does this sound delish!

    11. Lisa Konieczke says:

      Oh for the love of food!!! I love Shrimp and I love spicy! I lave adding new recipes to change up our menu to keep it from getting boring. I definitely want to try this recipe… making me hungry!

    12. This looks wonderful. My husband loves Creole food and your recipe looks great!

    13. WOW! This looks so good!! Thank you for sharing the recipe.

    14. My daughter and I love shrimp recipes and I will enjoy making this for her when she comes home.This looks fantastic.Thank you.

    15. Sandra K VanHoey says:

      This looks so good. If I had all the ingredients in the house right now, I would be making this tonight

    16. Lalita Malone says:

      I love shrimp and this looks so yummy! Thanks for the recipe, Stacie!

    17. That looks so delicious Stacie! We are a shrimp loving family. Mmm!

    18. Treen Goodwin says:

      This looks delish , i have never tried this before , but i will be trying it out the next time i have fresh shrimp , thanks for sharing 🙂

    19. Doris Calvert says:

      I always wanted to make this, going to give it a try this weekend, looks good, thanks!

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