Easy Shrimp Creole is a delicious dish that brings the flavors of the South right to your kitchen. This dish is not just packed with flavor but is also quick and simple to make. With a blend of juicy shrimp, vegetables, and a rich sauce, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe for Easy Shrimp Creole is ideal for several reasons. First, it combines fresh shrimp with tasty vegetables, making it a healthy choice. Secondly, it cooks in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days. Moreover, you likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. This dish is both satisfying and uncomplicated, which is why it’s a favorite in many homes.
How to Make Easy Shrimp Creole
Making Easy Shrimp Creole is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these simple steps, and you will have a delightful meal ready in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 1/2 cup onion (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon water
Directions
- In a medium-sized skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and celery to the skillet. Cook until they become tender.
- Once the vegetables are tender, add the minced garlic and sauté for one minute.
- Add the stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, cover, and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until the shrimp are cooked thoroughly.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth. Stir it into the sauce in the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to thicken the sauce.
How to Serve Easy Shrimp Creole
Serve your Easy Shrimp Creole over a bed of rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also enjoy it with some crusty bread on the side. Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions on top can add a nice touch.
How to Store Easy Shrimp Creole
To store any leftovers, let the shrimp creole cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat before serving.
Tips to Make Easy Shrimp Creole
- Use fresh shrimp if possible for the best flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or hot sauce.
- Add other vegetables like diced tomatoes or corn for extra flavor and texture.
- If you like a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of cornstarch.
Variation
You can easily make this dish with other types of seafood, such as scallops or fish. If shrimp is not available, simply substitute with your favorite seafood. You can also make a vegetarian version by using firm tofu and adding more vegetables.
FAQs
1. Can I make Easy Shrimp Creole ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. It tastes even better the next day!
2. Can I freeze Easy Shrimp Creole?
Yes, this dish can be frozen. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
3. Is Easy Shrimp Creole spicy?
The level of spice can be adjusted based on your preference. If you want it milder, reduce the amount of chili powder or skip it altogether.
Easy Shrimp Creole
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1/2 cup onion diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 14.5 ounce can stewed tomatoes
- 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon water
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium-sized skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and celery to the skillet. Cook until they become tender.
- Once the vegetables are tender, add the minced garlic and sauté for one minute.
Cooking
- Add the stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, cover, and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the shrimp are cooked thoroughly.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth. Stir it into the sauce in the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to thicken the sauce.
