Description
Dive into the vibrant and bold flavors of the South with this Homemade Cajun Style Shrimp Creole! This classic Louisiana dish is brimming with succulent shrimp, a rich tomato-based sauce, and the perfect kick of Cajun spices. It’s a comforting, one-pan meal that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice or crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth to the skillet.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve the shrimp creole over cooked white rice or with crusty bread.
- Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of freshness.
Notes
- Fresh Shrimp is Key: Use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp for the best flavor.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the cayenne pepper and hot sauce to suit your spice tolerance.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American