How To Cook A Louisiana Shrimp Creole

(KHLA - Lake Charles, Louisiana) - If you want to try a taste of Louisiana, Shrimp Creole is a great place to start.

It’s a spicy, flavorful dish that’s easy enough for beginners to make.

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Shrimp Creole is shrimp cooked in a tomato-based sauce with lots of tasty vegetables and spices. It’s usually served over rice.

Here’s how you can make a Louisiana Shrimp Creole at home:

Ingredients

• 1 pound of shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• 2 tablespoons of butter

• 1 small onion (chopped)

• 1 green bell pepper (chopped)

• 2 celery stalks (chopped)

• 3 cloves of garlic (minced)

• 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes

• 1/2 cup of tomato sauce

• 1/2 cup of chicken broth (or water)

• 1 teaspoon of hot sauce (like Tabasco) — optional

• 1 teaspoon of Creole seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)

• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

• 1 bay leaf

• 2 cups of cooked white rice

• Chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)

Louisiana Shrimp Creole Cooking Directions

Step 1: Cook the Vegetables

Melt the butter in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables get soft. Stir often so they don’t burn.

Step 2: Add the Garlic and Tomatoes

Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Then, pour in the diced tomatoes (juice and all), tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir everything together.

Step 3: Season the Sauce

Add the hot sauce (if using), Creole seasoning, salt, black pepper, and the bay leaf. Stir well. Turn the heat down a little and let the sauce simmer (that means small bubbles) for about 15–20 minutes. Stir it now and then.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

After the sauce has thickened a little, add the shrimp to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Don’t overcook them — shrimp cook fast!

Step 5: Serve

Remove the bay leaf and throw it away. Spoon the Shrimp Creole over a bowl of hot, cooked rice. If you want, sprinkle chopped green onions on top for extra flavor.

Tips For The Best Louisiana Shrimp Creole

• If you like it spicier, add more hot sauce!

• You can use frozen shrimp — just thaw them first.

• Some people like to add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a fresh taste.

Shrimp Creole is a dish full of flavor, and it brings the spirit of Louisiana right into your kitchen. Try it out and impress your family and friends.

READ MORE: How To Make Louisiana Cajun Boudin At Home

READ MORE: How To Make A Louisiana Cajun Pastalaya