How To Make A Louisiana Homemade Shrimp Creole At Home

(KHLA - Lake Charles, Louisiana) - Louisiana cuisine is known for many amazing flavorful dishes, and Shrimp Creole is one of the best of the bunch.

Use these easy-to-follow instructions to impress your friends and family with cooking one of Louisiana's signature dishes at home.

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Shrimp Creole Ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

• 1½ lbs raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 tbsp Creole seasoning (like Tony Chachere’s or make your own)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

• 1 tsp hot sauce (like Tabasco – optional, for heat)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter (or oil)

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for a slight thickening roux)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 cup chicken or seafood stock

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp thyme (dried or fresh)

• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional:

• Pinch of cayenne pepper (for heat)

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

To Serve:

• Cooked white rice

Step-by-Step Shrimp Creole Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

• In a bowl, toss shrimp with Creole seasoning, lemon juice, and a dash of hot sauce.

• Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Make a Light Roux

• In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.

• Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2–3 minutes until it turns light brown. This adds depth and slightly thickens the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Holy Trinity

• Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pan.

• Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until vegetables are soft and slightly golden.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Spices

• Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

• Add paprika, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne (optional).

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

• Stir in:

  • Diced tomatoes (with juice)

  • Tomato sauce

  • Chicken or seafood stock

  • Worcestershire sauce

  • Bay leaf

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Bring to a simmer, then lower heat and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and become rich in flavor.

Step 6: Add the Shrimp

• Add shrimp to the simmering sauce.

• Cook for 5–7 minutes, just until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Don’t overcook – shrimp turn rubbery fast.

• Remove bay leaf.

Step 7: Serve

• Spoon Shrimp Creole over a bed of hot cooked white rice.

• Garnish with chopped parsley and green onions if desired.

Shrimp Creole Tips:

• For more heat, add more cayenne or hot sauce at the end.

• For a deeper flavor, make the sauce a day ahead — it gets better overnight.

• You can substitute shrimp with crawfish or add a few pieces of smoked sausage for a twist.

READ MORE: How To Make A Cajun Catfish Atchafalaya

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