Louisiana Creole cooking is renowned for its vibrant flavors and rich history. This recipe brings that iconic taste home, offering a delicious and surprisingly easy shrimp creole dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this explosion of seafood and spices! This healthy meal is also a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest – quick, easy and packed with flavor. It's one of the best recipes you'll find for a flavorful and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup shrimp broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or less, to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavor base of your delicious dish.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), shrimp broth, parsley, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 3: Thicken (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk together the flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Shrimp
Gently stir in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become tough.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Louisiana Shrimp Creole hot over cooked rice. Garnish with extra parsley, if desired. This simple yet flavorful dish is a perfect example of quick dinner ideas that don't compromise on taste.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or okra.
- Substitute chicken broth for shrimp broth if needed.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of olive oil and butter for sautéing.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for brightness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This Louisiana Shrimp Creole recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy this taste of the bayou from the comfort of your own kitchen! It's a testament to the magic of homemade cooking and a surefire way to impress your friends and family with its incredible flavor. This recipe truly exemplifies some of the best recipes available for seafood lovers.