The Best Homemade Shrimp Creole Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This shrimp creole recipe is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings a taste of Louisiana to your kitchen. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up, even on busy weeknights.
- Bold, vibrant flavors – The mix of tomatoes, peppers, and spices creates a rich, tangy sauce that’s packed with depth.
- Quick and fuss-free – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute dinners without sacrificing taste.
- Versatile and satisfying – Serve it over rice, with crusty bread, or even as a filling for tacos—it’s delicious every way!
Recipe

This Homemade Shrimp Creole recipe brings the bold flavors of Louisiana to your kitchen. It’s a comforting dish featuring succulent shrimp simmered in a rich, tomato-based sauce with a blend of aromatic spices. Perfect for a hearty meal that’s both quick and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken or seafood stock
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, stock, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add shrimp to the sauce and cook for 5-7 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Remove bay leaves and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve hot over cooked rice.
Notes:
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
- Fresh shrimp can be substituted with frozen shrimp (thaw before cooking).
- For a deeper flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
Equipment:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Cuisine:
Louisiana Creole
Serving:
4 servings
Nutrition
This homemade shrimp creole is packed with flavor and nutrients. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 320 | 28g | 12g | 25g | 3g | 8g | 850mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my shrimp creole with fluffy white rice—it soaks up the sauce perfectly. A side of buttery cornbread or a crisp green salad adds just the right balance. If you’re feeling fancy, try pairing it with garlicky sautéed greens for a classic Southern touch.
Side Dishes Suggestions
When you’re serving up a flavorful dish like shrimp creole, it’s all about finding sides that complement its rich, tangy sauce without stealing the spotlight. I love pairing it with fluffy white rice—it’s simple and lets the creole shine. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness, balancing the bold flavors. Steamed, buttered cornbread is another favorite; its slight sweetness works beautifully with the dish. For a veggie option, I often roast asparagus or zucchini—it’s easy and adds color to the plate. These sides keeps the meal focused on the star: that delicious shrimp creole!
Classic Pairing Choices
While shrimp creole’s bold flavors can easily stand on their own, it’s even better when paired with classic, tried-and-true sides that enhance every bite. I love serving it over fluffy white rice—it soaks up the rich sauce perfectly. A crusty baguette or buttery cornbread is great for mopping up every last drop. For freshness, a simple green salad or tangy coleslaw balances the dish’s spice. And don’t forget a cold beer or sweet iced tea to wash it all down. These pairings turn a great meal into something unforgettable, trust me!