Name: Shrimp Creole Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1/2 cup onion, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes; 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 Tablespoon chili powder; 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 Tablespoon cornstarch; 1 Tablespoon water

If you’re craving a flavorful, comforting dish that’s quick enough for weeknights but still packed with big, bold flavors, this Shrimp Creole Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this dish brings a taste of New Orleans right into my kitchen, with its rich tomato base, vibrant veggies, and perfectly cooked shrimp. Stick with me, and by the end, you’ll have a fan-freaking-tastic dish everyone will be asking for again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Whip up a hearty, restaurant-worthy meal in just about 20 minutes.
Bold Flavors: The combination of spices, veggies, and tomato sauce creates a rich, tangy sauce that shrimp soak up beautifully.
Healthy & Balanced: Loaded with fresh veggies and lean protein, this dish hits the comfort food spot without being heavy.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this Shrimp Creole recipe, and it’s a hit whether it’s a casual dinner or special occasion.

The close-up image shows a rich, red tomato sauce filled with large, orange cooked shrimp spread evenly, some curled and some slightly straight, mixed with diced vegetables including green bell peppers and onions, all covered in a glossy, thick sauce. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on top adding color contrast. The textures range from the smooth sauce to the firm, bumpy shrimp shells and the soft vegetable chunks. The scene feels warm and inviting with vibrant colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Shrimp Creole, Shrimp Creole recipe, New Orleans Shrimp Creole, easy shrimp Creole, flavorful shrimp Creole dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Shrimp Creole recipe comes from its simple yet vibrant ingredients that work so well together. When shopping, look for fresh produce and quality shrimp—you’ll taste the difference.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil, one diced green bell pepper, one small white ceramic bowl of diced onion, two celery stalks, three whole garlic cloves, one small white ceramic bowl of stewed tomatoes, one small white ceramic bowl of tomato sauce, one small white ceramic bowl of chicken broth, one small white ceramic bowl of chili powder, one small white ceramic bowl of Worcestershire sauce, one pound of large raw shrimp peeled and deveined, one small white ceramic bowl of cornstarch, one small white ceramic bowl of water placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Shrimp Creole, Shrimp Creole recipe, New Orleans Shrimp Creole, easy shrimp Creole, flavorful shrimp Creole dish

Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil adds a nice fruitiness and helps soften the veggies without overpowering the dish.
Green Bell Pepper: Gives a sweet, slightly grassy flavor and adds that classic Creole freshness.
Onion: Provides the savory base every great sauce needs.
Celery: Adds crunch and a subtle earthy flavor that rounds out the veggies.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is essential for that warm aroma and depth of flavor.
Stewed Tomatoes: These bring body and tanginess—perfect for that rich creole sauce texture.
Tomato Sauce: Helps create a smooth, hearty base for the stew.
Chicken Broth: Adds some savory moisture and layers of flavor without heaviness.
Chili Powder: Delivers a little kick of spice—don’t worry, it’s balanced and not too hot.
Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for umami and a touch of complexity that takes the sauce over the top.
Large Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp cook fast and soak up the sauce wonderfully.
Cornstarch: Mixed with water to thicken the sauce just right, giving it that perfect consistency.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Shrimp Creole recipe my own by slightly tweaking it depending on what’s on hand or how spicy I’m feeling. Don’t be afraid to adjust and make it your signature dish!

Spice it Up: I sometimes add cayenne pepper or hot sauce when I want more heat—it really wakes up the flavors.
Swap the Shrimp: Occasionally, I use crab meat or small chunks of fish for a different twist, and it’s just as delicious.
Make it Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but just double-check your Worcestershire sauce to be sure.
Veggie Boost: Try adding okra or diced zucchini for extra texture and to bulk up the veggies.

How to Make Shrimp Creole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggie Trio

Heat your olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced green bell pepper, onion, and celery and cook them gently until they soften—usually about 5 minutes. You’ll want the veggies tender but still vibrant. Then stir in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about a minute. The aroma here is unbeatable and signals that your base is ready for the next step.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce and Cook Shrimp

Pour in your canned stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the chili powder and Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir to combine those layers of flavor. Now, nestle in the peeled and deveined shrimp, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them—nobody likes rubbery shrimp! This simmering step melds all those flavors together beautifully.

Step 3: Thicken to Perfection

Mix your cornstarch with water until smooth, then slowly stir this slurry into the bubbling sauce. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a luscious, spoon-coating consistency. This simple trick makes your Shrimp Creole feel indulgently rich without using heavy cream or flour.

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Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Creole Recipe

Choose Fresh Shrimp: Using fresh or properly thawed shrimp ensures juicy, tender bites rather than rubbery ones.
Don’t Skip the Simmer: Let the sauce simmer uncovered first so the flavors concentrate before adding shrimp and cornstarch.
Adjust Thickness Gradually: Add the cornstarch mixture slowly—too much thickener can make the sauce gloopy.
Layer Your Spices: I like to toast the chili powder briefly with the veggies to unlock more flavor before adding liquids.

How to Serve Shrimp Creole Recipe

In a white bowl on a white marbled surface, there is a dish with two layers: the bottom layer is white rice with a soft and fluffy texture, pushed slightly to one side. The top layer is a rich red sauce mixed with cooked green and red vegetables, and several orange shrimp with curled tails arranged in a way that they stand out on top. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled over the shrimp and sauce for garnish. A silver spoon rests on the right edge of the bowl. The edge of a gray striped cloth is visible in the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Shrimp Creole, Shrimp Creole recipe, New Orleans Shrimp Creole, easy shrimp Creole, flavorful shrimp Creole dish

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top—it adds a pop of color and fresh, slightly peppery notes that balance the rich sauce perfectly. A wedge of lemon on the side is also fantastic if you want a zingy brightness.

Side Dishes

This Shrimp Creole shines served over fluffy white rice, which soaks up the saucy goodness. Sometimes I pair it with crusty French bread or buttery grits for a true Southern comfort feeling. For something lighter, steamed green beans or a crisp salad work beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, try presenting the Shrimp Creole in individual ramekins with rice molded in a small bowl beside it, garnished with extra herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. It instantly makes the dish feel elegant and festive, perfect for impressing guests without a ton of extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftover Shrimp Creole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, the sauce deepens in flavor even more, making for a tasty second round of this dish.

Freezing

Freezing works if you want to prep ahead, but I recommend freezing before adding shrimp because they tend to get a bit rubbery once frozen and reheated. Freeze the sauce base alone, then thaw and cook shrimp fresh when ready to eat.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If the sauce thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Avoid microwave reheating where possible, to keep shrimp tender.

FAQs

Can I make this Shrimp Creole recipe spicy?

Absolutely! You can easily adjust the heat by adding more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce. Start small and taste as you go to reach your preferred spice level.
What can I use instead of shrimp?

If you’re not a shrimp fan or want to try something different, crab meat, crawfish, or firm white fish like catfish make excellent substitutes and still pair beautifully with the Creole sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This Shrimp Creole recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and chicken broth. Always double-check those labels if gluten is a concern.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

You can, though canned stewed tomatoes and tomato sauce give the sauce its signature texture and flavor. If using fresh, be prepared for a slightly lighter sauce, and you may want to cook it down longer.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Creole recipe has become my go-to when I want something quick but hearty, with that great Southern spice and soul food vibe. I love sharing it with friends because it’s impressive without being complicated, and the flavors are just irresistible. Seriously, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation—I promise you’ll be hooked!