• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Pink Owl Kitchen
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Work with Me
  • E-Cookbook
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Work with Me
    • E-Cookbook
    • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Pink Owl Kitchen » Main Courses » Spicy Shrimp Creole

    Spicy Shrimp Creole

    Published: Aug 2, 2020 · Modified: Feb 22, 2022 by Ashley · This post may contain affiliate links

    JUMP TO RECIPE

    This Shrimp Creole recipe is a classic Louisiana Creole dish featuring tender shrimp, a delicious tomato based sauce with lots of chopped veggies and the perfect amount of spice!

    overhead shot of spicy shrimp creole
    Jump to:
    • A Bit of Creole Cultural and Cuisine History
    • What Is the"Holy Trinity" In Creole Cooking?
    • How to Make Spicy Shrimp Creole
    • Storing Shrimp Creole
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Check Out These Other Incredible Black Food Bloggers and Their Contributions to the 2021 Juneteenth Cookout!

    Join me in celebrating Juneteenth by checking out the list of contributors to the 2021 Juneteenth Virtual Cookout down below. 40+ black creators contributed to this collaborative menu as a Freedom Day tribute. Juneteenth marks our country’s second independence day, the final emancipation of those enslaved in the US, announced in 1865. Join in, share, and help us continue the legacy of celebrating progress. Additionally, you can easily follow each participant by using the hashtag #JuneteenthCookout2021 on Instagram.

    If there is one city that is near and dear to my heart it's New Orleans. Being from Mississippi, this is a city I've had the pleasure of visiting several times. I love the Creole cultural influence present in Louisiana, especially in the delicious cuisine.

    New Orleans and Creole Cuisine are the influence behind the recipe I'm sharing today. Shrimp Creole is a classic Louisiana Creole dish that features incredible flavors, including a tomato broth and what's known as the "Holy Trinity" to season the dish.

    side angle shot of spicy shrimp creole

    A Bit of Creole Cultural and Cuisine History

    Creole people are of an ethnic group called ‘Creoles’, a term coined through creolisation, cultural, racial and linguistic mixing of the immigrants of Europe during the colonial era.

    A big part of the Creoles were major ethnic groups in Africa (Cape Verde and Equatorial Guinea). Portuguese and African people made up a large part of the Creole group during this era and you can see their cultural influence heavily in Creole cuisine.

    African link to Creole cuisine is perhaps strongest with regard to food preparation techniques and cooking methods. The most frequent practice, however, was the use of mortar and pestle for pounding dry peppers, seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetables.

    This is how the well-known Creole "roux" originated and has transformed into the brown gravy sauce consisting of flour browned in oil along with browned vegetables that we know today. Roux is the base of many of today's Creole dishes.

    Some other well-known Creole dishes are:

    • Gumbo
    • Crawfish étouffée
    • Jambalaya
    • Red Beans and Rice
    • Bananas Foster
    • Beignets

    What Is the"Holy Trinity" In Creole Cooking?

    The Holy Trinity in Cajun and Louisiana Creole cuisine is the base for several dishes in the regional cuisines of Louisiana and consists of onions, bell peppers and celery. The preparation of Cajun/Creole dishes such as crawfish étouffée, gumbo, and jambalaya all start from this base.

    The holy trinity is the Cajun and Louisiana Creole variant of mirepoix, which traditionally is two parts onions, one part carrots, and one part celery. In contrast, the holy trinity is typically equal measures of the three ingredients or one part onions, one part green bell pepper, and one part celery. 

    holy trinity

    How to Make Spicy Shrimp Creole

    In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and season with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper and cook until fragrant, another minute or two.

    Add vegetable or chicken broth and bay leaves and bring to a boil. Add crushed tomatoes, reduce heat to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, about 12-15 minutes.

    Add balsamic vinegar and brown sugar and continue to cook for another 10-12 minutes. Taste sauce after adding balsamic and brown sugar and add more seasonings to taste if necessary. I usually end up adding a good bit more salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano and a pinch more cayenne pepper.

    While tomato sauce is simmering, heat oil in a separate skillet over medium high heat. Add seasoned shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side.

    Add green onions and hot sauce to skillet with tomato mixture and stir to combine. Remove from heat and serve Shrimp Creole over cooked and buttered white rice.

    overhead shot of spicy shrimp creole

    Storing Shrimp Creole

    You can store any leftovers in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

    To freeze Shrimp Creole, allow it to cool to room temperature then transfer to a large freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible and store bags of Shrimp Creole lying flat on a freezer shelf for up 30 days. Thaw frozen Shrimp Creole overnight in the refrigerator.

    close up of spicy shrimp creole

    You Will Also Love This Blackened Catfish and Smoked Gouda Grits Recipe!

    📖 Recipe

    overhead shot of spicy shrimp creole

    Spicy Shrimp Creole

    Ashley
    This Shrimp Creole recipe is a classic Louisiana Creole dish featuring tender shrimp, a delicious tomato based sauce with lots of chopped veggies and the perfect amount of spice!
    4.34 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 249 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ½ lbs shrimp peeled and deveined
    • 2 tablespoon butter
    • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
    • 1 green bell pepper chopped
    • 2 ribs celery chopped
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • Salt to taste
    • 1 tablespoon paprika
    • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
    • 2 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 2 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 2 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon chipotle pepper
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1 ½ cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
    • 2 bay leaves
    • 1 15-oz. can crushed tomatoes
    • 2 green onion bulbs sliced, plus more for garnish
    • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon hot sauce optional
    • 1 teaspoon olive oil extra virgin
    • Cooked and buttered white rice for serving

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with a little salt, pepper, garlic powder and chipotle pepper. Set aside.
    • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion, pepper, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and season with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle pepper and cayenne and cook until fragrant, another minute or two. Add chicken broth and bay leaves and bring to a boil.
    • Add tomatoes, reduce heat to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, about 12-15 minutes. Add balsamic vinegar and brown sugar and cook for another 10-15 minutes until thickened. Taste sauce after adding balsamic and brown sugar and add more seasoning to taste.
    • While tomato sauce is simmering, heat olive oil in a separate skillet over medium high heat. . Add seasoned shrimp shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side.
    • Add cooked shrimp, green onions and hot sauce to tomato sauce, stir to combine and turn off heat. Serve shrimp creole over buttered white rice.

    Notes

    Nutrition facts do not include rice.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 249kcalCarbohydrates: 25.7gProtein: 28.8gFat: 4.9gSaturated Fat: 1.8gCholesterol: 226mgSodium: 696mgPotassium: 1088mgFiber: 6.7gSugar: 3.6gCalcium: 152mgIron: 7mg
    Keyword cajun cuisine, creole cuisine, shrimp creole, southern food
    Tried this recipe?Tag @thepinkowlkitchen on Instagram! And don't forget to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and review!

    Check Out These Other Incredible Black Food Bloggers and Their Contributions to the 2021 Juneteenth Cookout!

    Gluten Free Peach Cobbler (Vegan) by Good Food Baddie

    Crispy Gluten-free Baked BBQ Chicken Wings by Gristle and Gossip

    Summer Watermelon Fizz by Handy Chef

    Watermelon and Cucumber Salad by Heal Me Delicious

    Smoky Party Style Jollof Rice by Immaculate Ruemu

    Crab Boil & Garlic Butter Sauce by Jamieson Diaries

    Tamarind BBQ Wings by Just Add Hot Sauce

    Hibiscus Rum Punch by Kenneth Temple

    Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream by Lenox Bakery

    Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches by Mash & Spread

    Grilled Hot Links & Chow Chow by Meiko And The Dish

    Strawberry Lemonade Sangria by Nik Snacks

    Brown Sugar Caramel No-Churn Ice Cream by Open Invitation Entertainment

    Strawberry Basil Pineapple Mocktail by Orchids + Sweet Tea Lemon Meringue Tart by Peaches 2 Peaches

    Watermelon Ice Pops  by A Girl Called Adri

    Juneteenth Soul Rolls by Black Girls Who Brunch

    Honey Buttermilk Biscuits with Roasted Strawberries by Britney Breaks Bread

    Strawberry Collins by Brownbelle

    Peach Cobbler Cinnamon Rolls by Butter Be Ready

    Red Hot Pepper Shrimps by Chef and Steward

    Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins by Chef Curl Ardee

    Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake by Chenée Today

    Vegan Ranch Style Beans by Collards Are The Old Kale

    Jamaican Jerk BBQ Ribs by Cooks with Soul

    Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw by Crumb-Snatched

    Strawberry-Basil Sorbet by D.M.R. Fine Foods

    Red Velvet Layer Cake with Chocolate Covered Strawberries by Dash of Jazz

    Red Velvet Cookies by Dish It With Tisha

    Brisket Stuffed Baked Sweet Potatoes by Dude That Cookz

    BBQ Baked Beans by Food Fidelity

    Black Eyed Pea Salad by FoodLoveTogHarissa Honey Roasted Vegetable Skewers by Geo’s Table

    Strawberry Crunch Cake Brownies by Razzle Dazzle Life

    Grilled Maque Choux Salad by Savor and Sage

    Savannah Red Rice by Seasoned To Taste

    Country Style Potato Salad by Sense & Edibility

    Deviled Eggs by Slight Kitchen Werk

    Rum Punch by Sweet & Sorrel

    Mint Julep by Sweet Tea + Thyme

    Almond Peach Cake by That Green Lyfe

    Strawberry Cobbler Galette by The Dana Renée Way

    Strawberry Baby Back Ribs by This Worthey Life

    More Main Courses

    • Cajun Jambalaya Pasta
    • Easy Southern Salmon Croquettes
    • Southern Smothered Chicken
    • Easy Cajun Salmon Recipe

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Melissa Green

      August 21, 2020 at 3:16 pm

      5 stars
      This was so deliCious! Spicy and saucY ans tomato-y.....mmmm! I added chicken and served it Over cauliflower rice. Will definitely make again! I will cook the celery mixture for a little longer next time, i found it a little crunc for my liking. Great recipe! And wonderfully spicy!❤️

      Reply
      • Ashley

        August 21, 2020 at 3:38 pm

        Hi Melissa! I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe! The addition of chicken and cauliflower rice sounds wonderful.

        Reply
    2. Kelly Bone

      August 29, 2021 at 7:50 pm

      This recipe was delicious! I made it for our dinner party and forgot to take a picture. Cajun is not something I usually prepare, but this was easy to assemble and full of wonderful flavors. It is always a good sign when you wake up the next day and want to eat it for breakfast!
      I will keep this recipe in rotation. Thank you for posting.

      Reply

    Share Your Thoughts! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Ashley sitting on a counter making salad.

    Hi! I'm Ashley.

    I am a new mom, wife, and creator of all you see here at Pink Owl Kitchen. All of our recipes are influenced by my southern upbringing and are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients to encourage families to come together around the dinner table more!

    Learn more about me →

    Trending Recipes

    • Southern Candied Yams (Old Fashioned Soul Food Recipe)
    • Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
    • Southern Sweet Potato Pie
    • Cajun Dirty Rice with Smoked Sausage

    As Seen In!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy and Disclaimers
    • About

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Pink Owl Kitchen LLC | All Rights Reserved