Name: The Best Shrimp Creole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Creole
Ingredients: 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 medium green bell pepper, seeds and membrane removed, finely chopped; 2-3 stalks celery, chopped (about the same amount as green bell pepper); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus sprigs for garnish; 1 tablespoon Cajun/Creole seasoning (or to taste); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 bay leaf; Tabasco sauce, to taste; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons canola oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 can (15-ounce) tomato sauce; 1 cup water (about half the can to rinse it out); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined, tail removed; Cooked rice; Lemon wedges

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 51 reviews

If you’re ready to dive into a dish bursting with bold flavors, vibrant colors, and that perfect Southern charm, then you absolutely must try The Best Shrimp Creole Recipe. This classic Louisiana favorite is a harmonious celebration of tender shrimp swimming in a rich, tomato-based sauce, enhanced by a fragrant mix of herbs and spices. Every spoonful brings a lively dance of textures and tastes that feels like a warm, welcoming hug from the bayou. It’s the kind of recipe that turns ordinary weeknights into special occasions with minimal fuss but maximum flair.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each containing different ingredients for a recipe. In the bottom right, there is a large bowl with raw white shrimp. Above it, a round bowl holds bright red tomato sauce. To the left of the tomato sauce, there is a small bowl with green chopped celery. Above the celery, another bowl contains chopped white onions. To the right of the onions, a smaller bowl has diced green bell peppers. Around these main bowls, there are smaller bowls with various spices including red, brown, and green powders, whole garlic cloves, a bay leaf, lemon wedges, finely chopped green herbs, and small portions of oils and liquids with golden, amber, and dark brown shades. All bowls are transparent glass, and the colors of the ingredients stand out clearly against the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make The Best Shrimp Creole Recipe, you don’t need a pantry full of complicated ingredients—just a carefully chosen lineup that each brings its own splash of flavor, color, and texture to create something truly unforgettable.

2 tablespoons canola oil: A neutral oil perfect for sautéing without overpowering the other flavors.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps create that silky texture in the sauce.
1 medium onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that forms the heart of the flavor.
1 medium green bell pepper, seeds and membrane removed and finely chopped: Brings freshness and a subtle crunch to the mix.
2-3 stalks celery, chopped: Adds an earthy flavor and a crisp texture that balances the softness of the cooked veggies.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a rich, savory punch.
1 tablespoon Cajun/Creole seasoning: The essential spice blend that gives this recipe its signature heat and depth.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a hint of herbal warmth that complements the seafood beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adds a gentle kick without taking over the dish.
1 bay leaf: Introduces subtle aromatic notes that elevate the sauce.
1 can (15-ounce) tomato sauce: The vibrant, tangy base that ties all the ingredients together.
1 cup water: Used to loosen the sauce, ensuring it’s just the right consistency.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and umami depth.
1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (16-20 count, peeled, deveined, tail removed): The star of the dish, tender and succulent.
Tabasco sauce (to taste): For an extra layer of heat and that classic Creole tang.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley plus sprigs for garnish: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness.
Lemon wedges: A zesty finishing touch that brightens each bite.
Cooked rice (for serving): The ideal canvas to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce.

How to Make The Best Shrimp Creole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Holy Trinity

Start by heating the canola oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the finely chopped onions, green bell pepper, and celery—the classic Louisiana holy trinity—which forms the flavorful foundation of your Creole sauce. Then, patiently reduce the heat to medium and cook the veggies for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften up and become tender but never browned. This slow, gentle cooking releases the natural sweetness and creates the base that carries the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Spice It Up

Once your vegetables are perfectly softened, add in the minced garlic, Cajun or Creole seasoning, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and the bay leaf. Stir everything briskly, allowing the fragrant spices and herbs to bloom and mingle with the softened vegetables. This step fills your kitchen with that irresistible Creole aroma, promising the bold taste to come.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce along with the water to loosen it up and add the Worcestershire sauce. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low so the sauce can simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes. Allowing the sauce to thicken intensifies the flavors, creating a savory, slightly tangy backdrop for the shrimp that’s both hearty and comforting.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Now for the star ingredient: carefully stir the peeled and deveined shrimp into the simmering sauce. Cook just 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and firm—be careful not to overcook! Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The shrimp soak up the spicy sauce beautifully while lending their succulent sweetness.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Add Tabasco sauce according to your preferred heat level, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remove the bay leaf, stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color, and serve it piping hot over a bed of fluffy cooked rice, garnished with extra parsley sprigs and lemon wedges. The bright citrus juice from the lemon is the perfect balance to the rich, spicy sauce.

How to Serve The Best Shrimp Creole Recipe

A white bowl holds shrimp covered in a red-orange sauce with green herbs, sitting close to white rice sprinkled with chopped parsley on the left side. Two lemon wedges rest between the shrimp and rice. A silver fork leans on the edge of the bowl, dipping into the shrimp. In the blurry background, two small white dishes hold more lemon wedges and fresh green herbs, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate this dish beautifully. Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top adds vibrant color and a touch of herbal freshness. Don’t forget lemon wedges on the side—squeezing fresh lemon juice right before eating adds a surprising zip that brightens every bite and complements the spices perfectly.

Side Dishes

Traditionally served over steamed white rice, The Best Shrimp Creole Recipe also pairs wonderfully with crusty French bread for sopping up every bit of the luscious sauce. For a lighter addition, a crisp green salad or sautéed greens like kale or collards can offer a satisfying contrast in texture and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress guests or add a bit of flair for family dinners, serve your shrimp Creole in individual ramekins atop perfectly steamed jasmine or basmati rice. Alternatively, try spooning the Creole over creamy grit cakes for a Southern-inspired twist or even inside toasted baguette halves for an elevated shrimp po’ boy experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and chances are, you might!), transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld wonderfully, making reheated portions just as delicious as the original serving.

Freezing

The Best Shrimp Creole Recipe can be frozen, but shrimp’s texture can change slightly. If you choose to freeze it, do so before adding the shrimp—freeze the sauce separately, then add freshly cooked shrimp when reheating. Stored properly in a freezer-safe container, the sauce can last up to 2 months.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. Avoid high heat to keep the shrimp tender and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for The Best Shrimp Creole Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to get the best texture and flavor in your Creole sauce.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to medium heat level thanks to Cajun seasoning and cayenne, but you can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of Cayenne pepper and Tabasco sauce to your taste.

What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce combined with a little lemon juice and a pinch of sugar can provide a similar umami boost.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

While classic Shrimp Creole centers around seafood, you could swap the shrimp for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant and use a vegetable broth base to maintain rich flavor and texture.

What type of rice works best with this dish?

Traditional white long-grain rice is a perfect partner, but jasmine or basmati rice also work well. Their subtle fragrance complements the bold Creole spices without overwhelming them.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about The Best Shrimp Creole Recipe—it’s comfort food with a colorful, spicy twist that feels like a little culinary vacation straight to Louisiana. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or serving it for friends and family, it promises to deliver big on flavor with none of the fuss. So give this recipe a whirl, and get ready to fall in love with shrimp and Creole seasoning all over again!