Dive into the vibrant flavors of the South with our irresistible Shrimp Creole (Camarones a la Criolla) recipe! This Cajun classic is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Louisiana. With juicy shrimp simmered in a rich, zesty sauce and served over fluffy rice, this dish is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. Ready in just 40 minutes, you'll be amazed at how easily you can whip up this delicious, crowd-pleasing feast. Get ready to savor every bite and discover the secrets to making the ultimate Shrimp Creole!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping the onion and bell pepper, mincing the garlic, and ensuring shrimp are peeled and deveined.
- Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil.
- Sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper until they become soft and slightly translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Cajun seasoning. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the sauce, stirring gently to coat them completely.
- Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes or until they turn pink and are just cooked through, being careful not to overcook.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot over prepared rice, spooning the sauce generously over the shrimp.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and prepare the shrimp in advance. This way, you can focus on cooking when you're ready to eat.
- Choose Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning. Conversely, if you love heat, add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick!
- Simmer for Flavor: Allow the sauce to simmer for the full 10 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully. This step is key to achieving that authentic Creole taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep a close eye on the shrimp as they cook; they only need about 3-4 minutes. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so as soon as they turn pink, they’re ready to serve.
- Serve with Style: For a beautiful presentation, serve the Shrimp Creole over a mound of rice and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 180mg
