Classic Shrimp Creole Recipe for a Hearty Meal
Listen up, foodies! If you love seafood and crave the spicy kick of Creole cuisine, I’ve got a recipe that’ll knock your socks off. Introducing Robin’s Shrimp Creole Recipe – a New Orleans-style classic that’s been passed down in my family for generations.
I’m Robin Jackson – a Southern belle, home chef, and party-thrower extraordinaire. And let me tell you, this recipe is a showstopper. The fragrant blend of bell pepper, onion, and garlic mingling with juicy shrimp and savory tomato sauce will transport you straight to the Bayou.
But don’t be fooled – while this dish is packed with flavor, it’s also surprisingly easy to make. Even if you’re not an experienced cook, you can whip up a batch of Robin’s Shrimp Creole and impress your guests.
So grab a dutch oven and get ready to spice things up. This recipe is perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to fancy dinner parties. Trust me – once you taste it, you’ll be hooked on this mouth-watering classic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of seafood and spicy dishes? Then you simply cannot miss out on Robin’s Shrimp Creole recipe! I’m telling you, this recipe is perfect for anyone craving a bold and flavorful meal.
What makes this dish special is its unique combination of bold spices and succulent shrimp that’s cooked to perfection with diced bell peppers and onions. The tomato sauce gives the dish a tangy taste that perfectly complements the cajun spices used in this recipe.
If you’re worried about complicated recipes, don’t be. Robin’s Shrimp Creole recipe may look complicated, but it’s surprisingly easy to make. All you need are basic ingredients such as flour, margarine, water, and spices that can be easily found in your pantry.
Robin’s Shrimp Creole recipe is one of those meals that will leave your guests craving for more. It’s perfect for dinner parties or even a cozy night in. Whether you’re a fan of southern cuisine or just love trying new recipes, this dish is an excellent choice.
Trust me when I say; once you’ve tried Robin’s Shrimp Creole recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with rice or pasta, making it an ideal meal to enjoy with your loved ones.
Ingredient List
Here is the list of ingredients you’ll need to make this spicy Shrimp Creole Recipe:
- 2 lb peeled shrimp: You can use frozen shrimp, but I recommend fresh shrimp.
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cup chopped bell pepper, green and red
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- Cajun spices: 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/8 ounce saute margarine
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup water
Note: You can adjust the spice level of this dish by adding or reducing the amount of Cajun spices used.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get started on the main event – cooking Robin’s Shrimp Creole Recipe. This is where the fun begins.
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
First things first, let’s prepare all the ingredients that will make this recipe come to life. Start by peeling 2 lb of shrimp, keeping the tails on for added flavor. Then, finely chop 1 green bell pepper and 1 onion. Finally, mince 2 cloves of garlic.
Step 2: Creating the Roux
In a large Dutch oven, heat 3 tablespoons of melted margarine over medium heat. Slowly add in 3 tablespoons of flour, stirring constantly until it forms a smooth paste. This is what we call a roux.
Step 3: Cooking the Vegetables
Add in your chopped bell pepper and onion into the roux and cook until they become tender. Once done, add in your minced garlic and cook briefly being careful not to overcook it as it can become bitter.
Step 4: Making the Tomato Sauce
Stir in 1 cup of tomato sauce and 1 cup of water into the vegetable mix. Don’t worry if it looks watery at this point; we will thicken it up later. Add in 1 ½ tsp of Creole seasoning and stir well.
Step 5: Adding Shrimp and Spice
Now, it’s time to add in our star ingredient – the 2 lb peeled shrimp. Also, let’s spice things up with some extra flavorings like 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper or more depending on how spicy you want it to be.
Step 6: Simmering & Thickening
Let’s bring everything to an enjoyable boil by turning up the temperature a little bit. Reduce the heat once you hit that boiling point and let everything simmer for around 20 minutes or until cooked through (Shrimps should turn pink).
To thicken the sauce more, combine together 2 tablespoons of flour and ¼ cup of water until well mixed before pouring over your sauce.
Step 7: Serve Over Cooked Rice
Congratulations! You have successfully created Robin’s Shrimp Creole Recipe! Our last step is to simply serve this outstanding dish over hot white rice – simple yet delicious!
Enjoy!
Note: The cooking may vary according to some factors such as different shrimp sizes or desired spiciness levels so adjust accordingly.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to Robin’s Shrimp Creole recipe, there are a few substitutions and variations you can make to tailor the dish to your personal preferences.
Firstly, if you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can easily substitute chicken or even sausage. And if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, mushrooms or tofu can be used instead.
If you don’t have access to fresh seafood, frozen shrimp or even cooked shrimp can be used in this recipe. Additionally, if you want to elevate the flavor profile of the dish, consider trying different types of seafood such as crab or crawfish.
For those who enjoy extra heat in their food, adding additional creole seasoning or hot sauce can do the trick. Similarly, if you prefer a milder flavor, reducing the amount of spices is an option.
Finally, when it comes to pairing this dish with sides, cooked rice is a classic choice. However, feel free to mix things up – pasta, potatoes or even crusty bread are all great accompaniments to this spicy shrimp creole.
As with any recipe, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve prepared Robin’s delicious Shrimp Creole Recipe, it’s time to think about how to serve and pair this dish. I suggest serving this spicy shrimp with a side of cooked rice, which will help balance out the heat of the dish. You can cook your rice separately while preparing the shrimp and serve them together.
This dish is excellent when paired with a full-bodied red wine like Zinfandel, which will enhance the flavor of the spices in the shrimp creole. If you prefer beer, try pairing it with a hoppy IPA or a golden ale that will complement the spiciness of the sauce.
Another great idea is to pair this Louisiana classic with some seafood. You could prepare a simple salad using mixed greens, diced tomatoes, and boiled shrimp with a light vinaigrette dressing. Alternatively, make a seafood paella or jambalaya along with this shrimp creole.
Lastly, if you’re serving this dish during a party, consider adding some festive decorations such as beads or Mardi Gras masks to set the mood. Turn up some classic New Orleans jazz and serve your guests some Louisiana-style hors d’oeuvres such as gumbo or crawfish.
Serving Robin’s Shrimp Creole recipe won’t disappoint your guest’s taste buds. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences by altering the level of spiciness or substituting ingredients according to your liking. Get creative with your presentation and pairing suggestions for an even more enjoyable culinary experience!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to Robin’s Shrimp Creole recipe, you can easily make it ahead of time without worrying about losing its flavor or texture. This dish actually tastes even better when reheated the next day, making it an ideal option for meal prepping or leftovers.
To make-ahead, prepare the recipe as instructed and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to reheat, transfer the shrimp creole into a medium saucepan and cook over low heat until heated through. You may need to add a few tablespoons of water or tomato sauce to keep the dish from drying out.
If freezing is your preferred method of storing food, Robin’s Shrimp Creole can freeze well too. Just let the dish cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat a frozen shrimp creole, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it. Then, follow the above-mentioned instructions for reheating.
It is essential to keep in mind that rice should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Therefore, if you are serving this dish outdoors or leaving it out at a party, ensure that you place it in a warmer to keep it warm or reheat it whenever needed.
When stored properly, Robin’s Shrimp Creole recipe can lend itself well to quick weeknight meals, a hearty lunch or fantastic leftovers that taste great and are easy on your pocketbook.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into some tips to make sure your Robin’s Shrimp Creole recipe turns out absolutely perfect.
1. Prep everything beforehand: This is an important step for any recipe, but especially for one like shrimp creole as it involves a fair bit of chopping and sautéing. Make sure you have all the ingredients chopped and prepped before you start cooking.
2. Use fresh ingredients: The flavor of your shrimp creole will depend greatly on the freshness of your ingredients. If possible, try to use freshly peeled shrimp and ripe bell peppers and onions.
3. Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, and you don’t want to overcook it, or it will turn rubbery. Add the peeled shrimp towards the end of the cooking process and only cook until it turns pink – this should only take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Adjust the spice level: Shrimp creole is known for its spicy kick, but if you prefer a milder version, go easy on the cajun spices or substitute with milder spices like paprika.
5. Let it simmer: Once you’ve added in all your ingredients, don’t be tempted to rush through the cooking process by turning up the heat. Let the dish simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve with cooked rice: A classic pairing for shrimp creole is cooked rice. The fluffy rice soaks up all the flavorful tomato sauce, making for a complete meal.
7. Add seafood or chicken: While this recipe is centered around shrimp, feel free to add in other seafood like crab or crawfish or even shredded chicken breast for a variation.
8. Experiment with seasonings: Cajun seasoning is great for this dish, but don’t be afraid to branch out and try other seasonings like creole seasoning or tarragon for a different flavor profile.
By following these tips and giving your own personal touch to Robin’s Shrimp Creole recipe, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious New Orleans-style dish that everyone will love!
Bottom Line
As I conclude this article, I want to emphasize that Robin’s Shrimp Creole Recipe is a must-try for all seafood lovers out there. This recipe is perfect for hosting a dinner party or any special occasion as it is flavorful, easy to make and can be served in a variety of ways.
I recommend using fresh, locally sourced shrimp and vegetables for the best results. Experiment with different substitutions and variations to make this recipe truly your own. Don’t be afraid to get creative with it!
Shrimp Creole is a classic dish of Creole cuisine and has been perfected by some of the most renowned celebrity chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme. But Robin’s Shrimp Creole Recipe still manages to stand out with its unique blend of flavors.
So go ahead, give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with a taste of New Orleans style shrimp! And don’t forget to share your cooking experience with us in the comments section below. Happy cooking!
Robin’s Shrimp Creole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1/4 cup melted margarine
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- cajun spices
- 1 -2 lb peeled shrimp
- 2 cups hot cooked rice
Instructions
- Sauté onion, and bell pepper and margarine, until tender, in a large skillet.
- Stir in flour until thickened.
- Gradually add water and tomato sauce.
- Cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbly.
- Add Cajun spice and reduce heat.
- Cook on low heat for about 10 minutes.
- Add shrimp and cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until shrimp is cooked, stirring occasionally.
- Serve over hot rice.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!