Authentic Cajun Shrimp Creole
Delve into the rich flavors of the bayou with this Authentic Cajun Shrimp Creole. This culinary masterpiece features a deeply flavorful tomato-based sauce thickened with a traditional roux, blending together the sweetness of onions, bell peppers, and celery with aromatic spices. This dish pays homage to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the fragrant note of simmering shrimp and savory roux filled the air, inviting family to gather around. Served over fluffy white rice—an essential staple in every Cajun household—this recipe is perfect for family dinners and gatherings. Experience a taste of Louisiana comfort food that warms the heart and satisfies the soul, just as my grandmother would have wanted.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter or Oil
6 tablespoons (melted)
Flour
6 tablespoons (for roux)
Onions
3 (chopped)
Celery ribs
2 (diced)
Bell pepper
1 (chopped)
Lemon
1 (grated rind only)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons
Bay leaf
1
Tony Chachere's Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon
Tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can
Hunt's cajun-style stewed tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can
Shrimp
3 lbs (cleaned and deveined)
Instructions
1
Begin by making the roux: In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, gradually whisk in the flour, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
2
Continue to cook the roux, stirring frequently, until it turns a rich chocolate brown, which should take about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Lower the heat if necessary to prevent burning. If burnt, discard and start over.
3
Once the roux is ready, add the chopped onions, diced celery, chopped bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, grated lemon rind, Tony Chachere's Cajun seasoning, tomato paste, and cajun-style stewed tomatoes. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
5
If the mixture seems too thick, add up to 1 cup of water to achieve your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer on low for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. After an hour, add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to balance the acidity, stirring well.
7
After simmering, add the cleaned and deveined shrimp to the pot. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
8
Serve the shrimp creole over hot, cooked rice. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of gumbo filet if desired.
9
For a complete meal, serve alongside hot bread and a fresh salad. Pair with your favorite red or white wine to enhance the dining experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Cajun Shrimp Creole?
Authentic Cajun Shrimp Creole is a rich, tomato-based seafood dish thickened with a dark roux and flavored with the holy trinity of Cajun vegetables: onions, celery, and bell peppers.
How long does it take to cook the roux?
For this recipe, the roux takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour of constant stirring to reach the desired color.
What color should the roux be for Shrimp Creole?
The roux should be cooked until it reaches a deep, rich chocolate brown color.
What should I do if my roux burns?
If the roux burns, it will taste bitter. You must discard it and start over from the beginning.
What are the primary vegetables used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 3 chopped onions, 2 diced celery ribs, 1 chopped bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
What is the ratio of fat to flour for the roux?
This recipe uses an equal ratio of 6 tablespoons of butter or oil to 6 tablespoons of flour.
How much shrimp is needed?
You will need 3 pounds of cleaned and deveined shrimp.
How long should the shrimp cook in the sauce?
Add the shrimp at the end and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until they are pink and fully cooked through.
Why is brown sugar added to the recipe?
One tablespoon of brown sugar is added to the sauce to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this dish?
The recipe calls for one 6-ounce can of tomato paste and one 14-ounce can of Cajun-style stewed tomatoes.
What if the creole sauce is too thick?
If the mixture is too thick, you can add up to 1 cup of water to reach your preferred consistency.
How long does the sauce need to simmer before adding shrimp?
After combining the base ingredients, let the mixture simmer on low for about 1 hour.
What seasoning is recommended for an authentic taste?
The recipe recommends 1 tablespoon of Tony Chachere's Cajun seasoning for authentic flavor.
Is lemon used in the recipe?
Yes, the grated rind of one lemon is used to add a bright, aromatic note to the sauce.
How do I serve Cajun Shrimp Creole?
It is traditionally served over hot, fluffy white rice, which is a staple in Cajun households.
Can I use oil instead of butter for the roux?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 6 tablespoons of butter or oil to start the roux.
What is a recommended garnish?
You can garnish each serving with a sprinkle of gumbo filet if desired.
What sides go well with this meal?
For a complete meal, serve the shrimp creole with hot bread and a fresh salad.
How much Worcestershire sauce is used?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.
Do I need to stir the roux constantly?
Yes, you must whisk or stir the flour and fat constantly to prevent lumps and ensure it does not burn.
What type of pot is best for this recipe?
A heavy-bottomed pot is recommended to ensure even heat distribution, especially when cooking the roux.
How many onions do I need?
This recipe calls for 3 chopped onions.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic once the roux is ready, along with the onions, celery, and bell pepper.
Is there a specific brand of tomatoes mentioned?
The recipe specifies using Hunt's cajun-style stewed tomatoes.
What aromatic herb is used in the sauce?
One bay leaf is added to the sauce during the simmering process.
What drinks pair well with Shrimp Creole?
This dish pairs well with either a red or white wine to enhance the dining experience.
How long do I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onions, celery, bell pepper, and garlic for about 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
Can I prepare the shrimp in advance?
Yes, ensure the 3 lbs of shrimp are cleaned and deveined before you begin the final cooking stage.
Does this recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, the instructions suggest seasoning with salt and pepper to taste once the sauce consistency is adjusted.
What is the heat setting for the simmering stage?
The sauce should be simmered on low heat for an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.