Cajun-Style Spicy Shrimp Creole Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of New Orleans with this Cajun-Style Spicy Shrimp Creole Delight! A quintessential comfort food, this dish is crafted with succulent shrimp simmered in a rich, savory roux paired with fresh bell peppers, garlic, and a hint of hot pepper sauce. Perfectly served over fluffy white rice with a side of crusty French bread, this recipe is sure to transport you straight to the heart of Louisiana. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, it promises a mouth-watering experience that celebrates Cajun culinary traditions. A special dedication to *Denise*, this comforting dish embodies the warmth and community found in every home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shrimp
3 lbs (peeled)
Bell Peppers
3 small (diced)
Tomato Paste
1 (6 ounce) can
Green Onion
1 bunch (chopped)
Garlic
2-3 cloves (chopped fine)
Vegetable Oil
3/4 cup
Flour
4 tablespoons
Hot Pepper Sauce (Tabasco)
1/2 teaspoon
Boiling Water
4-5 cups
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Cajun Seasoning
optional
Instructions
1
In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2
Add the flour gradually, stirring constantly to create a roux. Continue stirring until the roux turns a rich brown color, similar to a paper bag. Be patient, as this step is crucial for depth of flavor.
3
Once the roux is ready, add the diced bell peppers, chopped garlic, and chopped green onions. Stir and cook until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Stir in the tomato paste and then slowly pour in the boiling water, mixing well to ensure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5
Add the peeled shrimp and hot pepper sauce, stirring gently to incorporate. Lower the heat and cover the pot, allowing it to simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
After 15 minutes, uncover and adjust the consistency to your liking by cooking longer if needed. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more boiling water.
7
Season with salt, pepper, and optional Cajun seasoning to taste.
8
Serve the Spicy Shrimp Creole hot over a bed of fluffy white rice, with crusty French bread on the side to soak up the delicious juices.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cajun-Style Spicy Shrimp Creole Delight?
It is a vibrant New Orleans comfort food featuring succulent shrimp simmered in a rich, savory roux with bell peppers and garlic.
Who is this recipe dedicated to?
This recipe is specially dedicated to Denise, embodying warmth and community.
How much shrimp is required for this recipe?
You will need 3 lbs of peeled shrimp.
What is the secret to a great roux in this dish?
The secret is patience; stir the oil and flour constantly until it turns a rich brown color similar to a paper bag.
Which vegetables are used in the base?
The recipe uses three small diced bell peppers, a bunch of chopped green onions, and 2-3 cloves of finely chopped garlic.
What type of oil should be used for the roux?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of vegetable oil.
How much flour is needed for the roux?
You will need 4 tablespoons of flour to create the roux.
What tomato product is included in the sauce?
One 6-ounce can of tomato paste is used to enrich the sauce.
How much water is added to the mixture?
The recipe requires 4 to 5 cups of boiling water.
What provides the spicy heat in this Creole dish?
The heat comes from 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce (like Tabasco) and optional Cajun seasoning.
How long should the shrimp simmer?
The shrimp should simmer in the covered pot for approximately 15 minutes.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more boiling water to adjust the consistency.
How do I thicken the sauce if it is too thin?
Uncover the pot and cook the mixture longer to reduce the liquid until it reaches your desired consistency.
What is the best way to serve Shrimp Creole?
Serve it hot over a bed of fluffy white rice with crusty French bread on the side.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be chopped fine before being added to the roux.
Is the Cajun seasoning mandatory?
No, the Cajun seasoning is optional and should be added to taste.
How long do the vegetables need to cook in the roux?
The bell peppers, garlic, and green onions should cook for about 5-7 minutes until they soften.
What type of pot is recommended?
A heavy-bottomed pot is recommended to ensure even heating and to prevent sticking.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper levels?
Yes, you should season with salt and pepper to your personal preference at the end of cooking.
Why is the boiling water added slowly?
Adding boiling water slowly while mixing ensures there are no lumps in the sauce.
Is this a traditional Louisiana dish?
Yes, it is a quintessential Cajun and Creole dish celebrating Louisiana culinary traditions.
How many bell peppers are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 small bell peppers.
What color should the roux be when it's done?
It should be a rich brown color, which provides a deep, savory flavor to the dish.
Is this dish suitable for family dinners?
Absolutely, it is ideal for family dinners or gatherings and offers a mouth-watering experience.
How much green onion is required?
One full bunch of green onions is needed for this recipe.
What temperature should I use to make the roux?
The roux should be prepared over medium heat.
What is the purpose of the French bread side?
The crusty French bread is used to soak up the delicious juices and sauce from the Creole.
Does the recipe include instructions for rice?
While it suggests serving over fluffy white rice, the focus of the instructions is on the Shrimp Creole itself.
Should the shrimp be added before or after the water?
The shrimp are added after the boiling water and tomato paste have been mixed and brought to a boil.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While specific serving counts aren't listed, the use of 3 lbs of shrimp suggests a large yield suitable for a family meal.