Classic Creole Shrimp Stew
This Classic Creole Shrimp Stew is a beloved family recipe that has been cherished through generations. With its rich, buttery texture and authentic Creole flavors, this dish is a true representation of southern comfort food. It's not only quick and easy to prepare—especially when using thawed frozen shrimp—but it also brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table any night of the week. Featuring a harmony of fresh vegetables and spices, this stew pairs perfectly with fluffy long-grain rice, making it a delightful meal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
N/A
Servings
333
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
chopped onions
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
finely chopped celery
1 cup (finely chopped)
green peppers
2 medium (finely chopped)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
tomato sauce
16 ounces (canned (2 cans of 8 ounces each))
water
1 cup (none)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (snipped (or 2 tsp dried))
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
red cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
thyme
1 teaspoon (none)
bay leaves
2 whole (crushed in hand)
shrimp
1 pound (peeled and deveined)
long-grain rice
3 cups (hot cooked)
green onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
Tabasco sauce
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onions, celery, green peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Remove the pot from heat. Carefully stir in the tomato sauce, water, and all the seasonings—parsley, salt, red cayenne pepper, thyme, and crushed bay leaves. Mix thoroughly.
3
Return the pot to medium heat and allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for approximately 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
Once at a gentle simmer, lay the peeled and deveined shrimp on top of the tomato mixture. Bring the stew to a boil, then cover and cook for about 5-10 minutes, until the shrimp turns opaque and is tender.
5
Stir the stew well to integrate the shrimp with the other ingredients.
6
Serve hot over a generous scoop of cooked long-grain rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with Tabasco sauce for added heat, allowing everyone to customize their dish.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
40g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Creole Shrimp Stew?
It is a beloved family recipe cherished through generations, featuring a rich, buttery texture and authentic southern Creole flavors.
What is the main protein in this recipe?
The main protein is one pound of peeled and deveined shrimp.
How many calories are in a serving of this stew?
There are 333 calories per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 20g of protein.
What are the fat and carbohydrate counts?
The dish contains 7g of fat and 40g of carbohydrates.
What vegetables make up the base of the stew?
The base includes chopped onions, finely chopped celery, and green peppers.
What is used to saute the vegetables?
The vegetables are sauteed in 1/4 cup of melted butter.
How long should I saute the vegetables?
Saute the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until the onions are translucent and the vegetables are tender.
What kind of pot is best for this recipe?
A large Dutch oven is recommended for cooking the stew.
What liquid components are added to the sauce?
The sauce uses 16 ounces of tomato sauce and 1 cup of water.
What seasonings are used in the Creole stew?
Seasonings include parsley, salt, red cayenne pepper, thyme, and crushed bay leaves.
How should the bay leaves be prepared?
The two bay leaves should be crushed in your hand before being added to the pot.
How long does the tomato mixture need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer uncovered for approximately 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Should the pot be covered during the initial simmer?
No, the instructions specify to simmer the mixture uncovered for the first 10 minutes.
How is the shrimp added to the pot?
The peeled and deveined shrimp should be laid on top of the tomato mixture once it reaches a gentle simmer.
How long does it take to cook the shrimp?
The shrimp takes about 5-10 minutes to cook once the stew is brought to a boil and covered.
How can I tell when the shrimp is fully cooked?
The shrimp is done when it turns opaque and is tender.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Serve the stew hot over a generous scoop of cooked long-grain rice.
What garnishes should be used?
Garnish the dish with 1/4 cup of chopped green onions.
How can I add more heat to the dish?
You can serve the stew with Tabasco sauce for added heat, allowing everyone to customize their own spice level.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, using thawed frozen shrimp makes this recipe particularly quick and easy for any night of the week.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 16 ingredients required for this recipe.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of minced garlic.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of fresh snipped parsley with 2 teaspoons of dried parsley.
What type of rice is best for this stew?
Hot cooked long-grain rice is the traditional and recommended choice.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and a weeknight dinner due to its short prep and cook times.
What size are the green peppers used?
The recipe uses 2 medium green peppers that should be finely chopped.
What is the quantity of celery used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of finely chopped celery.
How much cayenne pepper is included?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of red cayenne pepper.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, while easy enough for weeknights, its delightful flavor makes it great for special occasions as well.