Shrimp Creole with a Spicy Twist

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240ml) shrimp or vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) shrimp or vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp (5g) paprika 1 tsp (5g) paprika
• 1/2 tsp (2.5g) cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1/2 tsp (2.5g) cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 tsp (5ml) Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp (5ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp (5ml) hot sauce (optional) 1 tsp (5ml) hot sauce (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Cooked white rice, for serving Cooked white rice, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 6g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. 3.
   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. 4.
   Add the diced tomatoes, shrimp or vegetable broth, bay leaves, paprika, cayenne pepper, and jalapeno pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 5 minutes.
7. 7.
   Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Remove the bay leaves from the skillet.
9. 9.
   Serve the Shrimp Creole over a bed of cooked white rice.
10. 10.
    Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and chopped parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Make sure to use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking.
• Jalapeno pepper — Adjust the amount of jalapeno pepper according to your desired level of spiciness. Remove the seeds for a milder heat.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the dish.
• Serve the Shrimp Creole with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other seafood, such as crab or crawfish, for a seafood medley.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Shrimp Creole over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the Shrimp Creole in a shallow bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the dish to shine through. Place a mound of white rice in the center and spoon the shrimp and sauce around it. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.