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Craving a taste of Louisiana? This single serving Shrimp Creole recipe brings the vibrant flavors of New Orleans right to your kitchen. An authentic, family-inspired dish, it’s surprisingly simple to make. Picture tender shrimp simmering in a rich, tomato-based sauce with garlic, onions, and bell peppers. It’s a scaled-down version of my family’s beloved recipe, perfect for one or two. Imagine the aromas of Southern cooking filling your space, reminiscent of Louisiana’s charm. This is not just food; it’s a piece of my heritage, made effortlessly accessible for your delight.

Are you searching for more single serving and small batch recipes inspired by the rich flavors of Louisiana? Explore our delightful collection, including our creamy Crawfish Pasta, hearty Seafood Gumbo, flavorful Red Beans and Rice, and sweet Pecan Pralines! Each dish is perfectly portioned for individual enjoyment, bringing the essence of Louisiana’s culinary tradition right to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Authentic Flavor: Experience genuine New Orleans taste in a simple, home-cooked meal.
  2. Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy days, this recipe is straightforward and fuss-free.
  3. Versatile Ingredients: Common ingredients with easy substitutions available.
  4. Perfect Portion: Ideal for one, avoiding waste and excessive leftovers.
  5. Healthy and Satisfying: A balanced dish that’s both nutritious and fulfilling.

RELATED: 8 Healthy Home Cooked Single Serving Meals

What Is Shrimp Creole?

Shrimp Creole is a classic Louisiana dish. It’s a savory mix of shrimp, vegetables, and a tomato-based sauce, seasoned to perfection. It embodies the essence of Creole cuisine, known for its bold flavors and heartwarming comfort.

A bowl of shrimp creole over white rice.

Ingredients

  • Butter: Our recipe uses salted butter for sautéing the vegetables, enhancing their flavor beautifully.
  • The Cajun Trinity – Onions, Green Bell Pepper, and Celery: This combination is the cornerstone of many savory Cajun and Creole recipes. It’s similar to the classic French mirepoix, which typically includes onions, celery, and carrots.
  • Garlic: Two cloves of peeled and minced garlic bring a robust flavor. Alternatively, 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used for convenience.
  • Seasonings – Kosher Salt, Creole Seasoning, and Cayenne Pepper: These are key to giving Shrimp Creole its distinctive taste. Cayenne pepper introduces a gentle heat, which can be omitted for a milder version. The Creole seasoning, an indispensable element, can be store-bought (like Tony Chachere’s or Emeril’s) or use our small batch Creole seasoning recipe instead. It’s a versatile seasoning great for chicken, beef, shrimp, or pork.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Incorporate one 14.5 or 15-ounce can, juices included, for a rich tomato base. Leftover diced tomatoes can be used in our Jambalaya, Pomodoro Sauce, and Chicken Chili recipes.
  • Flour: A crucial ingredient for thickening the sauce, giving it the right consistency.
  • Worcestershire Sauce and Hot Sauce: Adding a dash of Louisiana or Tabasco hot sauce enhances the dish’s depth. Feel free to use your preferred brand for a personalized touch.
  • Shrimp: Opt for wild-caught American Gulf shrimp when available, for the best quality and flavor. If you’ve got extra shrimp, consider using them in Shrimp Étouffée, Shrimp Fettuccine, or Shrimp Tacos.

If you have any ingredients leftover from this easy Shrimp Creole recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

Recipe Variations

Want to mix it up a bit? Try these simple Shrimp Creole variations:

  • Vegetarian Twist: Swap shrimp with mushrooms or tofu.
  • Extra Spice: Add more Creole seasoning or extra hot sauce.
  • Different Protein: Try chicken or sausage instead of shrimp.
  • Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of cream for a richer sauce.
  • Extra Veggie: Add okra or corn for more texture and flavor.
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How To Make Shrimp Creole

These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make a single serving of Shrimp Creole. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

  1. Sautéing the Trinity of Vegetables: Begin your Shrimp Creole by cooking the classic ‘trinity’ of vegetables — chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery. Sauté them until the onions become tender and translucent. This is a crucial step to build the base flavor of the dish.
  2. Adding Tomatoes and Seasoning: Once the vegetables are soft, mix in a can of diced tomatoes. Season with a pinch of salt and cayenne pepper to enhance the flavors. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
  3. Thickening the Sauce with a Flour Slurry: Create a smooth flour slurry by whisking together flour and water in a separate bowl. Gradually add this mixture to the pan, stirring continuously. This process thickens the sauce without creating lumps. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, then infuse the sauce with a dash of Worcestershire sauce and a hint of hot sauce. Finally, add the shrimp to the pan.
  4. Cooking the Shrimp: Let the shrimp cook in the sauce for 5 to 6 minutes, or until they are perfectly done — pink and tender. This final step brings the Shrimp Creole to life, ready to be enjoyed in all its flavorful glory.
Four photos showing how to make shrimp creole with tomatoes in a pan.

Expert Tips

  • Flexible Shrimp Quantity: This Shrimp Creole recipe is quite accommodating when it comes to the amount of shrimp. If you’re a shrimp enthusiast, don’t hesitate to add a few extra. The shrimp absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully, making them irresistible right out of the pan.
  • Customizable Heat Level: Tailor the spiciness of your dish to your liking. Adjust the heat by altering the quantities of hot sauce and cayenne pepper. Whether you prefer a milder taste or a fiery kick, you have the control to make the dish suit your palate.
  • Choice of Brands: There’s a wide variety of hot sauce and Creole seasoning brands available. Although we prefer to use our homemade Creole seasoning in this recipe feel free to use your personal favorites to season this dish. Different brands of seasoning and hot sauce can impart subtle variations in flavor, allowing you to personalize the recipe to your taste.

RELATED: 20 Single Serving Meatless Recipes

What To Serve With Shrimp Creole

A single serving of Shrimp Creole is delightful on its own, but why stop there? Enhance your meal with these complementary sides:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use precooked shrimp in this Shrimp Creole recipe?

Yes, but add them later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking.

How can I thicken Shrimp Creole?

Simmer longer or add a small amount of tomato paste.

Can Shrimp Creole be made ahead?

Absolutely, it reheats well.

How Do You Peel and Devein Shrimp for Shrimp Creole?

Remove the Legs: Start by gently pulling off the legs from the shrimp.
Peel the Shell: Use your fingers to crack the underside of the shrimp’s shell and peel it away from the body.
Detach the Tail: Pinch the point where the tail meets the shrimp’s body and pull the tail off.
Make an Incision for Deveining: Carefully run a paring knife along the back of the shrimp, creating a shallow cut.
Locate and Remove the Vein: Look for a vein that appears as a long, dark string. Using the tip of your knife, gently lift and pull it out.

Explore More Single Serving Louisiana Inspired Recipes

Each of these recipes brings a taste of Louisiana’s culinary heritage to your table, optimized for those seeking single serving meals.

  • Bananas Foster: Experience the sweet, caramelized delight of this classic New Orleans dessert, perfectly portioned for one.
  • Jambalaya: Dive into the flavors of Louisiana with a single serving of this spicy, rice-based dish featuring a mix of meats and vegetables.
  • Mini King Cake: Enjoy the Mardi Gras festivities any day with a personal-sized version of this traditional, colorful cake.
  • Gumbo: Savor the rich, hearty blend of seafood, sausage, and okra in this iconic Louisiana stew, tailored for an individual serving.
  • Crawfish Étouffée: Relish in the bold, spicy flavors of this crawfish stew, perfectly sized for a solo dining experience.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

RELATED: 15 Easy Dessert Recipes For One

If you’ve tried this Shrimp Creole recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

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Your Cooking For One Source
Because you’re worth it

Shrimp Creole For One

4.94 from 16 votes
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Enjoy authentic Single Serve Shrimp Creole, capturing New Orleans' flavors with shrimp, tomato sauce, and spices. Easy recipe that is perfect for one or two.

Ingredients 
 

  • 1 tablespoon salted butter
  • ½ cup chopped onions
  • ¼ cup chopped green bell peppers
  • 1 celery stalk , chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • ¼ cup water
  • ½ tablespoon all purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon hot sauce
  • ½ cup peeled and deveined shrimp
  • ½ teaspoon creole seasoning

FOR A SINGLE SERVING OF RICE

  • ½ cup water
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ tablespoon salted butter
  • ¼ cup uncooked white rice

Instructions 

  • Heat a 10-inch medium saucepan or skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. 
  • Add the onions, peppers, celery and garlic to the pan. Season with salt and cayenne pepper. Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally until slightly softened, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce to a simmer; continue to cook for 10 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the water and the flour and add to the tomato mixture. Continue to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the Worcestershire sauce and the hot sauce and continue to cook for 5 minutes longer.
  • Season the shrimp with the creole seasoning and add to the pan. Cook the shrimp until they are pink and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Taste and add additional salt, if necessary.
  • Top with chopped green onions and serve over white rice.

TO MAKE A SINGLE SERVING OF RICE

  • Bring the water, salt and butter to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in the rice.
  • Reduce to a simmer and cover with a lid.
  • Simmer for 20 minutes or until all water is absorbed.

Notes

  • Flexible Shrimp Quantity: This Shrimp Creole recipe is quite accommodating when it comes to the amount of shrimp. If you’re a shrimp enthusiast, don’t hesitate to add a few extra. The shrimp absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully, making them irresistible right out of the pan.
  • Customizable Heat Level: Tailor the spiciness of your dish to your liking. Adjust the heat by altering the quantities of hot sauce and cayenne pepper. Whether you prefer a milder taste or a fiery kick, you have the control to make the dish suit your palate.
  • Choice of Brands: There’s a wide variety of hot sauce and Creole seasoning brands available. Although we prefer to use our homemade Creole seasoning in this recipe feel free to use your personal favorites to season this dish. Different brands of seasoning and hot sauce can impart subtle variations in flavor, allowing you to personalize the recipe to your taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 518kcal, Carbohydrates: 55g, Protein: 24g, Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 198mg, Sodium: 1428mg, Potassium: 743mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 1376IU, Vitamin C: 41mg, Calcium: 59mg, Iron: 1mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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I’m Joanie and I’m incredibly happy you’re here! Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

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27 Comments

  1. The only change I made was adding a little more spice to suit my taste. Thanks Joanie for another delicious recipe!