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Bring the flavors of New Orleans to your kitchen with this easy single serving Shrimp Creole recipe! This dish is a scaled-down version of my family’s favorite recipe, tender shrimp simmering in a rich tomato sauce with colorful bell peppers, onions, and garlic. It’s surprisingly simple to make, yet bursting with authentic Louisiana flavor. Imagine the aroma of Southern cooking filling your space, reminiscent of Louisiana’s charm. This is not just food; it’s a piece of my heritage, a taste of my family tradition brought straight to your kitchen.
Are you searching for more single serving and small batch Louisiana-inspired recipes? Explore our delightful collection, including our creamy Crawfish Pasta, hearty Seafood Gumbo and Chicken 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.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: Experience genuine New Orleans taste in a simple, home-cooked meal.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy days, this recipe is simple and fuss-free.
- Versatile Ingredients: Common ingredients with easy substitutions available.
- Perfect Portion: Ideal for one, avoiding waste and excessive leftovers.
- Healthy and Satisfying: A balanced dish that’s both nutritious and fulfilling.
- Doubles Well: Want to make Shrimp Creole for two? No problem, just double the ingredient amounts.
RELATED: 8 Healthy Home Cooked Single Serving Meals
What Is Shrimp Creole?
Shrimp Creole is a vibrant taste of Louisiana! This classic dish features tender shrimp, a medley of colorful vegetables, and a rich, tomato-based sauce bursting with bold Creole flavors.
Our recipe is special because it captures the authentic taste of Shrimp Creole in a smaller portion, perfect for one or two people. Inspired by generations of Louisiana cooking, it brings a piece of our kitchen heritage directly to yours. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, delivering restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
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: Choose 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, BBQ Shrimp, 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 Vegetables: Add okra or corn for more texture and flavor.
How To Make Shrimp Creole
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make Shrimp Creole For One. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Expert Tips
- Flexible Shrimp Quantity: This easy 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:
- Over Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for a classic combo.
- With Bread: Dip crusty French bread into the sauce for an extra treat.
- Salad Pairing: A light, fresh tomato salad balances the richness.
- For a Hearty Meal: Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts or Smashed Potatoes.
- Drink Pairing: A glass of white wine or a sweet iced tea complements the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but add them later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
Simmer longer or add a small amount of tomato paste.
Absolutely, it reheats well.
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, created 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 easy 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.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Shrimp Creole For One
Equipment
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
- ⅛ 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 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
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.
This is Delicious. Easy to make. I doubled the recipe for 2 of us and enough left over sauce to freeze and to be served over baked cod. I used 8 large shrimps, which I sautéed and added at the time of serving.
Made this for hubby and he LOVED it. Thanks for this recipe. I’m not a fan of shrimp creole so hubby got to eat it all.
Oh my gosh I made this tonight, and it is BURSTING with flavor!! I didn’t have Tony Chachere but I did have Louisiana Creole Seasoning and substituted that. I could eat this every day it is that good.
We made this last night for the 1st time. I doubled it to serve two and we have leftovers for lunch today. My daughter and I both give this two thumbs up!
This was very good. It made enough for lunch the next day also. I did not use the flour, I just left the lid off and let it reduce. I only changed 2 things. I did not put the garlic in until the “Trinity” was almost done since it has a tendency to burn quickly. The only other thing was I added my creole seasoning right after I added the tomatoes, because I wanted the seasonings to meld and cook into the sauce. Otherwise I will be definitely be putting this recipe in my rotation. It was easy and delicious.
My husband eats meat, but I’m
vegetarian, so I’m always looking for recipes that are flexible. I made this and split the tomato mixture in half before putting in the shrimp. Shrimp for my husband and kidney beans in my half. It made two perfectly sized portions. Very easy and flavorful.
I can’t find Creole seasoning. Do you have a recipe or substitute for it?
If you can’t find creole seasoning, you can make a small batch of your own by using this creole seasoning recipe: It is not a single serving recipe but makes a smaller amount than you would find if purchased from a store.
2 ½ tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
Keep this spice in an airtight container in your pantry. It’s wonderful sprinkled over chicken, fish, and pasta.
My mouth is singing the praises for the shrimp creole, my taste buds want more! I made the creole seasoned shrimp taco today, added green bell pepper to the garlic, it was nice. I didn’t’ use the avocado purée, too many calories. The shrimp creole will be a regular.
Skip the flour and add okra
This was absolutely delicious! The only change I made was that I boiled the shrimp shells and used the stock instead of water. I also omitted the fat and salt in the rice, since the sauce would provide enough. Thank you for your amazing single serve recipes.
I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you so much for your feedback.