Creole Shrimp (Easy and Fast)

4 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 25 m Total: 40 m Beginner
5.0/5 (4)
This shrimp creole is such a fast and really tasty dish, with tender shrimp simmered in a creamy sauce made with Rotel tomatoes, cream of celery, cream of mushroom, and the trinity of onion, bell pepper, and celery. Ready in about 40 minutes and perfect over rice for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 1 (10 oz) can cream of celery
  • 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom
  • 1 (10 oz) can Rotel Brand tomatoes
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 stick butter
  • 1 - 2 lbs peeled shrimp
  • 1/4 cup catsup
  • 1/2 cup parsley
  • 1/2 cup green onions (scallions)
  • Black pepper and cayenne to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and cook bell pepper, celery and onions until onions have wilted, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic powder (optional). Add the can of Rotel tomatoes and stir until tomatoes are heated. Add the cans of cream of mushroom and cream of celery. Stir and then add enough water to dilute the mixture to a thick gravy. Remember, your shrimp will give off water in the final steps of the cooking. Lower the heat and cook until mixture is heated, stirring as needed to prevent scorching. Add black pepper if desired. Note that the soup provides enough salt for this dish. Easy on the salt if you do decide to use it. Add black pepper and cayenne to taste. Rinse the shrimp in a colander and drain well. Add the shrimp to the mixture along with the parsley and green onions.
  2. Cook no more than 10 minutes or until shrimp turn pink. In the last couple of minutes of cooking, add a large dollop of ketchup mainly for coloring but does give a nice taste to your dish. Serve over rice.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why are my shrimp rubbery?

A: Don't overcook them - shrimp cook very quickly and should only simmer for 8-10 minutes until they just turn pink. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery.

Q: Can I make this ahead?

A: You can make the sauce ahead and refrigerate it, but add the shrimp fresh when you're ready to serve. Reheating cooked shrimp will make them tough.

Q: My sauce is too thick - what do I do?

A: Add a little water or chicken broth to thin it out. Remember that the shrimp release moisture as they cook, so start with a slightly thicker consistency than you want in the final dish.

Tips and Techniques

Don’t skip rinsing the shrimp - this removes any grit and excess moisture. The ketchup at the end isn’t just for color - it adds a subtle sweetness that balances the heat from the Rotel and cayenne.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Rotel tomatoes: 1 can diced tomatoes plus 1 small can diced green chiles
  • cream of celery and cream of mushroom: cream of chicken or all cream of mushroom
  • fresh shrimp: frozen shrimp, thawed

Equipment Needed

  • Medium saucepan with lid
  • Colander for rinsing shrimp
  • Wooden spoon for stirring