Shrimp Creole Crockpot recipe

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Introduction:

Looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make meal that packs a punch? This Shrimp Creole Crockpot recipe is a game-changer! Shrimp Creole is a classic Louisiana dish, rooted in Creole cuisine, featuring a rich tomato-based sauce infused with the “Holy Trinity” of celery, bell peppers, and onions, along with a medley of bold spices. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. This recipe simplifies the process, using a slow cooker to develop deep, authentic flavors with minimal effort. Stick around to see just how easy it is to bring the taste of New Orleans to your kitchen!

In this video, we’re diving into the bold and flavorful world of southern cuisine with an easy-to-follow Shrimp Creole Crockpot recipe that’s sure to impress! You’ll see how to create this Louisiana classic, starting with prepping the “Holy Trinity” of Creole cooking: celery, bell peppers, and onions. We’ll guide you through sautéing these aromatic vegetables to perfection and building a rich tomato-based sauce infused with spices like paprika, garlic, and a touch of heat to bring out the authentic Creole flavor.

A festive Southern dinner setting with Shrimp Creole as the centerpiece in a crockpot. The dish is vivid, with tender shrimp in a tomato-based sauce surrounded by diced celery, bell peppers, and onions. Bowls of rice and lemon wedges accompany the meal, set on a burlap table runner with wooden serving spoons and jars of Cajun seasoning for an authentic touch.
A rustic dinner scene featuring Shrimp Creole served in a crockpot. The dish is vibrant with plump shrimp in a rich tomato-based sauce mixed with diced celery, onions, and bell peppers. Garnished with parsley and paprika, it’s paired with a side bowl of fluffy white rice and a slice of lemon, all placed on a wooden table with warm, inviting lighting
A cozy family dinner table featuring Shrimp Creole served straight from a crockpot. The dish glistens with a bold red tomato sauce, tender shrimp, and colorful vegetables. It is paired with a bowl of white rice, a small dish of hot sauce, and a garnish of parsley. The setting includes rustic cutlery, a folded napkin, and sunlight streaming through a nearby window.

You’ll learn step-by-step how to layer the ingredients in your crockpot for optimal flavor development and how to cook the shrimp just right to keep them tender and juicy. Along the way, we’ll share tips and tricks to elevate the dish, such as balancing the seasoning and adding subtle heat with hot sauce or chili flakes.

This Shrimp Creole Crockpot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a taste of New Orleans without spending hours in the kitchen. By the end, you’ll have a dish with a velvety sauce that pairs perfectly with fluffy rice, creating a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite. Let’s get cooking!

Equipment and Utensils Needed for Shrimp Creole Crockpot Recipe:

Preparation:

  1. Cutting Board – For chopping the onions, celery, and bell peppers.
  2. Chef’s Knife – To dice vegetables and mince garlic.
  3. Garlic Press (optional) – For finely pressing garlic if you prefer a smoother texture.

Cooking:

  1. Large Skillet or Sauté Pan – To sauté the vegetables and garlic before transferring them to the crockpot.
  2. Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – For stirring ingredients during sautéing and in the crockpot.

Slow Cooking:

  1. Crockpot/Slow Cooker – The primary cooking equipment for the recipe. A standard 4–6 quart crockpot works well.

Measuring:

  1. Measuring Cups – For liquids like tomato sauce, chicken stock, and diced tomatoes.
  2. Measuring Spoons – For spices and seasonings like paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper.

Serving:

  1. Rice Cooker or Saucepan – To prepare the rice for serving with the Shrimp Creole.
  2. Ladle or Serving Spoon – For scooping and serving the finished dish.
  3. Tongs – To handle the shrimp gently if needed.

Optional:

  1. Citrus Juicer (optional) – For squeezing fresh lemon juice.
  2. Small Bowls – For holding pre-measured spices and ingredients for easier assembly.
  3. Kitchen Timer (optional) – To help keep track of sautéing and slow cooking times.

Directions:

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

  1. Dice the onions, celery, and bell peppers into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
  2. Mince the garlic or use a garlic press for a finer texture.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. In a skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onions, celery, and bell peppers. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 8–10 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

  1. Transfer the sautéed vegetables into your crockpot.
  2. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken stock or water.
  3. Stir in the seasonings: paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), thyme, smoked paprika, and bay leaves.
  4. Mix in the Worcestershire sauce for a rich, umami flavor.
  5. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Slow Cook

  1. Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4–5 hours or high heat for 2–3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Add the Shrimp

  1. In the last 15–20 minutes of cooking, stir in the peeled and deveined shrimp.
  2. Cover and cook just until the shrimp are pink and cooked through (about 10 minutes). Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

  1. Stir in a splash of lemon juice to brighten the dish.
  2. Remove bay leaves before serving.
  3. Serve over fluffy white rice, and garnish with parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or a few dashes of hot sauce for added heat.

This Shrimp Creole Crockpot recipe is a simple, hands-off way to enjoy a taste of the South with bold, comforting flavors in every bite!

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