Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of fresh seafood, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of spices creates a harmonious and robust taste that is both comforting and exciting.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein from the seafood and vitamins from the vegetables, this dish is as nourishing as it is delicious.
- Versatile: Seafood Creole can be customized with your preferred types of seafood and adjusted for spice levels to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb crab meat (preferably fresh or canned)
- 1/2 lb crawfish tails (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup seafood stock or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Cooked rice, for serving
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Seafood:
- Rinse the shrimp, crab meat, and crawfish tails under cold water.
- Pat them dry with paper towels and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery.
- Cook until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and seafood stock.
- Add the Creole seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Incorporate the Seafood:
- Add the shrimp, crab meat, and crawfish tails to the skillet.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through and the seafood is heated through.
- Be careful not to overcook the seafood.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf from the mixture.
- Stir in the fresh parsley and green onions.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Spoon the Seafood Creole over cooked rice and garnish with additional parsley and green onions if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Seafood Options: Feel free to substitute or add other seafood such as scallops, mussels, or firm white fish to the dish.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate okra or diced zucchini for added texture and flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper and Creole seasoning to make the dish milder or spicier according to your preference.
- Herbs: Add fresh thyme or bay leaves for additional depth of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Seafood Creole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place the cooled dish in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers gently to avoid overcooking the seafood. Use a stovetop or microwave to warm the dish. If reheating on the stovetop, warm over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
What is Seafood Creole?
Seafood Creole is a traditional Louisiana dish that features a variety of seafood cooked in a spiced tomato-based sauce, often served over rice.
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe
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Seafood Creole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Seafood Creole is a flavorful and hearty Louisiana classic featuring shrimp, crab, and crawfish in a spiced tomato-based sauce. This customizable dish is perfect for special occasions or comforting weeknight dinners. Serve over rice for a satisfying Creole experience.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb crab meat (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 lb crawfish tails (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup seafood stock or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Seafood:
- Rinse shrimp, crab meat, and crawfish tails under cold water.
- Pat dry and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add onion, green bell pepper, and celery, cooking until tender (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices:
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and seafood stock.
- Add Creole seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Incorporate the Seafood:
- Add shrimp, crab meat, and crawfish tails.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, until shrimp are pink and cooked through, and the seafood is heated. Avoid overcooking.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove bay leaf. Stir in parsley and green onions.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve over cooked rice, garnished with additional parsley and green onions if desired.
Notes
- Seafood Options: Swap or add scallops, mussels, or firm white fish for variety.
- Vegetables: Include okra or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce base (without seafood) in advance and add seafood when reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Creole