Seafood Creole

 

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

  1. Prepare the Seafood:
    • Rinse the shrimp, crab meat, and crawfish tails under cold water.
    • Pat them dry with paper towels and set aside.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Seafood Creole


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  • Author: Julia
  • 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

  1. Prepare the Seafood:
    • Rinse shrimp, crab meat, and crawfish tails under cold water.
    • Pat dry and set aside.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
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