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
