How to Make Quick and Easy Creole-Style Shrimp Recipe

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is one of the main topics I cover on The Creative Cottage blog because. I’ve published quite a few recipes on my blog, including one of my favorites, Pad Thai which can be made with your favorite protein such as chicken, delicious Wild Patagonian pink shrimp, or even tofu if you’re following a vegan or vegetarian diet.

I love cooking (and eating) delicious dishes I make from scratch. A few days ago I cooked up a large batch of shrimp in my favorite non-stick pan to add to a pasta dish I was making. I ended up not using all the shrimp that I had, so I needed a way to use up all the extra seafood.

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Great Leftover Shrimp Recipe

I came up with this quick and easy recipe to use up the leftovers. This dish has a tiny bit of heat to it, so I originally called this recipe Quick and Easy Cajun shrimp but have since changed it to Quick and Easy Creole-style Shrimp. You can make this seafood dish as hot and spicy as you like!

After doing a bit of research on the History of Cajun Food, I decided to change the name of this seafood recipe to Creole-style Shrimp. According to the Louisiana Travel website, the main difference between the two is “Creole cuisine uses tomatoes and proper Cajun food does not.”

My bad, I’ve always clumped Cajun and Creole together, but they are actually two separate and distinct cultures. For more information on the History of Cajun Food, I recommend clicking on the link I included at the beginning of this paragraph that will take you to the Louisiana Travel website.

How to Make Quick and Easy Creole-Style Shrimp Recipe - The Creative Cottage (3)

Using Leftover Shrimp

A less spicy version of the Cajun shrimp can be made by using a bit of Stonewall Kitchen Maine Seafood Rub or eliminating the red pepper flakes. Or, if you want it really Cajun and 5-alarm fire spicy, use cayenne pepper in place of the red pepper flakes. Serve this easy to prepare shrimp dish with a bit of leftover rice, pasta, or even on top of a baked potato.

This seafood recipe can be made with fresh, raw shrimp instead of leftover cooked shrimp – just adjust the cooking time accordingly. This recipe can also be used for other types of seafood such as scallops, lobster or your favorite variety of seafood.

How to Make Quick and Easy Creole-Style Shrimp Recipe - The Creative Cottage (4)

How to Make Quick and Easy Creole-Style Shrimp Recipe - The Creative Cottage (5)

Quick and Easy Cajun Shrimp Recipe

Quick and easy seafood recipe using leftover cooked shrimp paired with bold and spicy Cajun flavors.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

2 cups cooked shrimp chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper more or less to make it mild or spicy
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons fresh garlic minced
1/4 cup tomato sauce
2 teaspoons chopped chives
1/2 cup chopped cherry tomatoes optional

Instructions

Roughly chop the cooked shrimp and set aside.
In a small bowl, mix together the dried seasons: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika and red pepper flakes (or cayenne pepper).
Toss the chopped shrimp with the dried spice mixture.
Add the olive oil to a frying pan placed over medium heat.
Stir in the minced fresh garlic, and cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
Stir in the spice coated shrimp and cook for a few minutes, until heated through. If using fresh, raw shrimp adjust your cooking time until the shrimp is cooked through.
Stir in the tomato sauce and cook for 1 or 2 more minutes, or until the sauce is heated through.
Remove the pan from the stove, and place the Cajun Shrimp into a serving bowl.
Sprinkle the shrimp with the chopped chives.
Serve the spiced shrimp as-is, or on top of noodles, rice or a baked potato.
For an extra punch of flavor, toss in a few cherry tomatoes that you’ve sliced in half – enjoy!

Notes

Let’s Keep in Touch

Do you have any tips or tricks you’d like to share? Leave a comment on this post or shoot me an email:info@thecreativecottage.netand I just might feature your story in a future blog post.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe

Founder and Chief Blogger
The Creative Cottage

Disclosure: This post may contain ads or affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they will help us keep this site up and running! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please check out ourdisclosure policyfor more details. Thank you!#CommissionsEarned

How to Make Quick and Easy Creole-Style Shrimp Recipe - The Creative Cottage (2024)

FAQs

How to make shrimp soft and tender? ›

Poach: Poaching shrimp in a flavored liquid such as broth, wine, or water can keep it tender and moist. Grill: Grilling shrimp can give it a smoky flavor and caramelized surface. Brush the shrimp with oil to prevent sticking and cook until just opaque.

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What is the best way to make shrimp? ›

Set a large skillet over high heat and add a thin layer of oil. When the oil is glistening and just about to start smoking, add the shrimp. Season with salt and let the shrimp cook undisturbed for about 1 minute, until the bottom of each shrimp is bright pink and browned. Flip.

Learn More Now ›

What does baking soda and salt do to shrimp? ›

It may sound minor, but the combination works wonders: the salt helps keep the shrimp nice and moist as they cook, while alkaline baking soda delivers a crisp, firm texture.

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What is the easiest shrimp for beginners? ›

Cherry Shrimp

They are easy to care for and tend to get along with the other tank mates, making them excellent freshwater shrimp for beginners. Found in the waters of Taiwan, Cherry Shrimp are dependable for algae consumption and high breeding potential. Our cherry shrimp are very active and constantly breeding!

Read The Full Story ›

What do you soak shrimp in before cooking? ›

A simple mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs can do wonders. Let them soak in the marinade for at least 15-30 minutes before cooking and enjoy the most scrumptious sautéed shrimp.

Tell Me More ›

What is the secret to juicy shrimp? ›

Soak shrimp in brine

Soak quickly in brine to keep lean seafood moist as it cooks and season it throughout. A solution of 1 tablespoon kosher salt and 1 quart water works to season 1 pound of seafood. Dissolve the salt in the water, and then submerge the shrimp and chill for 30 minutes.

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How do you cook shrimp so it doesn't get tough? ›

Add 2 Tbsp. olive oil to the pan, then arrange shrimp in a single layer on the bottom of the skillet. Cook without moving for 2 minutes for medium shrimp, 3 minutes for large shrimp, or 4 minutes for jumbo shrimp.

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Why add baking soda to shrimp before cooking? ›

Alkaline baking soda slightly alters the pH of the shrimp, making them as plump and succulent as lobster and resistant to overcooking. The brine also causes the meat to pull away from the shells while cooking, so you get all the great flavor of shell-on shrimp without the hassle.

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What gives shrimp a good taste? ›

These savory little crustaceans taste best with seasoning that complements their unique umami flavor. The top three spice blends for shrimp are garlic butter, Old Bay Seasoning, and blackened seasoning, and they are easy to make at home!

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How to make shrimp at home? ›

Place the shells from the shrimp in a large sauce pan along with 1 Tbsp garlic salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and bay leaf. Add 8 cups water and bring to a boil over med/high heat. Once water boils, add the peeled and deveined shrimp and simmer until pink, about 2-3 minutes depending on size of the shrimp.

Why do you put sugar in shrimp? ›

Add Sugar Just Before Cooking

Sprinkling sugar on the shrimp (patted dry after salting) boosts browning and underscores their sweetness. The trick is waiting to sprinkle it until just before searing so that it doesn't get wiped off when you dry the shrimp.

Get More Info Here ›

Why do you put lemon juice in shrimp? ›

Flavor Enhancement: Lemon juice adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the shrimp, which can complement and enhance the natural sweetness of the seafood. It provides a refreshing and tangy element that can balance the richness of the shrimp.

Learn More Now ›

Why do you put vinegar in shrimp? ›

Don't forget the secret ingredient in the boil: apple cider vinegar. It makes the shrimp easier to peel.

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Is it better to steam or boil raw shrimp? ›

Steaming is much gentler on seafood and helps lock in the shrimp's flavor. Additionally, steaming is more convenient than boiling because you need less water, which means you don't have to wait as long for it to come to a boil. The sooner your water comes to a boil, the sooner you can eat!

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Do you rinse shrimp before cooking? ›

There's no need to scrub or wash shrimp—live, frozen or defrosted—but a little fresh water can help during prep. Rinsing under cool running water not only thaws frozen shrimp but shows their quality: Make sure they're shiny, translucent and odorless.

Tell Me More ›

Do you peel or boil shrimp first? ›

When you can, boil shrimp shell-on. The shell keeps them slightly more flavorful and promotes even cooking. Devein first. Deveining shrimp before cooking is best since it's a little harder to do it neatly after they're cooked.

Should shrimp be soaked before cooking? ›

Soak shrimp in brine

Soak quickly in brine to keep lean seafood moist as it cooks and season it throughout. A solution of 1 tablespoon kosher salt and 1 quart water works to season 1 pound of seafood. Dissolve the salt in the water, and then submerge the shrimp and chill for 30 minutes.