If you’re craving a flavorful, hearty dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Louisiana right into your kitchen, then a prawn creole recipe is exactly what you need.
This classic American seafood dish combines succulent prawns simmered in a rich, spicy tomato sauce infused with the famous Creole holy trinity of vegetables and spices. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this prawn creole recipe easy enough for beginners and delicious enough for seasoned cooks will become your go-to.
Let’s dive into the world of Creole cooking and explore what makes this recipe so irresistible.
Tables of contents
Table of Contents
Understanding Creole Cuisine: A Flavorful Melting Pot
Creole cuisine is a unique culinary tradition that originated in Louisiana, blending French, Spanish, African, Caribbean, and Native American influences. It’s characterized by bold flavors, aromatic spices, and the use of fresh, local ingredients.
The foundation of many Creole dishes, including this creole prawns recipe, is the “holy trinity” of onions, bell peppers, and celery, which provides a flavorful base.
Unlike Cajun cuisine, which tends to be rustic and hearty, Creole cooking often incorporates tomatoes and a wider variety of herbs and spices, resulting in complex, layered flavors.
This rich culinary heritage makes the prawn creole recipe a perfect example of Creole cuisine’s ability to combine simplicity with depth, delivering a dish that is both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients That Make This Prawn Creole Recipe Shine
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Prawn Creole Recipe: The Best Creole Dish for a Tasty Main Course
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
To make the best prawn creole recipe, you’ll need fresh, quality ingredients that build layers of flavor
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw prawns, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken or seafood stock
- 1 tsp Creole seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce to taste (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice for serving
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Simple Prawn Creole Recipe
- Prepare the Vegetables: Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Add diced tomatoes, stock, Creole seasoning, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce if using. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
- Cook the Prawns: Add the prawns to the sauce, stirring gently. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the prawns turn pink and are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Spoon the prawn creole over hot cooked rice. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
Notes
Notes for the Best Results
- Use fresh or high-quality frozen prawns for the best texture.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Creole seasoning and hot sauce.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer longer or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and simmering
- Cuisine: American Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use shrimp instead of prawns in this recipe?
Yes! Shrimp and prawns are interchangeable in this recipe. Just ensure they are peeled and deveined for the best texture.
2. How spicy is this prawn creole recipe?
The spice level can be adjusted to your preference by varying the amount of Creole seasoning and hot sauce. Start mild and add more if you like heat.
3. What can I serve with prawn creole besides rice?
While rice is traditional, you can also serve this dish with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or even pasta like angel hair.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and add the prawns just before serving to keep them tender.
5. Is prawn creole gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free stock and Worcestershire sauce. Always check labels to be sure.
Conclusion
This prawn creole recipe is a fantastic way to bring bold, authentic Creole flavors to your table with ease. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply looking for a tasty main course that’s both simple and satisfying, this dish delivers on all fronts.
Its rich tomato-based sauce, aromatic spices, and tender prawns make it a standout meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Embrace the spirit of Creole cooking and enjoy the best prawn creole recipe that’s sure to become a beloved favorite.
