Shrimp Creole

shrimp-creole-recipe

Shrimp Creole is a flavorful Louisiana recipe that relies on the flavors of the trinity (celery, onion and green pepper) along with Tabasco to give it a kick.  It’s served over rice, which makes it one of our favorite frugal dishes.

However, don’t confuse it with Gumbo!  Gumbo is Cajun rather than Creole.  Gumbo is created by slow-cooking roux until golden brown.  Creole dishes are usually a bit spicier, and don’t contain a roux.  Both include the trinity and are ”improvisational” dishes, as the basic recipe may be altered to include whatever ingredients the cook has available (Wikipedia).

Frugal Tips:  I use bagged frozen shrimp for this recipe.  About every 2-3 months, I find it on sale at Cub Foods during their BOGO sales.  Since I’m able to store it in my deep freeze, I buy several bags when the price is low.

Shrimp Creole
Serves: 4-6
 
Creole flavors plus rice and shrimp come together for this easy dish
Ingredients
  • ½ C. (1 stick) butter
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 large green pepper, chopped
  • 4 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 14-5-oz. can diced tomatoes
  • 1 8-oz. can tomato sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. Tabasco
  • 1 lb. cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
Instructions
  1. Melt butter in skillet. Add onion, green pepper and celery and saute until soft (about 5-7 minutes). Add salt, pepper, cayenne, and garlic. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire and Tabasco. Bring to a simmer then reduce heat. Add shrimp five minutes before serving and heat through. Serve over white rice.

View more creole recipes on Mommysavers.com.

Shrimp Scampi with Linguine Noodles

shrimp scampi linguine

Last weekend, I was watching an old episode of Barefoot Contessa and Ina Garten presented her fabulous shrimp scampi recipe.  It looked so simple and easy, I decided to put it to the test.  I’ve made shrimp scampi many times before, but Ina’s recipe called for lemon and cracked red pepper in addition to my typical recipe.  As expected, it was delicious!

Frugal Tips:  I rarely pay full price for shrimp.  Often, it goes on sale at the grocery store during BOGO sales.  When it does, I stock up!

Adapted from Shrimp Scampi by Ina Garten/Barefoot Contessa on Foodnetwork.com

Shrimp Scampi with Linguine Noodles
Recipe type: main
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4
 
This delicious dish is ready in under 30 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1 box linguine noodles
  • 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 2½ Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. cracked black pepper
  • 1 lb. uncooked shrimp
  • ⅓ C. chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • ¼ C. lemon juice (I used juice from concentrate)
  • ⅛ tsp. red pepper flakes

Instructions
  1. Prepare linguine according to package instructions. In a large skillet, melt butter in olive oil. Add garlic and give a quick stir. Next, add salt, pepper and shrimp and cook until they turn light pink, turning as necessary. Add parsley, lemon juice, and red pepper. Add linguine noodles, tossing to coat with the shrimp scampi sauce. Serve immediately.

 

Quick Shrimp Tacos

quick shrimp taco recipe

This has been our go-to recipe for shrimp tacos after tasting them in San Diego for the first time in 2007.  For me, it’s the dressing that makes it delicious (I’m a huge cumin fan).  You could easily substitute the shrimp for fish if that’s more to your liking.   For even more flavor, brush the shrimp with butter and garlic cloves, skewer them, and throw on the grill (if you have the time).  The “rainy day” method for me is just a quick toss in butter in a skillet.  Plus, it takes much less time.

Frugal Tips:   Frozen shrimp is often found on buy one, get one free sales at the supermarket.  When you see those sales, stock up!  It keeps for months in the freezer and is great for recipes like this.    To save even more money on this recipe, load your tortilla up with more slaw and fewer shrimp.  A little bit goes a long way!

Note:  If you’re going for an even healthier recipe, swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt.  You’ll hardly be able to tell the difference!

Quick Shrimp Tacos
Recipe type: Main
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4
 
These shrimp tacos are quick, easy and taste great!
Ingredients
  • ½ C. sour cream
  • 3 Tbsp. mayo
  • 4 Tbsp. milk
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • Medium shrimp, peeled and cooked (or use leftovers)
  • 2 Tbsp. butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Corn tortillas
  • Cole slaw salad mix
  • Queso fresco
  • Green salsa (tomatillo)
  • Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
  1. Mix the sour cream, mayo, milk and cumin for the dressing on the cole slaw mix. Set aside. Toss your shrimp in butter in a skillet with two cloves minced garlic. Assemble all ingredients in a corn tortilla. You can either dress the slaw mix ahead of time, or have each person add as much or as little dressing as they choose. Add crumbled queso fresco, salsa and cilantro to taste.