Prawn Creole Recipe

There’s nothing like a classic prawn creole recipe to bring the taste of Louisiana straight to your kitchen. This dish, with its bold Creole spices, fresh prawns, and zesty tomato sauce, is the epitome of comfort food. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner, and guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you’re a fan of seafood or just looking for easy dinner recipes, this prawn creole will surely hit the spot.

Recipe by SoukaynaCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

Enjoy the rich, savory flavors of Louisiana with this prawn creole recipe. A simple, yet deliciously satisfying meal that brings the bold taste of Creole spices, tender prawns, and a vibrant tomato sauce straight to your dinner table.

Ingredients

Prawns
1 lb (450g) large prawns, peeled and deveined
Vegetables & Aromatics
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 bell pepper, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup chicken or seafood broth
Seasonings
1 tbsp Creole seasoning
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for more heat)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried thyme
Salt & black pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooked rice (for serving)

Directions

Sauté Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
Add Tomatoes & Seasonings:
Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir in Creole seasoning, cayenne pepper, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cook the Sauce:
Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally.
Add Prawns:
Add the prawns to the skillet, stirring them into the sauce. Cook for about 5 minutes or until prawns are pink and opaque.
Serve:
Serve the prawn creole over cooked rice and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Creole Seasoning: If you don’t have Creole seasoning, you can make your own mix with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Broth: For more flavor, use seafood broth instead of chicken broth.

Tips for the perfect Prawn Creole Recipe

Control the Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your preferred heat level.
Freshness Matters: Use fresh prawns if possible; it will enhance the overall flavor.
Add Veggies: Feel free to add okra or even corn for more texture and flavor.

Recipe Variants

Chicken & Sausage Creole: Substitute prawns with diced chicken and add sliced Andouille sausage. Follow the same recipe for a rich, meaty variation.
Vegetarian Creole: Replace prawns with hearty vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and beans.

FAQ

Can I use frozen prawns?

Yes, you can use frozen prawns. Make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before cooking.

What’s the difference between Creole and Cajun cooking?

Creole cuisine typically uses tomatoes and is more “city” food, while Cajun cuisine is more rustic and doesn’t include tomatoes.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add prawns and heat before serving.

What can I serve with prawn creole?

Rice is the traditional accompaniment, but you can also serve it with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat.

The beauty of this prawn creole recipe lies in its simplicity and robust flavors. From the first bite, you’ll be transported to the vibrant streets of New Orleans, where good food is a way of life. Serve it over rice, and you have a meal that’s both hearty and delicious, yet easy enough for a busy weeknight.

If you are seafood lover check out these recipes that we find delicious and easy to make: