If you’ve ever found yourself enamored by the bright, zesty flavors of shrimp creole, you may wonder what to serve alongside this vibrant dish. Here’s a thought: imagine a fluffy mound of white rice topped with a generous helping of your shrimp creole.
The rice serves as a canvas, soaking up all those rich flavors—each bite transports you to a sun-drenched bayou, with its symphony of spices.
Or consider a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The crisp vegetables offer a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy shrimp creole, balancing the palate. You could also serve crusty French bread on the side. A bite of bread dipped into the spicy sauce is pure heaven.
Let’s dive into the delicious experience known as Commander’s Palace Shrimp Creole.
Walking into Commander’s Palace is like stepping into a culinary masterpiece. Nestled in the heart of New Orleans, this iconic restaurant embodies the spirit of Southern hospitality. Here, shrimp creole is not merely a dish; it’s an experience infused with history and flavor. What makes it truly special?
Well, hold onto your forks as we explore this gem of a recipe.
Shrimp creole is a classic dish often associated with the vibrant Creole culture. It embodies the diverse influences of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean culinary traditions. The beauty of this dish lies in its interplay of spices and the freshness of shrimp, creating something irresistible.
What is Commander’s Palace Shrimp Creole?
At its core, Commander’s Palace Shrimp Creole is a seafood dish featuring shrimp swimming in a sauce that bursts with flavor. It typically includes tomatoes, bell peppers, celery, and a host of savory spices. The dish is usually served over rice, making for a hearty meal.
This recipe stands out due to its robust flavors, which are achieved through a combination of fresh ingredients and masterful seasoning. You’ll often find a kick from cayenne pepper, and the smokiness of paprika rounds out the flavor profile. The use of fresh herbs ensures that each bite is fresh and lively.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
The flavor profile of Commander’s Palace Shrimp Creole is a delightful blend of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet notes. You’ll first encounter the sweetness of the shrimp, complemented by the acidity of tomatoes. Next, the array of spices—garlic, onion powder, and cayenne—bring in warmth and depth.
Then there’s the smokiness from the paprika. Imagine sitting in a lively New Orleans eatery, the scent of spices perfuming the air. Adding in fresh herbs like parsley and thyme elevates this dish beyond the ordinary. The finished product is a balance of flavors that dance on your palate.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Shrimp Creole?
Many shrimp creole recipes exist, but this particular iteration from Commander’s Palace shines through for its precise use of spices and dedication to freshness.
1. The smoked paprika and cayenne pepper bring a unique layer of depth that excites the taste buds.
2. The ratio of fresh ingredients creates pronounced flavors that feel light yet satisfying.
3. A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds a savory touch that’s hard to replicate, setting it apart from your average home-cooked creole.
4. With a combination of fresh and smoked elements, this recipe offers complexity you’ll find difficult to forget.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ready to get cooking? Here’s what you’ll need for your Commander’s Palace Shrimp Creole:
- 1 ½ pounds peeled and deveined medium raw shrimp
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup granulated garlic
- 3 tablespoons onion powder or dehydrated minced onion
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- ⅓ cup plus ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅓ cup plus 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, divided
- ¼ cup freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons plus 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, divided
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ¼ cups chicken stock or canned chicken broth
- 4 fresh bay leaves
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 3 scallions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
Collect these ingredients, and you’re set to explore a world of flavor.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. Once they’re clean, pat them dry with a paper towel. This step may seem minor, but it helps the shrimp absorb the flavors later.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onion becomes translucent.
Step 3: Infuse with Flavor
Once your vegetables are tender, add the minced garlic. Sauté for an additional two minutes. This adds aromatic depth to your dish. Keep an eye on it; you don’t want the garlic to burn!
Step 4: Create the Base
Next, stir in the tomatoes. Allow them to mingle with the sautéed vegetables for about 3 to 4 minutes. It creates a rich, aromatic base. Add the chicken stock, and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Season Generously
Add the spices! Toss in the kosher salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and oregano. Stir to combine. Now, just pause for a moment and inhale the fragrant wonder you’ve created.
Step 6: Let It Simmer
Add the bay leaves at this stage. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes. This will help all those flavors develop and meld together beautifully.
Step 7: Time for the Shrimp
Once the sauce has thickened, gently add the shrimp. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the shrimp are just cooked through. Here’s a tip: they’ll turn pink and opaque when done.
Step 8: Add Finishing Touches
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, butter, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. This final blend adds brightness and creaminess to the dish, giving it that signature taste.
Step 9: Serve
Remove the bay leaves. Grab a bowl, add a generous scoop of fluffy white rice, and top with that glorious shrimp creole. Garnish with additional parsley and scallions.
Tips On Making Commander’s Palace Shrimp Creole
Making a great shrimp creole is an art, but here are some tips to help:
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp makes all the difference. If possible, get them from a local seafood market.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer milder flavors, use less cayenne pepper. Adjust it according to your palette.
- Double the Sauce: If you love the sauce, make extra! It’s perfect for dipping or soaking it up with bread.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking can deepen the flavors.
- Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to try different spices! Adding a dash of cumin or some chopped green chilies can elevate the dish.
Nutrition Information
commander’s palace shrimp creole recipe nutrition facts
How Can I Store This Commander’s Palace Shrimp Creole?
Storing shrimp creole is simple! Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. For a longer option, consider freezing it. In a sealed container, it can last for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Just don’t forget to stir in a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
Substitute Options for Ingredients
Did you find yourself running short on ingredients? No worries! Here are some substitutes:
- Shrimp: If the shrimp is unavailable, consider using chicken or tofu for a different protein that absorbs the flavors well.
- Chicken Stock: If you don’t have chicken stock, vegetable broth works perfectly for a lighter alternative.
- Bay Leaves: No bay leaves? Use dried thyme or oregano as substitutes. Just remember to adjust the amount used.
- Fresh Parsley: Short on parsley? Fresh cilantro offers a different but delightful herbaceous zing.
Commander’s Palace Shrimp Creole Recipe
Equipment
- Large pan
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds peeled and deveined medium raw shrimp
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup granulated garlic
- 3 tablespoons onion powder or dehydrated minced onion
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- ⅓ cup plus ½ teaspoon kosher salt divided
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅓ cup plus 1 teaspoon smoked paprika divided
- ¼ cup freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons plus 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper divided
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ¼ cups chicken stock or canned chicken broth
- 4 fresh bay leaves
- 2 cups diced tomatoes fresh or canned
- 3 scallions sliced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. Once they’re clean, pat them dry with a paper towel. This step may seem minor, but it helps the shrimp absorb the flavors later.
- In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onion becomes translucent.
- Once your vegetables are tender, add the minced garlic. Sauté for an additional two minutes. This adds aromatic depth to your dish. Keep an eye on it; you don’t want the garlic to burn!
- Next, stir in the tomatoes. Allow them to mingle with the sautéed vegetables for about 3 to 4 minutes. It creates a rich, aromatic base. Add the chicken stock, and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Add the spices! Toss in the kosher salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and oregano. Stir to combine. Now, just pause for a moment and inhale the fragrant wonder you’ve created.
- Add the bay leaves at this stage. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes. This will help all those flavors develop and meld together beautifully.
- Once the sauce has thickened, gently add the shrimp. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the shrimp are just cooked through. Here’s a tip: they’ll turn pink and opaque when done.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, butter, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. This final blend adds brightness and creaminess to the dish, giving it that signature taste.
- Remove the bay leaves. Grab a bowl, add a generous scoop of fluffy white rice, and top with that glorious shrimp creole. Garnish with additional parsley and scallions.
Notes
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp makes all the difference. If possible, get them from a local seafood market.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer milder flavors, use less cayenne pepper. Adjust it according to your palette.
- Double the Sauce: If you love the sauce, make extra! It’s perfect for dipping or soaking it up with bread.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking can deepen the flavors.
- Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to try different spices! Adding a dash of cumin or some chopped green chilies can elevate the dish.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Commander’s Palace Shrimp Creole is a dish that tells a story through its intricate flavors and history. From its Creole roots to your kitchen table, it invites you to explore the very essence of New Orleans cuisine.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night at home, this shrimp creole brings warmth to every gathering. Take a moment to savor each bite, soak in the spices, and revel in the culinary adventure it offers.
With each mouthful, discover the love and care that goes into crafting such a remarkable dish. Your taste buds will thank you!
