Shrimp Creole

I like shrimp , i think they’re one of the healthy food that is packed with protein yet you don’t have to spend so much time in cooking them . In fact the longer time you spend cooking the shrimp , the chewy they get and in result , it’s not really that yummy . But cooking them quick is the key and i need this kind of meal once in a while .

This time , we’re trying to make shrimp creole , i thought the taste was a little lacking , probably because i have the asian tongue that is looking for that specific blend from shrimp dish , i don’t know . In my mind , shrimp creole should taste like ” sambal goreng udang ” ( more to it , please google ) , but obviously , i shouldn’t have had expected that , because these 2 dishes are totally from different country . Anyway , with the help of essence of emeril , which actually quite widely available in store yet , it is so easy to make yourself as long as you have variety of spices ( esp. cajun , southern style ) . Super easy and quick ..that’s all i have to say .

Direction : 

About 2 pounds of large shrimp , peeled and de-veined , sprinkle with essence of emeril , set aside

1 large green bell pepper , chopped

2 cups of chopped onion

3 cloves of garlic , minced

4-5 stalks of celery , chopped

4 cups of peeled and seeded roma tomatoes

Essence of emeril

2 tbsp . of flour

1 cup of water

1 bay leaf

cayenne pepper and salt and pepper

1. In a large skillet , heat up olive oil , saute the onion , for about 3 minutes , salt pepper and add cayenne . Then add celery and green pepper , and cook about 2 minutes . Add the tomatoes and garlic , and add more salt and cayenne as needed . Along with essence of emeril ( i didn’t measure , just eye ball it )

2. Then add bay leaves , and flour , cook for about 3 minutes of so keep stirring . Then add water into the skillet , it will get thick . Simmer for about 7 minutes .

3. Add the shrimp , turn the heat up and keep stirring for 2-3 minutes , until the shrimp turns orange . Don’t overcook or shrimp will get chewy . Serve with white rice and sprinkle with chopped green onion .

Essence 

2 1/2 tablespoons paprika

2 tablespoons salt

2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
Combine all ingredients thoroughly.