Sautéed Shrimp with Savannah-Style Creole Tomato Sauce
Tender shrimp cooked in a vibrant Creole tomato sauce inspired by Southern coastal flavors, served with aromatic herbs and spices. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, medium yellow onion, finely chopped into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Creole seasoning
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion, 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper, and 1 diced celery stalk, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tbsp Creole seasoning, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, simmering the sauce for 10 minutes until thickened and aromatic.
- Step 4: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste, then gently fold in 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice for brightness. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Savannah-Style Creole Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Shrimp with Savannah-Style Creole Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Savannah-Style Creole Tomato Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sautéed Shrimp with Savannah-Style Creole Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Sautéed Shrimp with Savannah-Style Creole Tomato Sauce?
Southern seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
