Creole Shrimp & Okra Stew 🍤🌶️

A Bold, Flavor-Packed Taste of Louisiana!

Bring the vibrant taste of the South straight to your table with this Creole Shrimp & Okra Stew — a rich, spicy, and comforting dish that celebrates everything we love about Louisiana cuisine.

Loaded with tender shrimp, fresh okra, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and bold Creole spices, this hearty stew is a delicious mix of warmth and flavor. It’s one of those meals that fills the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma and tastes even better the next day.

Whether you’re craving something cozy for a chilly evening or want to spice up your dinner routine, this Creole Shrimp & Okra Stew delivers pure soul food satisfaction in every spoonful.

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🍅 What Is Creole Shrimp & Okra Stew?

This dish combines the Creole tradition of bold spices, rich tomato-based sauces, and a medley of vegetables with the Southern favorite — okra — known for its earthy flavor and natural thickening qualities.

The shrimp soak up all those Cajun-Creole seasonings, creating a stew that’s zesty, smoky, and perfectly balanced. Think of it as a cousin to gumbo — but lighter, faster, and just as comforting.

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🌶️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Authentic Creole flavor — a blend of smoky, spicy, and savory goodness.
✅ Healthy & hearty — packed with lean protein and vegetables.
✅ One-pot meal — easy cleanup and minimal fuss.
✅ Customizable heat level — make it mild or fiery!
✅ Perfect with rice or cornbread — the ultimate Southern comfort combo.

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🍤 Ingredients You’ll Need

🥘 For the Stew:

• 1 ½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups fresh or frozen okra, sliced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken or seafood stock
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

🍚 For Serving:

• Steamed white rice or brown rice
• Crusty bread or cornbread, for dipping

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Creole Shrimp & Okra Stew

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Add onions, bell pepper, and celery — the classic “Holy Trinity” of Creole cooking.
Cook for about 5–6 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

Add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.

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Step 2: Add the Okra

Stir in the okra and cook for 5 minutes, allowing it to lightly brown and lose some of its natural stickiness.
This helps the stew thicken naturally without becoming slimy.

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Step 3: Build the Base

Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, stock, smoked paprika, Creole seasoning, thyme, bay leaf, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the stew simmer for 20 minutes.
This step allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.

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Step 4: Add the Shrimp

Stir in the shrimp and cook for 4–5 minutes, just until they turn pink and opaque.
Be careful not to overcook — shrimp cook very quickly!

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Step 5: Finish & Serve

Remove the bay leaf, then stir in lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Taste and adjust seasoning — add more salt, pepper, or Creole spice as desired.

Serve hot over fluffy rice, with cornbread or crusty French bread on the side to soak up that rich, flavorful sauce.

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🍋 Homemade Creole Seasoning (Optional)

If you don’t have store-bought Creole seasoning, you can easily make your own!

Mix together:

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt

Store in an airtight jar — it’s great on seafood, chicken, or vegetables!

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Creole Shrimp & Okra Stew is rich, bold, and pairs beautifully with:

🍚 White or brown rice — classic and comforting.
🥖 French bread or baguette — perfect for sopping up that delicious sauce.
🌽 Cornbread — adds a sweet, buttery contrast to the spice.
🥗 Simple green salad — for a light, fresh side dish.
🍷 Chilled white wine or iced tea — to balance the heat.

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🌿 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat until hot.
  (If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.)

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🔥 Tips for the Best Creole Shrimp & Okra Stew

✅ Use fresh shrimp whenever possible — they absorb flavor beautifully.
✅ Don’t skip the “holy trinity” — onion, celery, and bell pepper are essential.
✅ Simmer gently: A slow simmer deepens the flavor.
✅ Balance the spice: Add cayenne gradually if you’re sensitive to heat.
✅ Add a smoky touch: A dash of smoked paprika or a bit of Andouille sausage can elevate it even more.

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🍤 Flavor Variations

🥓 Add Sausage: Stir in sliced Andouille or smoked sausage for a meatier dish.
🐟 Seafood Lovers: Mix in crab, scallops, or chunks of fish for a Creole seafood stew.
🌶️ Extra Heat: Add a splash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
🍅 Tomato-Free Option: Use more stock and a bit of roux for a gumbo-style base.

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💛 Why This Dish Stands Out

This Creole Shrimp & Okra Stew isn’t just a meal — it’s an experience.
It tells a story of Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage, blending African, French, and Southern influences into one harmonious dish.

Every spoonful is filled with flavor — the sweetness of shrimp, the earthiness of okra, and the warm, spicy notes of Creole seasoning. It’s bold, comforting, and deeply satisfying.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Creole cuisine or new to it, this recipe will make you fall in love with Southern cooking all over again.

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⚖️ Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbs: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 580mg

(Values vary depending on ingredients and portion size.)

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🌶️ Final Thoughts

This Creole Shrimp & Okra Stew is the perfect blend of bold spice, coastal freshness, and comforting Southern soul. It’s easy to make, full of authentic Creole flavor, and guaranteed to warm your heart (and belly!).

Serve it with rice, bread, or cornbread — no matter how you plate it, it’s a dish that brings everyone to the table for seconds.

So grab your pot, stir up some spice, and let the flavors of New Orleans fill your kitchen tonight. 🍤🌾🔥

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