If you have a craving for a dish bursting with vibrant flavors and a heartwarming blend of spices and seafood, this Seafood Creole Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It combines the rich essence of rock shrimp, bay scallops, and tender haddock with a fragrant mix of herbs and vegetables, simmered in a luscious tomato base. This dish not only celebrates the spirit of classic Creole cooking but also delivers a satisfying meal that is perfect for sharing with family or friends. There’s something truly special about the rhythm of spices and fresh seafood coming together in this recipe, making every spoonful an invitation to savor a taste of southern hospitality.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Seafood Creole Recipe lies in its use of simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch in both flavor and texture. Each item contributes uniquely—whether it’s the aromatic herbs that create a warm background or the trio of fresh seafood bringing delicate sweetness and firmness to every bite.
- Dried oregano (¾ teaspoon): Adds an earthy, robust flavor that complements the seafood perfectly.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the vibrant flavors and balances the spices.
- White pepper (½ teaspoon): Provides subtle heat with a slightly different note than black pepper.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Gives a familiar spicy kick to the dish’s foundation.
- Cayenne pepper (½ teaspoon): Infuses a lively warmth to awaken your palate.
- Dried thyme leaves (½ teaspoon): Adds a fragrant, slightly minty and lemony taste.
- Dried sweet basil (½ teaspoon): Contributes a touch of sweetness and herbaceous freshness.
- Butter (¼ cup): Brings richness and helps marry the flavors of the vegetables.
- Chopped tomato (1 cup): Offers freshness and a hint of acidity to brighten the stew.
- Chopped onion (¾ cup): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed gently.
- Chopped celery (¾ cup): Brings crunch and a subtle aromatic flavor.
- Chopped green bell pepper (¾ cup): Provides color, crunch, and a mild pepper flavor.
- Minced garlic (1½ teaspoons): Infuses the dish with savory intensity without overpowering.
- Chicken stock (1¼ cups): Creates a flavorful base that enhances the tomato sauce.
- Tomato sauce (1 cup): Thickens the stew and adds concentrated tomato richness.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances acidity and deepens sweetness gently.
- Hot pepper sauce (½ teaspoon): Kicks up the heat and adds complexity to the spice profile.
- Bay leaves (2): Impart a subtle aromatic note that lingers in the background.
- Rock shrimp (1 pound): Brings a firm texture and mild sweetness essential to this creole classic.
- Bay scallops (1 pound): Offer a tender bite and a delicate flavor to complement the other seafood.
- Haddock (1 pound): Adds flaky, succulent white fish that absorbs all the wonderful seasonings.
How to Make Seafood Creole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning Mix
Start by combining your dried oregano, salt, white pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, thyme, and sweet basil in a small bowl. This carefully balanced mixture of herbs and spices forms the aromatic backbone of your Seafood Creole Recipe, setting the stage for all the flavors that follow.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s smooth and shiny. Add the chopped tomato, onion, celery, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Let them cook gently, stirring occasionally until the onions turn translucent—about five minutes. This step softens the vegetables and allows those incredible base flavors to release and mingle.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasoning
Next, pour in the chicken stock and tomato sauce. Stir in the sugar and hot pepper sauce, then tuck in the bay leaves for a subtle aroma. Sprinkle your seasoning mix over everything and stir to combine. Lower the heat and let this mixture simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This slow cooking lets all the flavors harmonize beautifully and helps thicken the sauce to a rich consistency.
Step 4: Cook the Seafood
Finally, add the rock shrimp, scallops, and haddock pieces into the pot. Stir carefully to incorporate the seafood into the bubbling sauce. Cook for around 20 minutes, just until the seafood turns opaque and firm—that perfect texture that speaks of freshness and careful cooking. Remember to fish out and discard the bay leaves before serving to keep the dish smooth and pleasant.
How to Serve Seafood Creole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top adds a pop of lively color and a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the spicy warmth of the seafood. A wedge of lemon on the side brightens the dish and gives diners the option to add a zesty twist just before tasting.
Side Dishes
Seafood Creole Recipe shines when paired with simple, comforting sides. Fluffy white rice or creamy grits are classic companions that soak up the rich tomato sauce perfectly. A crusty French bread or warm cornbread can also be fantastic to dip and savor every last drop of this saucy delight.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests or make a family dinner feel extra special, serve the Seafood Creole in individual casserole dishes or elegant deep bowls. Top with a small dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of a garlicky aioli for an unexpected creamy accent. Presenting it over a bed of vibrant saffron rice can also elevate both flavor and aesthetics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Seafood Creole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld further as it sits, making for an even tastier meal the next day. Just be sure to keep it chilled promptly after serving to maintain freshness.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it an ideal make-ahead meal. Transfer cooled Seafood Creole into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the Seafood Creole on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid high heat to prevent the seafood from becoming tough. You can add a splash of stock or water to revive the sauce’s consistency if it has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood in this Seafood Creole Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add your favorite seafood such as crab, mussels, or even firm white fish like cod. Just keep in mind the cooking times can vary to avoid overcooking delicate ingredients.
Is this dish spicy? How can I adjust the heat level?
Seafood Creole Recipe carries a gentle kick from cayenne and hot pepper sauce, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. To make it milder, you can reduce or omit the cayenne and hot sauce. For more heat, simply increase those ingredients to your taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken stock and check the labels on your tomato sauce and hot pepper sauce. It’s a delicious choice for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor.
What kind of rice is best to serve with Seafood Creole?
Classic long-grain white rice or fragrant jasmine rice are both excellent options. They provide a subtle flavor and fluffy texture that complement the rich sauce. Some also enjoy it over creamy stone-ground grits for a true Southern-style meal.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance to save time?
Definitely! You can mix the seasoning blend ahead of time and chop all the vegetables in advance. The creole base (without seafood) freezes well and can be prepared a day or two ahead, then the seafood added and cooked fresh just before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s a wonderful magic to this Seafood Creole Recipe that invites you to slow down, savor bold flavors, and enjoy the comforting spirit of Creole cuisine. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family meal or impressing friends with southern charm, this dish is sure to bring joy and warmth to your table. I encourage you to dive in and create your own memorable moments with every delightful spoonful!
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Seafood Creole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This classic Seafood Creole recipe features a flavorful medley of shrimp, scallops, and haddock simmered in a rich, spicy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic herbs and vegetables. Perfect for a comforting and hearty meal, it brings the vibrant tastes of Southern Creole cuisine to your table in about an hour.
Ingredients
Seasoning Mix
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried sweet basil
Main Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 cup chopped tomato
- ¾ cup chopped onion
- ¾ cup chopped celery
- ¾ cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1½ teaspoons minced garlic
- 1¼ cups chicken stock
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 pound rock shrimp, thawed if frozen
- 1 pound bay scallops, thawed if frozen
- 1 pound haddock, thawed if frozen
Instructions
- Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a bowl, combine the dried oregano, salt, white pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried thyme leaves, and dried sweet basil. Mix well and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped tomato, onion, celery, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the chicken stock and tomato sauce. Stir in the sugar, hot pepper sauce, and add the bay leaves. Add the prepared seasoning mix to the pot and stir until fully combined. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook Seafood: Add the rock shrimp, bay scallops, and haddock to the pot. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the seafood turns opaque and firms up, approximately 20 minutes. Remove the bay leaves and discard them before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh seafood whenever possible for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and hot pepper sauce to control the spiciness of the dish.
- Serve over steamed rice or with crusty French bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Thaw frozen seafood in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Creole
