Creole Shrimp Stock Recipes

Steps:

• Rinse the shrimp shells under cold running water and place them in a 1-gallon stockpot with the remaining ingredients. Bring the pot to a boil and then lower the temperature to a simmer. Skim the impurities that rise to the surface with a ladle, spoon or a skimmer. Simmer the stock for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• When the stock is completed, strain the stockpot and immediately cool the stock using an ice bath of water and ice. Use the amount of stock you need, and refrigerate or freeze the rest.

Steps:

• Heat oil and make a dark roux with flour. Combine onion, celery, green pepper and garlic to make a mirepoix and add to roux. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and their juice, shrimp stock and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 1 hour. Add shrimp and cook until pink. Season to taste with salt and cayenne. To serve, ladle over steamed rice and garnish with parsley.

Steps:

• Make the optional Creole seasoning: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir together. The seasoning makes about 1/4 cup; store it in a closed container in a cool, dry place.
• Toss the raw shrimp with 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning and set aside.
• In a Dutch oven or large, heavy skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Sprinkle the flour on top and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until a roux the color of peanut butter forms, about 10 minutes.
• Add the onion, celery and bell pepper, increase the heat to medium and cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
• Stir in 1/3 cup water, then the tomato sauce, hot sauce (if using), sugar, thyme, oregano, basil, bay leaves, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and the remaining 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally to make sure that the bottom doesn't burn. (If needed, add more water.)
• Once the stew has thickened, add the seasoned shrimp and simmer until opaque and cooked through, about 5 minutes, turning each piece halfway through the cooking time. Taste and adjust seasoning.
• Remove from the heat and let stand for 10 minutes, uncovered. Sprinkle with scallions and parsley, and serve over steamed rice.

Steps:

• Rinse shells briefly under cool water.
• Drain well.
• Heat heavy pot on stove.
• Add oil and shells.
• Sweat shells briefly until they turn pink.
• Add vegetables, sweat for 2-3 minutes.
• Add cold water, parsley and herbs, bring to boil.
• Reduce heat, simmer for 1 hour.
• Strain liquid through fine cotton cloth, without pressing or aqueezing.
• Return liquid to a clean pot, add lemons, bring to full boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer about 15 minutes until lemon is infused into stock.
• Remove lemon.
• Cool stock completely, freeze for future use.