South Carolina Creole Recipe: A Flavorful Southern Comfort Dish
There’s nothing like a hearty bowl of Creole stew to transport you straight to the South, where bold flavors and warm hospitality are always on the menu. This South Carolina Creole recipe combines the classic spices of Creole cooking with the comfort of fresh local ingredients, creating a dish that’s as unforgettable as a sunset over Charleston Harbor.
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving something savory and soul-warming, this Creole dish delivers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and depth.
What Makes This South Carolina Creole Recipe Special?
Creole cuisine is all about layering flavors, and this recipe is no exception. The combination of fresh vegetables like sweet onion, celery, and red bell pepper with the richness of boudin and shrimp makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Finished with a touch of cayenne and hot sauce, it’s a little spicy, a little sweet, and entirely delicious.
Plus, the addition of chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce gives it that slow-cooked, simmered-all-day flavor in just a fraction of the time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this Creole classic:
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, for thickening
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce, to taste
- Boudin sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- Shrimp, with tails on for extra flavor
How to Make South Carolina Creole
1. Prep Your Vegetables
Start by dicing the onion, bell pepper, and celery. These three ingredients, known as the “Holy Trinity” of Creole cooking, are the foundation of the dish. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.
2. Sauté the Base
In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and bell pepper, cooking until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Sprinkle in the cornstarch and stir to coat the vegetables evenly—this step helps thicken the sauce later.
3. Build the Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to combine. Toss in the oregano, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the Protein
Once the sauce is bubbling, stir in the sliced boudin sausage and shrimp. Let everything cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and the sausage is heated through.
5. Adjust the Seasoning
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference. A few dashes of hot sauce will add a nice kick!
Serving Suggestions
This South Carolina Creole recipe is best served over fluffy white rice to soak up the rich, spicy sauce. Pair it with a slice of crusty French bread for the ultimate Southern experience.
Why Shrimp Tails Stay On
Leaving the tails on shrimp isn’t just for aesthetics—it actually enhances the flavor of the dish! As the shrimp simmer in the sauce, their tails release extra richness, giving the Creole a subtle seafood essence that’s simply divine.
Conclusion: A True Taste of the South
This South Carolina Creole recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of Southern flavors and traditions. With every bite, you’ll taste the love and history that goes into this dish, from the spicy kick of cayenne to the savory richness of boudin and shrimp.
Serve it with rice, French bread, and a generous helping of Southern charm—you won’t regret it.
