Shrimp Stew – This savory stew is a perfect blend of tender shrimp, rich broth, and aromatic vegetables, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl for a casual weeknight dinner.
What is Shrimp Stew?
Shrimp stew is a seafood-based dish that typically features plump, juicy shrimp simmered in a flavorful broth made from vegetables, spices, and sometimes tomatoes or cream. This dish is popular in various cuisines, from the Cajun and Creole regions of Louisiana to Mediterranean and Brazilian kitchens. The beauty of stew lies in its versatility—while each culture has its unique twist, the core ingredients usually include shrimp, broth, and a medley of seasonings.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Shrimp Stew
Add a thickening agent: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can stir in a tablespoon of flour or cornmeal after the vegetables are sautéed. Alternatively, add okra, a classic thickener in Creole and Cajun cooking.
Use fresh or wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor. If you can’t get fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp will work just as well—just make sure they are thawed properly before cooking.
Avoid overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so only add them at the end of the cooking process. They only need about 3-5 minutes in the hot stew to cook through.
Don’t skimp on seasoning: Whether you’re using Cajun, Creole, or other spices, be generous with seasonings to give the stew a robust flavor.
Let the stew simmer: The longer the vegetables and broth simmer together, the more flavorful your stew will become. Give it at least 20 minutes to really allow the flavors to meld.
Shrimp Stew Variations
Shrimp stew is incredibly versatile. Here are some exciting ways to put your own spin on this dish:
Cajun Stew
Add Andouille sausage, okra, and a more generous portion of Cajun spices for a richer, smokier flavor. You can also serve it over rice for a traditional Cajun feel.
Brazilian Stew (Moqueca)
In this version, swap the Cajun seasoning for coconut milk, lime juice, and cilantro. This results in a tropical, creamy stew with bright, zesty flavors.
Mediterranean Stew
Replace the Cajun spices with a combination of oregano, thyme, and lemon zest. Add olives and artichokes for a fresh, tangy flavor profile.
Spicy Tomato Stew
Increase the heat by adding red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño to the stew. Serve with a dollop of sour cream to balance the spice.
How to Serve Shrimp Stew
It is a versatile dish that can be served in several ways:
On its own: The stew is hearty enough to be enjoyed solo as a light meal.
Over rice: White or brown rice is the most common accompaniment for shrimp stew, particularly in Cajun and Creole cooking.
With crusty bread: A hearty loaf of bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
Alongside cornbread: For a Southern-style meal, serve the stew with sweet or savory cornbread.
With pasta: This is an excellent option if you prefer a more Italian-style presentation.
How to Store Shrimp Stew
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To ensure freshness:
- Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge and reheat gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
If you’d like to freeze the stew, remove the shrimp before freezing the broth and vegetable mixture. Shrimp can become rubbery when frozen and reheated, so it’s best to add fresh shrimp when reheating.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for shrimp stew?
Yes! Frozen shrimp are a great option, especially if you’re not near a coast. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or running them under cold water for about 15 minutes.
How can I thicken my shrimp stew?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to the vegetables before adding the broth. Okra is another natural thickening agent commonly used in Creole and Cajun cooking.
Can I make stew in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stew base (without the shrimp) a day ahead of time. Store it in the fridge, then reheat and add the shrimp just before serving to ensure they are perfectly cooked.
What are some good side dishes for shrimp stew?
Popular sides include rice, cornbread, or a simple green salad. If you want something more substantial, try roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Shrimp Stew (Easy Skillet)
Shrimp Stew - This savory stew is a perfect blend of tender shrimp, rich broth, and aromatic vegetables, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl for a casual weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp ground green cardamom
- 5 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 ½ tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp sumac
- 1 large red onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, cored and chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ cup water
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 (15-oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
- ¼ cup toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 cup parsley leaves, chopped
- Lemon or lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the oven rack in the middle position.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often until softened.
- Add spices: Stir in the red pepper flakes, cardamom, coriander, sumac, and cumin. Cook for about a minute until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes and ½ cup of water. Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Transfer to oven: If using an oven-safe skillet, stir the shrimp into the sauce. Otherwise, transfer the sauce to a baking dish first, then add the shrimp.
- Stir in parsley, and if using, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and sesame seeds.
- Bake: Cover with a lid or tightly with foil and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the shrimp turn from gray to a translucent pink. If you like a slight char, briefly broil uncovered at the end.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh lemon or lime wedges and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 366Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 399mgSodium 1902mgCarbohydrates 15gFiber 4gSugar 3gProtein 47g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp stew is the ultimate comfort food, blending bold flavors with tender, succulent shrimp in a soul-warming broth. Whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy family dinner or serving it to guests, this dish is sure to impress.
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