Shrimp Stew Recipe (Easy, Flavorful & Ready in Under 30 Minutes)

Shrimp stew recipe is one of the easiest ways to make a warm, comforting seafood dinner at home without spending hours in the kitchen. It is rich, hearty, and full of bold flavor, yet it can be made in under 30 minutes.

This recipe is perfect when you want something cozy like a stew, but also light and fresh like seafood. Whether you like a tomato-based shrimp stew, a Cajun shrimp stew with roux, or even a creamy coconut twist, you’ll find the best method here.

In this guide, you will learn:

How to make shrimp stew step-by-step
How to avoid rubbery shrimp
How to thicken shrimp stew (easy methods)
Variations like Cajun and Mediterranean styles
Storage, freezing, and reheating tips

Let’s start with everything you need to make the best shrimp stew.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Stew Recipe

This stew is more than just “shrimp in sauce.” It is a full meal with deep flavor and a rich texture.

Quick and easy weeknight dinner

You only need one pot and simple ingredients like onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, and broth. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner.

One-pot comfort food

This is a true one-pot meal, which means less mess and easy cleanup.

Works with fresh or frozen shrimp

You can use fresh shrimp or frozen shrimp. Frozen is often the easiest option because it is already peeled and deveined.

Quote to remember: “The secret to great shrimp stew is simple: build flavor first, then add shrimp at the end.”

Shrimp Stew Recipe Ingredients (Simple Pantry + Fresh Items)

A good shrimp stew needs 3 main things:

A strong flavor base
A rich sauce (tomato + stock)
Perfectly cooked shrimp

Ingredients list (Base Stew)

Here is the classic base for an easy shrimp stew recipe:

Shrimp (large or jumbo, peeled & deveined)
Olive oil or canola oil
Onion
Garlic cloves
Bell pepper (optional but recommended)
Celery (optional but recommended)
Diced tomatoes
Tomato paste
Seafood stock, shrimp stock, or chicken broth
Oregano
Paprika
Black pepper
Salt
Crushed red pepper flakes (or cayenne pepper)
Parsley (or green onions)

This mix gives you a stew that tastes like both comfort food and a special seafood dinner.

Best Shrimp to Use (Size + Type)

Choosing the right shrimp makes a big difference.

Best size shrimp for stew

For stew, use large, extra-large, or jumbo shrimp.

Shrimp Size	Best Use	Cook Time in Stew
Small	salads, stir fry	2–3 minutes
Medium	pasta	3–4 minutes
Large	stew (best choice)	3–5 minutes
Jumbo	special meals	4–6 minutes

The best choice: Large shrimp for steady texture and taste.

Peeled & deveined shrimp

Always try to buy shrimp that is:

Peeled
Deveined
Clean and ready to cook

Tail-on vs tail-off

For stew, tail-off shrimp is best because it is easier to eat.

Fresh Shrimp vs Frozen Shrimp (What Works Best?)

Both work well, but frozen shrimp is often more practical.

Frozen shrimp is totally fine

Frozen shrimp is:

easy to store
often already cleaned
perfect for freezer and pantry meals

Avoid cooked shrimp (unless needed)

If possible, do not use cooked shrimp because it can become dry while reheating.

How to Thaw Frozen Shrimp Fast (3 Safe Methods)

Frozen shrimp is great, but thaw it the right way.

1) Cold water method (best)

Put shrimp in a bowl of cold water for 10–15 minutes.

2) Overnight in fridge

Place shrimp in the fridge overnight.

3) What NOT to do

Avoid thawing shrimp with:

hot water
direct heat
room temperature for long time

This can ruin texture and may not be safe.

How to Make Shrimp Stew Recipe (Step-by-Step)

Now let’s cook. This method creates a rich sauce with bold seafood flavor.

Step 1: Prep the shrimp properly

Pat shrimp dry with paper towel
Lightly season with salt and black pepper
Keep shrimp aside while you build the stewThis step helps shrimp stay firm and tasty.

Step 2: Build the flavor base (onion + garlic)

In a large pot or deep sauté pan:

Heat olive oil (or canola oil)
Add chopped onion and cook until soft
Add minced garlic cloves and stir for 30 seconds

This base is the heart of the stew.

Step 3: Add vegetables (optional but recommended)

Add:

chopped bell pepper
chopped celery

These add sweetness and help create a Cajun trinity style flavor (onion, bell pepper, celery).

Step 4: Add tomatoes + spices

Now add:

diced tomatoes
tomato paste
oregano
paprika
crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spicy shrimp stew)

Stir well and cook 2 minutes.

Step 5: Add broth and simmer

Pour in:

seafood stock, shrimp stock, or chicken broth

Bring to a simmer.

Let it simmer gently for 10–15 minutes until it looks rich and thick.

Step 6: Add shrimp at the end (most important step)

Add shrimp and cook until pink.

Do not overcook shrimp. Shrimp only needs 3–5 minutes.

Your stew is ready when shrimp curls slightly and turns pink.

Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Stew (Restaurant Taste)

These tips can take your stew from “good” to amazing.

Don’t overcook shrimp

Overcooked shrimp turns rubbery fast.

A simple rule:

If shrimp is pink and firm, stop cooking.

Use shrimp stock for deep flavor

If you have shrimp shells, you can make quick shrimp stock:

simmer shells with water
add peppercorns and parsley
strain and use as stock

This adds strong seafood taste naturally.

Add Worcestershire sauce (Cajun depth)

A small amount adds richness and bold flavor.

This is especially good for Southern shrimp stew.

How to Make Shrimp Stew Thicker (3 Easy Methods)

Some people love thick stew. Here are easy ways to thicken it.

Method 1: Simmer longer

Let it simmer uncovered until sauce reduces.

Method 2: Mash potatoes (if using)

If you add potatoes, mash a few pieces in the pot.

Method 3: Cornstarch slurry (gluten-free option)

Mix:

1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water

Stir into stew for 2–3 minutes.

Shrimp Cooking Time Chart (By Size)

This is one of the best ways to avoid rubbery shrimp.

Shrimp Size	Best Timing
Small	2–3 minutes
Medium	3–4 minutes
Large	3–5 minutes
Jumbo	4–6 minutes

Always cook shrimp at the end for the best texture.

Shrimp Stew Variations (Choose Your Style)

This part is powerful for SEO because it matches different search styles like:

tomato shrimp stew
Cajun shrimp stew
creamy shrimp stew
coconut shrimp stew

Tomato-Based Shrimp Stew (Mediterranean Style)

This version feels lighter and fresh.

Add:

extra olive oil
cumin powder
dry mint (small amount)
more parsley
lemon juice at the end

Serve it with:

crusty bread
rice
pasta

This is a great option for people searching “shrimp stew in tomato sauce.”

Cajun Shrimp Stew (Roux + Trinity Style)

This is thick, rich, and bold. It is classic Southern comfort food.

Quick roux

In a separate pan:

heat canola oil
stir in all-purpose flour
cook until peanut butter color or medium-dark

Then add roux into stew and simmer.

Roux gives the stew a deeper taste and thicker texture.

Cajun add-ins:

holy trinity (onion bell pepper celery)
Creole seasoning or Cajun seasoning
Worcestershire sauce

Creamy Coconut Shrimp Stew (Moqueca-Style)

This variation is creamy and delicious.

Add:

coconut milk
lime juice
cilantro (or parsley)

This creates a creamy shrimp stew with a smooth texture.

Spicy Shrimp Stew (Extra Heat Option)

If you love spicy:

add cayenne pepper
add more red pepper flakesTip: Always start with a small amount. You can add more later.

Optional Add-Ins (Make It More Filling)

Shrimp stew can be simple, but these add-ins make it hearty.

Veggies

carrots
peas
spinach
okra

Hearty add-ins

potatoes
corn
white beans

Add boiled eggs (Southern style)

This is common in Southern shrimp stew.

boil eggs
slice and add them at the end

It makes the stew feel more filling.

What to Serve With Shrimp Stew

Shrimp stew is flexible. You can serve it in many ways.

Best sides

steamed white rice
garlic bread
crusty bread
mashed potatoes

Healthy side ideas

cauliflower rice
simple salad
roasted vegetables

Full dinner menu idea (for guests)

A simple menu:

Starter: salad
Main: shrimp stew over rice
Dessert: fruit bowl

This makes it feel like a complete meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (So Shrimp Doesn’t Turn Rubbery)

Many people struggle with shrimp texture. Avoid these mistakes.

1) Adding shrimp too early

Shrimp should be added at the end.

2) Boiling the stew hard

Shrimp needs gentle heat. Use a simmer, not a strong boil.

3) Too much liquid

If it looks watery, simmer longer without the lid.

4) Not tasting and adjusting

Taste at the end and adjust:

salt
pepper
spice level

How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Stew

How long does shrimp stew last in the fridge?

Store in airtight container.

It stays fresh for:

up to 3 days in the fridge

Can you freeze shrimp stew?

Yes, you can freeze shrimp stew for:

up to 2–3 monthsTip: Freeze before adding shrimp (best texture). But if already cooked, it’s still okay.

Best reheating method

Reheat slowly:

stovetop on low heat
stir gently

Avoid overheating or shrimp may turn chewy.

Shrimp Stew Recipe FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add it at the very end for 1 minute only.

Can I make shrimp stew without tomatoes?

Yes. Replace tomatoes with:

broth + butter
coconut milk
a little cream

How do I make it less spicy?

reduce crushed red pepper flakes
avoid cayenne
add a little extra tomato sauce

Can I make shrimp stew without roux?

Yes. Use:

simmer method
cornstarch slurry
mashed potatoes

What’s the difference between shrimp stew and shrimp étouffée?

Shrimp stew is usually:

more liquid
more flexible (tomato or roux)

Étouffée is:

thicker
strongly roux-based and Cajun style

Both are delicious.

Nutrition (Estimated)

Nutrition depends on ingredients, but here’s a general estimate (per serving):

Nutrient	Estimated Amount
Calories	280–420
Protein	25–35g
Carbs	15–35g
Fat	8–18g

To make it lighter:

use olive oil
use more veggies
serve with salad instead of rice

Printable Shrimp Stew Recipe Card