Cajun Shrimp Stew
A rich and creamy Cajun Shrimp Stew packed with bold flavors, tender shrimp, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for comforting gatherings or a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 to 2 lb. shrimp ⓘ
- 3/4 cup oil ⓘ
- 3/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- red pepper ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups onions, diced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced ⓘ
- 5 cups carrots, diced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 6 cups chicken stock, vegetable stock, or water ⓘ
- 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons toasted coriander seed ⓘ
- 2 cups whipping cream, half and half, or milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat butter, margarine, or vegetable oil in a large soup pot. Sauté onions and garlic over medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Add carrots, potatoes, stock or water, orange juice, and toasted coriander seed. Simmer for 30 minutes until carrots and potatoes are soft.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Transfer the vegetable mixture to a blender or food processor.
- Puree until smooth and return the mixture to the soup pot.
- Add whipping cream, half and half, or milk, and stir in coriander leaves.
- Heat gently, but do not boil.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until shrimp are pink and opaque. Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade stock instead of water. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more red pepper or even a dash of cayenne. You can substitute shrimp with chicken or firm tofu for a different protein option. If you're short on time, pre-diced vegetables can save you prep time while still delivering great taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cajun Shrimp Stew with crusty bread or over rice for a heartier meal. It pairs beautifully with Mama Ruth'S Shrimp Etouffee for a delicious Cajun feast. For a refreshing contrast, consider a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to maintain the desired consistency. Avoid boiling to keep the shrimp from becoming tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cajun Shrimp Stew contains roughly 2507 calories, with 52g protein, 307g carbohydrates, and 125g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (203% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stew a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator after cooking and reheat gently before serving. Note that the flavors will meld and improve overnight, making it even more delicious.
What can I use instead of shrimp?
If you're looking for an alternative to shrimp, diced chicken breast or firm tofu work well. Adjust cooking times accordingly; chicken should be cooked through, while tofu needs only to be heated through for best texture.
Is this recipe adaptable for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian or vegan, substitute shrimp with chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable stock. For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of cream or use a dairy-free alternative, ensuring everyone can enjoy this flavorful dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).