My Grandmother'S Stewed Shrimp
A hearty, flavorful shrimp stew with a rich tomato base, fragrant herbs, and a hint of garlic, perfect for seafood lovers and family dinners alike.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp butter ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp flour ⓘ
- 2 onions, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 lb peeled shrimp
- 6 tomatoes or 1 3/4 cups canned tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme ⓘ
- 2 tsp chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf or 1/2 tsp powdered bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet or saucepan.
- Gradually add flour, stirring constantly, and cook until a light brown color forms.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
- Stir in the peeled shrimp and cook until they start to turn pink.
- Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Add chopped tomatoes, water, diced green pepper, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, garlic salt, salt, and pepper.
- Cook, stirring frequently, for 20 minutes.
- Serve hot over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using chicken or seafood stock instead of water. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can include diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Substitute fresh thyme with oregano or basil if unavailable. Ensure the shrimp are not overcooked to maintain tenderness — they should turn opaque and pink quickly. For a twist, try serving this dish over pasta, inspired by Shrimp In Angel Hair Pasta Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this flavorful stewed shrimp over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside Spinach-Shrimp Quiche for a seafood-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Grandmother'S Stewed Shrimp contains roughly 341 calories, with 7g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (204% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just ensure they are thawed completely before cooking. You can place them in a colander under cold running water for quick thawing. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen shrimp may take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I use instead of fresh tomatoes?
Canned tomatoes are an excellent substitute if fresh ones are not available. Use 1 3/4 cups of canned diced tomatoes, and consider draining them slightly if you prefer a thicker stew. This will still provide a rich flavor and texture similar to fresh tomatoes.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider adding diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or red pepper flakes during the cooking process. Adjust the quantity to your spice preference. This will enhance the flavor profile while keeping the essence of the dish intact.
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).