Shrimp and Okra Stew

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This shrimp and okra stew offers a perfect balance of flavors with the sweetness of shrimp and the slight bitterness of okra, all wrapped up in a savory, spiced broth. The dish is packed with both protein and vegetables, making it hearty enough for a main meal while still being light and refreshing. The okra adds a unique texture to the stew, helping to naturally thicken the broth while absorbing all the spices. It’s also easy to prepare and comes together in less than an hour, making it a great choice for busy nights or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
• 1 lb fresh or frozen okra, sliced
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
• Juice of 1 lemon

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add Garlic and Spices:
   Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant and the spices are well combined.
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
   Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and seafood or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Add Okra:
   Add the sliced okra to the pot and stir. Let the stew simmer for another 10 minutes, until the okra is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the okra from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
5. Cook the Shrimp:
   Add the shrimp to the stew, stirring gently to incorporate. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. Finish the Stew:
   Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. For a bright finish, squeeze in the juice of one lemon and give the stew a final stir.
7. Serve:
   Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to increase the heat of the stew.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the shrimp and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or additional beans (such as kidney beans or chickpeas) for a hearty, vegetarian stew.
• Add Sausage: For a more substantial dish, add some andouille sausage or smoked sausage to the stew. Slice it into rounds and cook it along with the vegetables for added flavor.
• Herb Variation: Instead of thyme, you can use other fresh or dried herbs like oregano or basil to customize the stew’s flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Shrimp and okra stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the stew becomes too thick upon reheating, add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Shrimp and okra stew does not freeze well due to the texture of the shrimp and okra, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen shrimp work perfectly for this stew. Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly before adding them to the stew to ensure even cooking.

Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, this stew can be made a day in advance. The flavors will continue to develop and improve as it sits. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I use fresh okra?

Yes, fresh okra works beautifully in this recipe. If you’re using fresh okra, simply slice it and add it to the stew as directed.

Can I make this stew spicier?

Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier version, feel free to add more cayenne pepper, chopped fresh chili peppers, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.

Can I substitute the okra with something else?

While okra adds a unique texture to the stew and helps to thicken the broth, you can try using green beans or zucchini as a substitute. However, the flavor and texture will differ from the original recipe.

How can I thicken the stew further?

If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the okra or use an immersion blender to blend part of the stew base. This will help thicken the broth and create a smoother texture.

What should I serve with this stew?

This stew is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with rice (white, brown, or even cauliflower rice) or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. A side salad or cornbread also pairs wonderfully with this dish.

Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?

Yes, you can use chicken breast or thighs in place of shrimp. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook it through in the stew before adding any additional ingredients. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is this stew gluten-free?

Yes, this shrimp and okra stew is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. Just be sure to check the labels on your broth and seasonings to ensure they are gluten-free.

Can I freeze this stew?

It’s not recommended to freeze this stew due to the texture of the shrimp and okra. The okra can become mushy when frozen, and shrimp can lose their delicate texture. It’s best to enjoy this stew fresh or stored in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Shrimp and okra stew is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings together the natural sweetness of shrimp with the hearty texture of okra in a savory, spiced broth. It’s easy to make, filling, and full of vibrant flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this stew is a perfect choice. With the ability to customize the heat level and ingredients to your liking, shrimp and okra stew is a dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Give it a try and enjoy this Southern-inspired favorite!

Shrimp and Okra Stew

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Shrimp and okra stew is a comforting, flavorful dish combining tender shrimp with earthy okra in a savory, spiced broth. It’s perfect for any occasion, offering a hearty combination of seafood, vegetables, and spices.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Sautéing, Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
   
   1 medium onion, chopped
   
   1 bell pepper, chopped
   
   2 celery stalks, chopped
   
   3 garlic cloves, minced
   
   1 teaspoon smoked paprika
   
   1 teaspoon ground thyme
   
   1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
   
   1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
   
   1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
   
   4 cups seafood or chicken broth
   
   1 lb fresh or frozen okra, sliced
   
   1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
   
   1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
   
   Salt and pepper, to taste
   
   Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
   
   Juice of 1 lemon

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Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.

1. Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant and the spices are well combined.
2. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and seafood or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Add Okra: Add the sliced okra to the pot and stir. Let the stew simmer for another 10 minutes, until the okra is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the okra from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
4. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the stew, stirring gently to incorporate. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
5. Finish the Stew: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. For a bright finish, squeeze in the juice of one lemon and give the stew a final stir.
6. Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• This stew can be made ahead of time, and the flavors improve as it sits. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a spicier version, feel free to add more cayenne pepper, chopped fresh chili peppers, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
• If you prefer a vegetarian stew, replace shrimp with additional beans or vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or beans such as kidney beans or chickpeas.
• If you don’t have okra, you can substitute with green beans or zucchini, though the texture and flavor will be different.
• While this stew doesn’t freeze well, it can be stored in the fridge and reheated for a quick meal the next day.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 170mg