Shrimp Stew
A light yet deeply flavorful tomato-based stew packed with tender shrimp, bell peppers, and celery. This healthy, low-calorie dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
For 4 servings
Sauté the vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Build the stew base
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the vegetable broth.
- Add the smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook the shrimp
- Uncover the pot and add the raw shrimp to the stew.
- Stir gently and cook for just 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and curled. Be careful not to overcook them.
Garnish and serve
- Remove the pot from the heat.
- Stir in the fresh parsley.
- Ladle the stew into bowls and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overcook the shrimp! They cook very quickly and will become tough and rubbery if left on the heat for too long.
- 2For a richer flavor, you can use seafood stock instead of vegetable broth.
- 3Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel before adding to the pot to ensure they don't water down the stew.
- 4Serve with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread for dipping to make it a more substantial meal.
- 5This stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
To boost the fiber, add a cup of chopped kale or spinach along with the shrimp and cook until wilted.
quickQuick
Use pre-chopped vegetables (mirepoix mix) from the grocery store to cut down on prep time.
high proteinHigh protein
Add a can of rinsed cannellini beans along with the broth for an extra boost of protein and fiber.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Omit the bell pepper if your kids are sensitive to it and use a can of crushed tomatoes instead of diced for a smoother texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Shrimp provides high-quality protein that is essential for muscle repair and building, while being very low in fat.
Rich in Vitamins
The combination of tomatoes, bell peppers, and celery offers a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and other essential nutrients that support immune function.
Heart-Healthy
This stew is low in saturated fat and uses olive oil, which contains healthy monounsaturated fats. The vegetables also provide potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version of shrimp stew is very healthy. It's low in calories and fat, high in lean protein from the shrimp, and packed with vitamins and fiber from the vegetables. The tomato base provides lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
