Cajun shrimp stew is bursting with flavor and just the right amount of heat. This delicious and hearty one-pot meal comes together in less than an hour!
This stew is a southern staple with just enough Cajun seasoning to give it a little kick. The potatoes balance out the heat while the shrimp soak up all the amazing flavor.
Whether you’re craving shrimp or looking for a cozy, satisfying stew that’s easy to prep, give this recipe a try!
Why you will love Cajun shrimp stew
- Its bold, spicy flavors will keep you hooked
- The shrimp add a boost of lean protein (31 grams!)
- It’s quick and easy to make
- The one-pot recipe means easy clean-up
- It’s comforting and hearty
Cajun shrimp stew ingredients
This hearty stew is bursting with veggies, protein, and nutrients, and everything comes together in one pot!
- Shrimp — You want to peel and devein the shrimp for the best results.
- Cajun seasoning — This blend of spices gives the stew its signature bold and spicy flavor. You can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
- Olive oil — Great for sautéing the vegetables and adding healthy fats to your stew.
- Onion — Diced onions create a savory, aromatic base.
- Bell pepper — I like to use red bell peppers, but yellow or green will also work.
- Garlic — Use fresh minced garlic if possible for the deepest flavor.
- Vegetable broth — Use low sodium to control the amount of salt in the stew.
- Salt and pepper — Cajun seasoning will already have some salt, so add additional salt to taste along with the pepper.
- Baby potatoes — These add wonderful heartiness to the dish.
- Frozen peas — No need to thaw them beforehand, just toss them in.
- Cornstarch — Combined with water, this will make a slurry to thicken the stew.
How to make Cajun shrimp stew
Step 1: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion, pepper, and garlic.
Step 2: Cook until soft, about 5-6 minutes.
Step 3: Add the vegetable broth, Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper, potatoes, and peas.
Step 4: Bring everything to a boil, stirring occasionally, then cover and turn the heat down to a low simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 25 minutes.
Step 5: Remove the lid, add the shrimp, and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the shrimp are no longer translucent.
Step 6: Add the cornstarch slurry and stir. Allow the stew to simmer for a few more minutes until thickened.
Recipe tips and tricks
- Add the cornstarch slurry into the stew slowly, stirring continuously, to avoid clumping and achieve the perfect consistency.
- Taste the stew before adding more salt. The Cajun seasoning will have some salt in it, so you may only need to add a pinch.
Substitutions and variations
- You can swap the shrimp for chicken or sausage if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- If you want more spice, add a dash or two of your favorite hot sauce.
- You can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a deeper flavor.
What to serve with this stew
Shrimp stew is usually served over rice to help soak up all that flavor. I like to make my low-carb cauliflower rice, but you’re welcome to use traditional white rice if you prefer.
Bread is another great option. I recommend my whole wheat flax dinner rolls, which are perfect for dipping in the stew and sopping up anything left in the bottom of the bowl when you’re done!
Looking for something green? A simple salad like lemony romaine and avocado or even some roasted zucchini fries is a great way to balance out the meal.
Storage and freezing
- Extra shrimp stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
- You can also freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. To thaw, just pop the stew into the refrigerator overnight.
Other healthy shrimp recipes
There is so much you can do with this versatile, lean protein! Here are a few of my favorite recipes with shrimp:
For even more inspiration, take a look at this collection of low-carb diabetes-friendly seafood recipes!
Cajun Shrimp Stew
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper, (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic, (minced)
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ pound baby potatoes, (cut in half)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 pound shrimp , (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + ¼ cup of water, (to make a slurry)
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion, pepper, and garlic.3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 medium onion, 1 red bell pepper, 2 cloves garlic
- Cook until soft, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the vegetable broth, Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper, potatoes, and peas.2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, Salt and pepper to taste, ½ pound baby potatoes, 1 cup frozen peas
- Bring everything to a boil, stirring occasionally, then cover and turn the heat down to a low simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 25 minutes.
- Remove the lid, add the shrimp, and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the shrimp are no longer translucent.1 pound shrimp
- Add the cornstarch slurry and stir. Allow the stew to simmer for a few more minutes until thickened.2 tablespoons cornstarch + ¼ cup of water
