Cajun Shrimp Stew – Hearty stew is made with a basic roux, Cajun spices, potatoes, and shrimp. It’s a perfect soup for those cold nights and to celebrate Mardi Gras!
A comforting stew is just what you need on those cold winter nights. But I’m a little bored of the typical beef stew. With Mardi Gras around the corner, I am craving those Cajun-inspired flavors. Why not change things up a bit and use shrimp instead?
This Cajun Shrimp Stew was everything I wanted in a stew – flavorful, comforting, and loaded with starchy potatoes. It’s just the recipe to try if you’re also looking for something new!
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t rush the roux. The roux takes time to darken. Don’t get impatient and turn up the heat or add the onions when the roux is too light. This is the foundation of the stew so it must be cooked to build the flavor, but without burning it.
- Add the stock slowly. Once the roux is ready, the stock is added little by little to create the stew. To ensure the stew stays slightly thick, the stock/broth needs to be added slowly – otherwise, the roux could break.
- Cut the potatoes evenly. To ensure the potatoes cook evenly, make sure you cut them all the same size.
Cajun Shrimp Stew
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups diced white onion
- ¼ cup minced garlic about 12 cloves
- 4 cups fish stock
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne
- ¾ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 4½ teaspoons salt divided
- 3 pounds red potatoes cut in 2-inch chunks
- 2 pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup chopped green onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 8 cups steamed white rice for serving
Instructions
- Grab a large stock pot or Dutch oven and set over medium heat. Add oil and let it get hot. Once hot, add flour and whisk together until smooth. Continue whisking to cook the roux for about 10 minutes or until it turns a little darker than the color of peanut butter.
- Add the onion and whisk together with the roux. Cook until the onions soften, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute, making sure not to burn it. Add the stock about 1 cup at a time, whisking after each addition and letting the mixture thicken up before adding the next cup. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add bay leaves, pepper, cayenne, thyme leaves, and 4 teaspoons of salt. Stir together and then reduce heat to low so that it's just barely simmering. Cook for about 35 minutes, stirring occasionally so that the bottom does not burn.
- Add the diced potatoes to the stew. Cook uncovered until the potatoes are tender, about 30 more minutes. Season the shrimp with remaining ½ teaspoon of salt. Add shrimp to the stew, along with green onion and parsley. Cook until the shrimp are cooked and pink, about 4 minutes. Remove the bay leaves and serve with steamed white rice.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Emeril Lagasse
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The roux’s peanut-butter color is easy to overlook. I’d watch the heat, since rushing it could weaken the stew’s foundation.
Twelve servings suit a crowd, though two hours feels ambitious for a weeknight.
Roux adds flavor, but steady heat prevents burning; choose patience if flavor matters.
For a cold-night pot, I would follow your slow-stock method exactly; it should keep the roux smooth and the stew pleasantly thick. Do you ever add okra?
The tip about not rushing the roux is really helpful.
Slowly adding the stock makes sense for keeping the stew thick.
This Cajun Shrimp Stew sounds perfect for Mardi Gras nights.
I tried this Cajun Shrimp Stew and appreciated the tip about not rushing the roux—it really deepened the flavor.
Cutting the potatoes evenly, as you suggest, made the texture perfect when served over steamed white rice.
This Cajun shrimp stew sounds incredibly rich and comforting perfect for cozy nights and packed with bold, flavorful spices. I love how the roux builds such a deep base, and the shrimp with potatoes makes it hearty yet unique. It’s a great twist from the usual stews and perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras vibes at home. Even when I’m checking whether is kfc halal in germany , recipes like this remind me how satisfying homemade meals can be!
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I created this. I couldn’t get enough of it. Smoked sausage, green bell pepper, and celery were also ingredients I included. Onions, bell peppers, and celery are must-haves in my New Orleans-style cooking.
Very detailed recipe for a great Cajun shrimp stew for winter while playing among us and enjoying the dish creates appeal.
I made this. It was absolutely delicious. I also added some smoked sausage, green bell pepper and celery. I’m from New Orleans, so onion, bell pepper, and celery are absolutely essential.
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Cajun Shrimp Stew is a warm, spicy meal with juicy shrimp and vegetables cooked together in a flavorful broth.