Skip to main content

Cajun Shrimp Stew

3.8

(21)

Image may contain Animal Shrimp Seafood Food Sea Life Dish Meal and Bowl
Cajun Shrimp StewRomulo Yanes

This satisfying stew just may be the essence of Cajun cooking: shrimp with onion, celery, and green pepper, all given depth by brown roux and livened up with cayenne.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    35 min

  • Yield

    Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small celery rib, finely chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1 cup bottled clam juice (8 fluid ounces)
3/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1 1/4 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp (21 to 25 per pound)
1/3 cup thinly sliced scallion greens
Accompaniment: white rice

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Stir together oil and flour in a 10-inch heavy skillet (preferably cast-iron) with a metal or wooden spatula, then cook over moderate heat, scraping back and forth constantly, until roux is the color of light milk chocolate, 10 to 12 minutes.

    Step 2

    Add onion, celery, and bell pepper and cook, scraping back and forth occasionally, until bell pepper is softened, about 8 minutes. Stir in clam juice, water, salt, and cayenne and simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid is thickened, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in shrimp and simmer, stirring occasionally, until shrimp is just cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in scallion greens and salt to taste.

Read More
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like a cucumber-cilantro chutney sandwich and scallop piccata.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
A why-didn't-I-think-of-that technique takes this classic from great to greater.