Easy Shrimp Stew Recipe: How to Make Shrimp Stew

• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups diced yellow onion
• 1 cup diced green bell pepper
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 cups shrimp stock
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 russet potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped (optional)
• 2 pounds peeled and deveined shrimp
• ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, plus more for garnish

1. 1

   In a dutch oven or large saucepan over medium-high heat, warm vegetable oil until smoking.

2. 2

   Add the flour and whisk until the roux turns the color of peanut butter, about 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper and cook for 5 more minutes.

4. 4

   Add the minced garlic and cook for 3 more minutes.

5. 5

   Add the shrimp stock and bring to a simmer.

6. 6

   Add bay leaves, thyme, cayenne, black pepper, salt, paprika, and potatoes (if using).

7. 7

   Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the stew is thick and no longer tastes like raw flour, about 30 minutes.

8. 8

   If the stew becomes too thick, add water or chicken broth one cup at a time.

9. 9

   Add the shrimp, green onions, and parsley and simmer until shrimp are cooked through, about 5 minutes.

10. 10

    Remove the bay leaves, taste the stew, and add salt and/or pepper if needed.

11. 11

    Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

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