Sizzling Shrimp and Bean Stew Recipe for Cozy Dinner Magic

Savoring a hearty shrimp and bean stew brings comfort on chilly evenings.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your palate with each spoonful.

Tender seafood mingles with creamy legumes, creating a robust meal.

Aromatic herbs and spices infuse the dish with warmth and depth.

Bright colors and rich textures promise a delightful culinary experience.

Home cooks can easily craft this satisfying one-pot wonder.

Let’s dive into a recipe that will become your next favorite weeknight meal.

FAQs About Shrimp and Bean Stew Made Simple

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before adding to the stew to prevent excess water.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your broth is certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

• What type of beans work best besides cannellini?

Great alternatives include great northern beans or navy beans. They have similar texture and will absorb the stew’s flavors nicely.

• How spicy is this recipe with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can adjust the amount or skip them entirely for a milder version. Start with a pinch and add more to taste.

What Makes This Shrimp and Bean Stew So Bright and Bold

• Blast of Flavors: Zesty lemony shrimp and bean stew delivers a punch of tangy, spicy, and savory notes that dance across your taste buds with every single bite.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in just a few easy steps, perfect for busy home cooks wanting delicious results without complex techniques.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from shrimp and beans, plus vitamins from fresh herbs and vegetables, this stew offers a balanced and satisfying meal that supports healthy eating goals.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for different spice preferences and dietary needs, this dish works wonderfully for family dinners, casual gatherings, or a comforting solo meal that feels special.

Zesty Ingredients for Shrimp and Bean Stew

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that provides the primary protein in this zesty stew.
• Cannellini Beans: Creamy white beans that add heartiness and texture to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic base ingredients that build a deep, rich flavor foundation for the stew.
• Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: Spices that add warmth and a subtle kick to the overall taste.

• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid base for the stew and adds depth of flavor.
• Lemon: Provides bright, citrusy notes with both its juice and zest to enhance the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, green element and brings a clean, herbal finish to the stew.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and creating a smooth cooking base.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.

How to Cook Lemony Shrimp and Bean Stew

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This creates a delicious foundation for your stew.

Step 2: Enhance With Spicy Aromatics

• Paprika
• Red pepper flakes

Stir quickly to distribute the spices and release their incredible flavors.

Step 3: Build Hearty Liquid Foundation

Pour vegetable or chicken broth into the pot. Add rinsed cannellini beans and stir thoroughly. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, letting the beans absorb the rich flavors developing in the pot.

Step 4: Infuse With Citrusy Seafood

• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Season with salt and pepper. Cook until shrimp turn pink and are completely cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Remove pot from heat. Fold in freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Ladle the steaming stew into bowls. Optionally, garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges for extra brightness.

Quick Tips for Zesty Shrimp Stew Perfection

• Boost Bean Absorption: Rinse canned cannellini beans thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium and improve digestibility, ensuring a cleaner taste and better texture in your stew.
• Prevent Shrimp Overcooking: Watch shrimp carefully during the final cooking stage, removing them from heat immediately when they turn pink and curl slightly to maintain their tender, juicy consistency.
• Intensify Lemon Flavor: Zest the entire lemon before juicing to capture maximum citrusy essence, enhancing the bright, zesty profile of the dish without adding extra liquid.
• Elevate Protein Options: Swap shrimp with chicken or white fish for a versatile protein alternative that maintains the stew's delicate flavor and nutritional balance.

New Twists for Your Shrimp and Bean Stew

• Spicy Mediterranean Seafood Stew: Replace shrimp with mixed seafood like scallops and white fish, add diced tomatoes, and increase red pepper flakes for a bolder Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Bean Protein Bowl: Swap shrimp with firm tofu or tempeh, use vegetable broth, and add roasted bell peppers for extra texture and plant-based protein.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Bean Alternative: Substitute cannellini beans with cauliflower florets, keep the lemony shrimp base, and reduce cooking time to maintain vegetable crispness.
• Dairy-Free Paleo Protein Stew: Use coconut milk instead of broth, add diced sweet potatoes, and choose wild-caught shrimp for a nutrient-dense paleo-friendly version.

Great Pairings with Lemony Shrimp and Bean Stew

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the lemony shrimp notes, cutting through the richness of beans while enhancing the seafood's delicate flavor.
• Create Mediterranean Bread Companion: Serve with crusty sourdough or rustic ciabatta to soak up the stew's flavorful broth, adding textural contrast and absorbing the dish's vibrant seasoning.
• Match with Fresh Herbal Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan, providing a crisp, peppery counterpoint that echoes the stew's bright citrus undertones.

How to Store Lemony Shrimp and Bean Stew for Later

• Transfer cooled stew to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep shrimp and beans separate from other ingredients to maintain optimal texture.
• Carefully pack stew in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing with fresh herbs to prevent flavor degradation.
• Place desired portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Gently reheat stew in a pot over medium-low heat. Add splash of broth or water to prevent sticking.

Shrimp and Bean Stew Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Shrimp and Bean Stew promises a delightful journey through Spanish coastal cuisine, blending succulent seafood with rustic legumes. Warm comfort meets Mediterranean flavors, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this authentic, soul-satisfying dish.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Beans and Vegetables:

• 2 cups cannellini beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions for 5 minutes until translucent, stirring to prevent burning.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the softened onions, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle paprika and red pepper flakes, stirring for 30 seconds to release their intense flavors.
3. Pour in broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add rinsed cannellini beans, stirring to combine, and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Carefully fold in shrimp, then squeeze fresh lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest over the stew. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and gently fold in fresh chopped parsley. Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

Notes

• Choose fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and flavor in this stew.
• Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve taste quality.
• Adjust heat levels by controlling red pepper flakes for different spice preferences.
• Consider alternative protein options like chicken or tofu for dietary variety.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg