Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Tomato and Okra Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant shrimp stew with bold Cajun spices, fresh tomatoes, and tender okra reflecting Southern U.S. heritage. This Southern American-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs large shrimp, okra, roma tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 280 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 cup sliced okra, 3 diced roma tomatoes, 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 cup vegetable broth, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 7 minutes until the stew thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Tomato and Okra Stew take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Tomato and Okra Stew?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Tomato and Okra Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Tomato and Okra Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Tomato and Okra Stew?

Southern American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes