Charleston Oyster Stew with Corn and Smoked Paprika

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

A coastal-inspired stew with plump oysters, sweet corn, and a smoky paprika finish, simmered in a rich broth for a comforting meal. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs Oysters, Corn, Smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 12 oz shelled oysters, 1 cup corn, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream, and simmer for 2 more minutes. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charleston Oyster Stew with Corn and Smoked Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Charleston Oyster Stew with Corn and Smoked Paprika?

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 Charleston Oyster Stew with Corn and Smoked Paprika?

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 Charleston Oyster Stew with Corn and Smoked Paprika 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 Charleston Oyster Stew with Corn and Smoked Paprika?

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