Maryland Crab Stew with Smoked Paprika

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

A delicate, aromatic stew highlighting fresh crab meat with smoked paprika and garden vegetables, reflecting Maryland's coastal culinary heritage. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs blue crab meat, chicken broth, diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced yellow onion, 1/2 cup diced celery, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are soft and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1.5 cups blue crab meat, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp fresh thyme, and 1/4 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Step 3: Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and broth slightly thickens.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped parsley. Adjust salt to taste.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maryland Crab Stew with Smoked Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Maryland Crab Stew with 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 Maryland Crab Stew with 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 Maryland Crab Stew with 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 Maryland Crab Stew with 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.

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