Fish and Shrimp Stew {​​Comfortable, full of flavor, and naturally low carb! }

Whenever I want something warm, comforting, and full of fresh seafood flavor, I turn to this fish and shrimp stew. The first time I did this was during a visit with my parents during a cold New England winter, and we all instantly fell in love. The broth is rich and flavorful, the seafood is tender, and every spoonful feels like a hug on a cold night.

What surprised us the most was that it tasted even better the next day. The flavors deepen overnight, turning simple ingredients into something truly special. One time, my dad was heating up a bowl of breakfast because he loved it so much.

Serve on its own, spooned over pasta or rice, or with a large piece of crusty bread. No matter how you serve it, this stew always feels hearty, comforting, and nutritious.

Here are some helpful considerations to ensure your stew is delicious and cooked perfectly every time.

• Choose a strong-bodied white fish: Cod works well, but haddock or pollock would also be great. Avoid brittle fish as they fall apart easily.
• Use a good quality broth: The fish stock and clam juice add incredible depth. A good broth makes a big difference in a seafood stew.
• To prepare shrimp correctly: Devein them if desired and refrigerate them until you’re ready to add them so they stay firm and sweet.
• Let the flavors develop: This stew tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time if you can.
• To fully defrost seafood: Starting with frozen fish or shrimp may result in uneven cooking, so thaw completely before using.

How to prepare shrimp for this stew

Here’s a simple guide to help you prepare shrimp so they stay sweet, tender, and perfectly cooked in your stew.

• Remove the casing: If your shrimp still have their shells, peel them from the head to the tail. (If you want extra flavor, save the shells for homemade seafood stock.)
• Deveining shrimp: Use a small paring knife to make a shallow cut along the back and remove the dark veins. It’s harmless to eat, but removing it gives the stew a cleaner look and taste.
• Rinse and cool: Give the shrimp a quick rinse and place them in a bowl of ice water while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. This keeps them firm and prevents premature cooking.
• Pat them dry before adding: While they’re cooking, pat the shrimp dry so they can stir-fry and cook evenly in the hot soup.

Here’s a simple overview of how everything fits together.

1. Create an aromatic base

Saute onions in olive oil until soft, then add garlic, red pepper flakes, parsley and tomato paste.

Pro tip: Cook the tomato paste for a minute to deepen its flavor and remove its raw taste.

2. Add liquid and bring to boil

Pour in the tomatoes, clam juice and fish stock, then add the butter, oregano and basil. Let it simmer so that the broth becomes rich and flavorful.

Pro tip: Taste the broth at this stage. Adjust salt, pepper, tomato paste, and heat before adding seafood.

3. Add fish

Once the soup has boiled, gently add the cod in it and cook until flaky.

4.Add shrimp

Add the shrimp last and cook until opaque and tender.

Pro tip: Shrimp cook very quickly. When the stew turns pink and is al dente, remove from the heat immediately.

Here are some delicious ways to personalize your stew.

• Seafood Swap: Although this version uses fish and shrimp, the seafood options are endless. Add almost any type of fish, try other seafood like clams or mussels, and throw in some scallops or crab. This tomato-based seafood soup is versatile.
• Fresh herbs and spices: Use spices and herbs to vary the flavors. Try using cilantro, add extra basil, omit the chili flakes, and add extra garlic. Make the broth to your taste and preference.
• Choose your vegetables: The vegetables in this soup are simple, but you can definitely add them. Try potatoes or sweet potatoes for a more filling meal. Add fresh vegetables like spinach or kale. Add fresh corn for sweetness or add some chopped zucchini. This soup stands up to the veggies. Just make sure to add the veggies before the fish so the fish doesn’t get overcooked.
• Adjust the heat: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier broth.
• Whole30 uses ghee: Swap the butter for ghee to keep the recipe fully Whole30 compliant.
• Brighten the flavor: Finish with a squeeze of lemon or extra fresh herbs for a fresher, lighter flavor.
• Tomato swap: Crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, or canned whole tomatoes will work. San Marzano tomatoes have the strongest flavor.

Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this comforting stew.

• Crusty Bread: Two-Ingredient Dough Breadsticks and Easy Dinner Rolls are perfect for soaking up every drop of tomato garlic soup!
• Pasta or zoodles: Makes a stew feel extra hearty and turns it into a hearty dinner.
• Rice or cauliflower rice: This is a great option when you want something comforting, satisfying, and gluten-free.
• Creamy polenta: The soft, creamy texture pairs perfectly with the tender seafood and rich broth.

Here’s how to safely store leftovers and keep them delicious.

• refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Taste improves overnight.
• freeze: Freezing is not recommended as fish and shrimp will harden when thawed.
• Reheat: Heat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the seafood.