Lemony Shrimp and Bean Stew

Picture a steaming bowl of lemony shrimp and bean stew, where the zesty aroma of lemon mingles with the comforting scent of garlic and sautéed onions.

This Mediterranean delight isn’t only a breeze to whip up but also wraps you in a cozy, flavorful embrace.

As the shrimp turns pink and the ingredients meld into a harmonious blend, you’ll find that something magical happens with each simmering moment.

Let’s bring this vibrant dish to life!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large skillet
• 1 cutting board
• 1 sharp knife
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 measuring spoon set

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Lemony Shrimp and Bean Stew, here’s a timeline incorporating prep work, cooking activities, and additional time for reading:

1. Reading the Recipe (5 minutes):
   • Start by reading the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the process and ingredients.
2. Preparation (15 minutes):
   • Minute 0-5: Gather all ingredients and equipment. Confirm shrimp are peeled and deveined, and beans are drained and rinsed.
   • Minute 6-10: Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
   • Minute 11-15: Measure out olive oil, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, lemon zest and juice, salt, black pepper, and chop the parsley.
3. Cooking (25 minutes):
   • Minute 16-20: Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
   • Minute 21-22: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 1 minute.
   • Minute 23-26: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque (about 3-4 minutes).
   • Minute 27-29: Stir in the cannellini beans and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
   • Minute 30-31: Add lemon zest and juice, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
   • Minute 32-36: Let the stew simmer for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Resting Time (5 minutes):
   • Minute 37-41: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Let the stew rest before serving.

Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 1 minute.

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the cannellini beans and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Add lemon zest and juice, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine.

Let the stew simmer for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Let the stew rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Serve the stew with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Steamed Rice: Pair with steamed rice to make the meal more filling and absorb the lemony sauce.
• Quinoa: Use quinoa as a nutritious base to enhance the stew’s Mediterranean flair.
• Mixed Green Salad: Add a light and fresh mixed green salad for a revitalizing contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Complement the stew with roasted vegetables for added texture and flavor variety.

Storage

To store Lemony Shrimp and Bean Stew, place leftovers in an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently to maintain shrimp texture and flavor integrity.

Freezing

To freeze Lemony Shrimp and Bean Stew, cool it completely.

Transfer to airtight containers, and label with the date.

Consume within three months.

Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat Lemony Shrimp and Bean Stew, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat.

Stir occasionally.

Avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking the shrimp, which can become rubbery.

Final Thoughts

Lemony Shrimp and Bean Stew is a delightful dish that combines fresh, vibrant flavors with comforting textures.

The tangy lemon complements the tender shrimp and hearty beans perfectly.

This Mediterranean-inspired stew isn’t only quick to prepare but also nutritious.

It’s a perfect option for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

Consider pairing it with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

Adjust the spices to your liking, and enjoy a bowl of warmth and zest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Canned Beans With Fresh Ones?

You can substitute canned beans with fresh ones, but you’ll need to soak and cook them thoroughly first. Fresh beans offer a firmer texture and richer flavor, enhancing your dish’s complexity. Adjust cooking time accordingly for perfect results.

Is It Possible to Make This Stew Vegan?

You can make this stew vegan by replacing shrimp with tofu or chickpeas and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adjust other ingredients to maintain flavor balance, ensuring a delicious and satisfying plant-based version.

What Wine Pairs Well With This Dish?

You should pair a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc with this dish. Its citrusy notes highlight the lemon zest while balancing the savory shrimp and beans, creating an insightful harmony that enhances the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.

How Can I Thicken the Stew if Needed?

To thicken your stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water, then gradually add it to the simmering stew while stirring. Alternatively, mash some beans to release starch, naturally enriching the stew’s texture.

Are There Alternative Herbs to Use Instead of Parsley?

You can substitute parsley with cilantro for a citrusy twist, or try basil for a sweet, aromatic touch. Tarragon adds a hint of anise flavor, while chives offer a mild onion taste. Choose based on your preference.

Lemony Shrimp and Bean Stew

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 large skillet
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 sharp knife
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 measuring spoon set

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans drained and rinsed
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 lemon zest and juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 1 minute.
• Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
• Stir in the cannellini beans and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Add lemon zest and juice, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
• Let the stew simmer for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
• Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
• Let the stew rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

When preparing this stew, ensure the shrimp are thoroughly cleaned and deveined to avoid a gritty texture. Adjust the level of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference, and consider serving with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.