There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of hearty seafood stew.

This Shipwreck Stew is loaded with tender fish, plump shrimp, and vibrant vegetables, all simmered in a flavorful broth with a touch of spice. I

t’s a cozy, wholesome meal perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving something nourishing and filling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of fish and shrimp makes this stew protein-packed and full of flavor.

Potatoes, corn, and green beans bring heartiness and natural sweetness to balance the spices.

It comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it weeknight-friendly.

The cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat, but you can easily adjust it to your taste.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Fresh fish fillets like cod or tilapia provide a mild base that absorbs the stew’s seasoning.

Shrimp add a juicy, slightly sweet bite that pairs beautifully with the fish.

Vegetable broth and diced tomatoes create a light yet flavorful base.

Potatoes give the stew substance, making it extra hearty.

Dried thyme and paprika infuse warm, earthy notes, while cayenne gives a gentle kick.

Fresh parsley and lemon at the end brighten the flavors and bring balance.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use firm white fish so it doesn’t fall apart too quickly while simmering.

Cut vegetables into even pieces so they cook uniformly.

Add seafood only at the end—overcooking will make it rubbery.

Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

How to Make Shipwreck Stew: Hearty Seafood

Step 1 – Sauté the aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot.

Add diced onion and cook until translucent, then stir in garlic until fragrant.

Step 2 – Add the vegetables

Stir in potatoes, corn, and green beans, letting them soften slightly.

Step 3 – Build the broth

Pour in vegetable broth and canned tomatoes with their juice.

Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

Step 4 – Season the stew

Add thyme, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

Let the mixture simmer about 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Step 5 – Add seafood

Stir in fish and shrimp, simmering gently until the shrimp turn pink and the fish flakes easily, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 6 – Finish and serve

Taste and adjust seasoning.

Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

What to Serve Them With

Crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping into the broth.

A light green salad for freshness.

Steamed rice or couscous if you want to make it more filling.

Variations / Substitutions

Swap cod for salmon or halibut if you prefer a richer fish.

Add clams or mussels for more seafood variety.

Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a deeper flavor.

Stir in spinach or kale for extra greens.

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop—avoid boiling so the seafood doesn’t overcook.

Freeze without the seafood, then add fresh fish and shrimp when reheating for best texture.

FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook the vegetables in broth first for 3–4 hours on low, then add seafood in the last 20 minutes.

What’s the best fish to use?
Firm white fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia work best since they hold together in the stew.

Is this stew spicy?
It has a gentle heat from cayenne, but you can reduce or omit it for a milder version.

Can I thicken the broth?
Yes, mash a few potatoes into the soup or stir in a cornstarch slurry for a thicker consistency.

How do I make it dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free—just double-check your broth and seasonings.

Can I prep it ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop the veggies and make the broth base in advance.

Add seafood right before serving.

Final Thoughts

Shipwreck Stew is the perfect balance of comfort and freshness.

With tender seafood, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s both satisfying and wholesome.

This recipe is a keeper for cozy family dinners or a nourishing weekend meal.