Hearty Butternut Squash & Shrimp Stew (Guyanese Style)

This recipe is very special to me because it reminds me of my childhood in my mom’s Guyanese kitchen. Her pumpkin stew was warm, comforting, and full of amazing flavor. The whole house would smell like spices, and it always felt like home.

I’ve enjoyed it with many dishes over the years, but my favorite is still with soft roti or simple rice when I need a quick meal. Now I often use butternut squash instead of Caribbean pumpkin, and it still gives that rich, cozy, homemade taste I love.

Then check out a few other favorite on the blog:

• Fish in Sweet & Sour Pineapple Ginger Sauce 
• Quick Spicy Shrimp Chow Mein Noodles
• Oven Grilled Tilapia with Fried Plantains
• Loaded Beef Plantain Nachos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for cozy family meals.
• The sweet butternut squash and juicy shrimp taste amazing together.
• It’s full of rich Guyanese flavor, simple spices, and natural goodness.
• It’s easy to cook in one pot, making cleanup quick and stress free.

Substitutions & Variations

• Squash/Pumpkin: You can substitute the butternut squash with cubed calabaza pumpkin , kabocha or acorn squash . In Guyana, calabaza is traditional, but these alternatives can work just fine.
• Protein: Instead of shrimp, use chunks of chicken, ground beef or fish fillets . For a vegetarian version, simply omit the shrimp the stewed squash is delicious on its own. You can also add fresh spinach as well.
• Spices: You can use any type of curry powder for this recipe. It’s widely available at most major grocery stores like Walmart or Publix, and you can also find it easily on Amazon.
• Sweetness/Saltiness: Brown sugar can be adjusted (or even replaced with a pinch of honey).
• Beans or Lentils: For extra heartiness, add a can of drained beans (e. g. chickpeas) or 1 cup cooked red lentils along with the squash.
  

Serving Suggestions

• Serve it warm with soft white rice or fluffy jasmine rice so it soaks up all the rich, flavorful stew.
• Pair it with a side of warm roti or bread to scoop up every bit of the tasty sauce.
• Add a fresh green salad on the side to balance the rich and hearty flavors.
• Enjoy it with a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a bright, fresh finish.

Tips / Notes for Best Results

• Prep shrimp properly: Before cooking, gently rinse shrimp in cold water with a squeeze of lemon. This classic Caribbean step (washing with lemon and water) removes any fishy aroma and firms up the shrimp slightly. Always dry the shrimp well with a paper towel after rinsing so they sear nicely.
• Even squash cooking: Cut the squash into uniform cubes so they cook evenly.
• Don’t overcook shrimp: As soon as shrimp turn pink and opaque, take them off the heat. They will cook further when you reintroduce them into the stew.
• Adjust to taste: This recipe is very forgiving taste as you go. Adjust to your liking.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Hearty Butternut Squash & Shrimp Stew (Guyanese style)?

It is a warm and filling Caribbean stew made with soft butternut squash and juicy shrimp, cooked in rich, well seasoned sauce.

2. What makes this stew special?

The mix of sweet squash and savory shrimp creates a perfect balance of flavors, with Guyanese spices adding extra depth and warmth.

3. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just thaw it properly and clean it before cooking for the best taste and texture.

4. What can I serve with this stew?

It goes perfectly with rice, roti, or bread, so you can enjoy every bit of the flavorful sauce.

Prefer to watch instead of reading this delicious recipe? check out this video for a quick and easy guide: