Can you put raw shrimp into a stew and just have them cook along with the or must they be cooked first?

You can put raw shrimp into a stew and have them cook along with the rest of the ingredients. However, there are a few things to consider:

Shrimp cook very quickly: Shrimp only need a few minutes to cook through. If you add them too early in the stew, they may overcook and become tough and rubbery.

Shrimp will absorb the flavors of the stew: If you add the shrimp at the beginning of the cooking process, they will absorb the flavors of all the other ingredients. This can be a good thing, but it may also mask the shrimp's natural flavor.

Shrimp can release water: When shrimp are cooked, they release a lot of water. This can dilute the stew and make it less flavorful.

Here are some tips for adding shrimp to a stew:

* Add them towards the end of the cooking process: This will allow the shrimp to cook through without overcooking and will help to prevent them from releasing too much water.

* Don't overcrowd the pot: If you add too many shrimp at once, they won't cook evenly. Add them in batches if necessary.

* Cook them until they are just pink and opaque: Overcooked shrimp will be tough and dry.

* Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed: The shrimp will add a salty flavor to the stew, so you may need to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Alternative:

If you want to make sure your shrimp are cooked perfectly, you can cook them separately before adding them to the stew. This will ensure that they are cooked through and will also prevent them from releasing too much water.

Ultimately, the best way to add shrimp to a stew is a matter of personal preference. Experiment with different methods and see what works best for you.