Shrimp Gumbo

Why Make This Recipe

Shrimp gumbo is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Southern cooking right to your kitchen. This hearty meal is loaded with shrimp and vegetables, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or for impressing guests. Plus, making gumbo is a fun process that allows you to enjoy the beautiful aromas and vibrant colors of fresh ingredients.

How to Make Shrimp Gumbo

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice for serving
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Directions:

1. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, constantly stirring, until the mixture turns dark brown (about 15-20 minutes). This is your roux.
2. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the roux. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 5 minutes.
6. Serve over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions.

How to Serve Shrimp Gumbo

Shrimp gumbo is best served hot over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. Scoop the gumbo over the rice in a bowl and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh crunch. You can also serve it with warm, crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious broth.

How to Store Shrimp Gumbo

To store leftover gumbo, let it cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. You can also freeze gumbo for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to get it back to your desired consistency.

Tips to Make Shrimp Gumbo

• Don’t Rush the Roux: Cooking the roux until it’s dark brown adds a deep flavor to the gumbo. Be patient and stir constantly.
• Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like okra or corn for extra flavor and texture.
• Adjust the Spice: If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or increase the Cajun seasoning.

Variation

For a twist on traditional shrimp gumbo, try adding some sausage for an additional layer of flavor. You could use andouille sausage or any other type you prefer.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the gumbo.

Is gumbo gluten-free?
This recipe uses flour for the roux, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I make gumbo in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, gumbo often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it properly in the fridge or freezer as mentioned earlier.

Shrimp Gumbo

A hearty Southern dish loaded with shrimp and vegetables, simmered in a rich, flavorful broth.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Creole, Southern

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Gumbo

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup flour For the roux
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• to taste Salt and pepper

For Serving

• to serve cooked rice For serving
• to garnish chopped green onions For garnish

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
• Stir in the flour and cook, constantly stirring, until the mixture turns dark brown (about 15-20 minutes). This is your roux.
• Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the roux. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
• Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Cooking

• Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
• Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 5 minutes.

Serving

• Serve over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions.

Notes

For best results, don’t rush the roux and consider adding other vegetables like okra or corn. Adjust the spice level to your preference, and feel free to add sausage for an additional flavor twist.

Keyword Comfort Food, Gumbo Recipe, Seafood gumbo, Shrimp Gumbo, Southern Cooking