Shrimp Gumbo Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 04, 2025

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Shrimp Gumbo Recipe: A Taste of Louisiana

Gumbo, a quintessential Louisiana dish, is a hearty and flavorful stew that's perfect for a chilly evening or a festive gathering. This shrimp gumbo recipe offers a delicious and relatively easy way to experience the magic of this classic Cajun and Creole cuisine. Get ready to savor the rich flavors of shrimp, andouille sausage, and a deeply satisfying roux.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings. Adjust ingredient quantities as needed.

• For the Roux:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or a combination of vegetable oil and bacon fat for extra flavor)
• For the Gumbo:
  • 1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped (the holy trinity!)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Cooked rice, for serving
  • Optional garnishes: green onions, chopped parsley

Instructions: Making Your Delicious Shrimp Gumbo

Step 1: Building the Foundation - The Roux

The roux is the heart and soul of any good gumbo. Creating a dark roux takes time and patience but it’s worth the effort!

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, whisk together the flour and oil over medium heat.
2. Cook, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon, until the mixture becomes a dark brown color, almost the shade of dark chocolate. This process can take 20-30 minutes. Be patient and vigilant; burning the roux will ruin the gumbo.
3. Once the desired color is achieved, remove the pot from the heat.

Step 2: Building the Flavor Profile

1. Add the sliced andouille sausage to the pot and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes more.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmering to Perfection

1. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps.
2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Adding the Star - Shrimp

1. Add the shrimp to the gumbo.
2. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Overcooking will result in tough shrimp.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 5: Serving Your Masterpiece

Serve your delicious shrimp gumbo hot over cooked rice. Garnish with green onions or chopped parsley for added freshness and visual appeal. Enjoy the rich, flavorful experience!

Tips and Variations for Your Shrimp Gumbo

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder gumbo, use less; for a spicier kick, add more.
• Seafood Alternatives: Feel free to substitute other seafood like crab, crawfish, or oysters.
• Chicken or Vegetarian: For a chicken gumbo, add cooked chicken pieces along with the shrimp. A vegetarian version can be made by omitting the sausage and using vegetable broth.
• Thickening: If your gumbo is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a longer period, or by adding a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water).

This recipe is your gateway to creating an authentic and flavorful shrimp gumbo. Enjoy the culinary adventure! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us – we'd love to see your amazing gumbo!