Southern Shrimp Gumbo

Name: Southern Shrimp Gumbo
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup butter; 1/2 cup canola oil + 2 Tablespoons; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 large sweet onion, (chopped); 1 green bell pepper, (chopped); 2 celery ribs, (chopped); 3 cloves garlic, (minced); 2 bay leaves; 14.5 oz can fire roasted tomatoes; 6 cups seafood stock, (divided); 1 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1 Tbsp low salt creole seasoning; 1 link andouille sausage; 1 link smoked sausage; 1 cup fresh okra, (chopped); 1 tsp liquid shrimp and crab boil; 2 lbs shrimp, (peeled and deveined); 3 green onions (chopped); gumbo filé (optional)

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This Southern Shrimp Gumbo is the perfect mix of Cajun spices, fresh vegetables, sausage and shrimp! It is a true Louisiana meal that can be served any time of year!

A DELICIOUS SOUTHERN RECIPE

If you have never tried gumbo, it is one of those recipes that I highly recommend that you sample at least once in your life. Being from the south, this Southern Shrimp Gumbo is a recipe you see served at most traditional southern restaurants. The combination of ingredients is like nothing else I’ve ever tasted and can be completely tailored to your tastebuds. This shrimp gumbo recipe is best served over rice and takes patience to really deepen the flavors!

Overhead of half a pan of Southern Shrimp Gumbo

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is Gumbo Filé?

This is a seasoning used to further thicken gumbo and it has a distinct flavor. Gumbo filé is made from the sassafras tree and it has a unique flavor that is a little hard to explain. The best way I can explain the taste is it has a flavor similar to root beer and smells a little like eucalyptus. It is an ingredient that was first discovered and used by the indigenous Choctaw Indians who first settled that area.
Generally, most folks will add filé to their own bowls of gumbo (rather than adding to the entire pot.) It’s a flavor that most people either love or hate but only use a tiny bit so as not to overwhelm other flavors.

What is another variation I can make?

There are a few different variations – Chicken and Sausage Gumbo is another common version. Seafood Gumbo is a version often served in coastal regions where fresh seafood is in abundance. However, If you don’t enjoy seafood, then just leave the shrimp out. For more authentic and delicious cajun and creole recipes, I highly recommend you visit one of my favorite Creole cooks, the Creole Contessa.

What is Andouille sausage?

Andouille sausage is a distinctly cajun sausage. It is a heavily smoked sausage that is made of pork and combined with peppers, onions and seasonings. You can usually see little chunks of pork within the andouille sausage, whereas in other sausages, it will be completely ground up. The seasoning is usually spicy. But these days, andouille sausage is made using different levels of spiciness – from super spicy to mild.

What is a roux?

Roux is a fancy French cooking term for thickening sauces, soups and stews. It’s a combination of flour and butter (sometimes oil) that are whisked together (over heat) until smooth. When a liquid is added to the roux, and the heat is brought up to a gentle boil, the mixture will begin to thicken.

Is there anyway to make a quick version of gumbo?

No. Absolutely not and never ask that question to a Cajun! Ha! Only make gumbo when you have the time. Gumbo needs time and patience to really build up the flavors. With each step, you are slowly deepening and creating a rich and unique taste. Gumbo cannot be rushed and I do not recommend making this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. I love to use those appliances too but you just cannot get the same level of flavors. I’ve tried so you don’t have to!

How do I store?

Once the gumbo has cooled, store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3 days. Reheat as required. This recipe does freeze well. Freeze in a suitable freezer safe container for 3 months.

Overhead of finished Gumbo in dutch oven Pinterest image

INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (FULL RECIPE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST)

butter
canola oil
all-purpose flour
sweet onion
green bell pepper
celery
bay leaves
fire roasted tomatoes
seafood stock
pepper
salt
creole seasoning
andouille sausage
smoked sausage
okra
shrimp and crab boil (liquid)
shrimp
green onions
gumbo filé, optional

Ingredients needed: butter, canola oil, all-purpose flour, sweet onion, green bell pepper, celery ribs, garlic, bay leaves, fire roasted tomatoes, seafood stock, pepper, salt, creole seasoning, andouille sausage, smoked sausage, okra, shrimp and crab boil, shrimp, green onions and gumbo file

HOW TO MAKE SOUTHERN SHRIMP GUMBO:

Melt butter with canola oil in a large pot then add the flour.

Keep cooking and stirring until this mixture (the roux) has turned to a light chocolate color. We are basically browning the butter (but not burning it!) This will take some time so be patient.

Add the chopped onion, bell pepper and celery. In cajun and creole cooking, this is called the “holy trinity.” Similar to the French version of “mirepoix.” Continue to cook, stirring for about 10 minutes.

Onion, bell pepper and celery added to dutch oven

Add the chopped garlic, stir for two more minutes.

Lastly, add the canned tomatoes, half of the seafood stock, the bay leaves and the seasoning. Stir well and cover. Allow to simmer.

In a large skillet (12”) add the 2 Tablespoons of canola oil and the chopped okra (add okra while oil is still cool).

Turn heat to medium, then add the sliced sausage. Sauté in the skillet, stirring often for about 15 minutes.

Once the sausage looks like it’s caramelized somewhat and is sticking to the pan some – and the okra is nice and soft, use the remaining stock to pour a little into the skillet and scrape up the stuck bits (this adds great flavor to the gumbo).A dd these contents to the pot with everything else and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for about 45-60 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a bowl add the shrimp and crab boil to the shrimp and stir so that all the shrimp has been coated. Cover the bowl and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

10 minutes before you’re ready to eat, add the shrimp to the gumbo and stir well. Cover again and cook on low for 10 minutes.

Sausage, okra and shrimp added to gumbo mixture

Remove bay leaves. Add chopped green onions. Offer Gumbo Filé if anyone likes it.

Finished Southern Shrimp Gumbo Recipe in white dutch oven

Serve over rice and with some hush puppies.

Overhead of bowl of Southern Shrimp Gumbo with rice

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