Description
This Easy Shrimp Gumbo is a rich and flavorful one-pot dish made with succulent shrimp, a savory roux, the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking, and a blend of bold spices. Perfect for a comforting, hearty meal in under an hour!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Roux:
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- For the Gumbo:
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage (sliced, optional)
- 1 cup frozen okra (optional)
- 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Roux
- In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 5-7 minutes until it turns a deep golden brown.
- Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add onion, bell pepper, and celery to the roux; cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Build the Gumbo Base
- Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, black pepper, cayenne, and bay leaf.
- Stir in sliced sausage (if using) and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes.
- Step 4: Add Shrimp & Finish Cooking
- Stir in shrimp and okra (if using), then simmer for 5-7 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Ladle gumbo over cooked white rice and garnish with green onions and parsley.
Notes
- Thicker Gumbo: Add 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water at the end.
- Milder Version: Reduce or omit cayenne pepper.
- Storage: Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~380 kcal
- Sugar: ~5g
- Sodium: ~850mg
- Fat: ~16g
- Saturated Fat: ~3g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~12g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Protein: ~28g
- Cholesterol: ~170mg
