Easy Seafood Gumbo

Easy Seafood Gumbo

Easy Seafood gumbo is a rich and flavorful dish that represents the heart and soul of Cajun and Creole cuisine. With its roots in Louisiana, gumbo is a hearty stew filled with an array of ingredients, including seafood, vegetables, and a thick, savory broth.

The combination of shrimp, crab, and other shellfish mixed with the holy trinity of Cajun cooking—onions, bell peppers, and celery—creates a deeply flavorful and satisfying dish.

Perfect for cooler nights or festive gatherings, this seafood gumbo will bring a taste of New Orleans to your kitchen. The dish is often served over steamed rice and is a true celebration of southern flavors.

Ingredients:

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 lb crab meat (fresh or imitation)

1/2 lb scallops, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 medium onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes

4 cups seafood stock or chicken broth

2 bay leaves

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

1/2 tsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup green onions, chopped

2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)

How to Make:

Make the Roux: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the flour to the pot, whisking constantly to create a roux. Cook the roux for 10-15 minutes, stirring regularly, until it becomes a deep brown color. This is an essential step in gumbo, as it provides the rich flavor base for the stew. Be patient and careful not to burn the roux, as it can give the gumbo a bitter taste if overcooked.

Cook the Vegetables: Once the roux has reached the desired color, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery (the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking) to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they are soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and cook for a few minutes. Then, add the seafood stock or chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine everything and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Season the Gumbo: Add the bay leaves, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to incorporate the spices, and let the gumbo simmer for 30 minutes, uncovered, to allow the flavors to meld together.

Add the Seafood: Once the gumbo has simmered and the flavors have developed, gently stir in the shrimp, crab meat, and scallops. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and tender. Be careful not to overcook the seafood, as it can become tough.

Finish the Gumbo: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce (if desired) to add extra depth and heat. Taste the gumbo and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference. Remove the bay leaves.

Serve: Ladle the seafood gumbo into bowls, serving it over a bed of freshly cooked rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and green onions for a burst of color and flavor. Serve with extra hot sauce on the side if you like more heat.

Enjoy: Enjoy your delicious homemade seafood gumbo with warm, crusty bread or cornbread on the side to soak up the rich broth.

Chef’s Note:

Gumbo is a highly versatile dish, and you can customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For a more robust gumbo, consider adding sausage (andouille or smoked sausage) to the mix, which is a common addition in traditional gumbo recipes. If you prefer a thicker gumbo, you can add more flour to the roux or let the gumbo simmer longer to reduce and thicken.

Feel free to adjust the spice level according to your taste. If you prefer a milder gumbo, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. If you enjoy heat, add more to make it spicier. Gumbo is meant to be enjoyed with a rich, flavorful broth, and the seafood brings a delightful sweetness to the dish.

Nutrition Information (per serving, 6 servings total):

Calories: 320

Protein: 28g

Carbohydrates: 22g

Fat: 15g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Cholesterol: 165mg

Sodium: 890mg

Fiber: 3g

Sugars: 5g

Seafood gumbo is the perfect combination of rich flavors, satisfying textures, and the goodness of fresh seafood. It’s a hearty, delicious dish that brings a taste of New Orleans to your table, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this gumbo will always be a crowd-pleaser.