Hearty Cajun Shrimp And Sausage Gumbo Recipe For Cozy Nights

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when a hearty shrimp and sausage gumbo recipe hits the table.

Aromatic spices dance through this classic Creole dish, promising a culinary journey straight from Louisiana’s heart.

Andouille sausage and plump shrimp create a rich, robust flavor profile that speaks volumes about traditional cooking.

Each spoonful carries generations of cultural heritage and warm memories.

Dark roux forms the backbone of this soul-satisfying meal, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Comfort and tradition simmer together in this one-pot wonder that connects you directly to New Orleans’ vibrant culinary landscape.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this legendary Southern classic.

Gumbo – What Makes It So Loved

• Dive into a mouthwatering gumbo that brings the vibrant flavors of Louisiana right to your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum taste.
• Learn the art of creating a perfect golden-brown roux, a skill that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary, rich, and deeply flavored dish that will impress even seasoned home cooks.
• Easily adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your family's taste preferences, making this gumbo a versatile meal that can become a household favorite for any gathering or weeknight dinner.
• Enjoy the convenience of a complete meal prepared in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor, perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Shrimp & Sausage Gumbo Ingredients

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides a delicate and sweet flavor to the gumbo.
• Sausage: Adds a rich, spicy complexity and hearty texture to the dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery: Classic Cajun trinity that forms the flavor foundation of the gumbo.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic base note to the dish.
• Okra: Adds traditional Southern texture and helps thicken the gumbo.
• Green Onions: Offers a fresh, bright garnish to finish the dish.

• Chicken Broth, Water: Create the essential liquid base for the gumbo.
• Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Contribute a smoky and deep tomato flavor.
• Coconut Aminos: Provides a subtle umami and slightly sweet undertone.
• Bay Leaves: Infuse a delicate herbal note throughout the gumbo.
• Cajun Seasoning: Delivers the signature spicy and bold Cajun flavor profile.
• Salt, Cayenne: Enhance and balance the overall seasoning of the dish.

• Oil, Flour: Essential for creating the traditional dark roux that gives gumbo its characteristic depth and richness.

How to Prepare Shrimp Gumbo

Step 1: Chop the Veggie Crew

Grab a cutting board and start dicing the onion, bell pepper, and celery into small, uniform pieces.

Mince the garlic cloves until they’re super fine.

Set these flavor-packed chopped veggies aside – they’re about to become the heart of your gumbo.

Step 2: Create the Magic Roux

In a large pot, combine oil and flour over medium heat.

Whisk like your life depends on it!

This is where patience becomes your best friend.

Keep stirring continuously to prevent burning.

You’re aiming for a rich, caramel-brown color that’ll give your gumbo deep, complex flavor.

If the mixture starts browning too quickly, lower the heat and keep whisking.

Step 3: Awaken the Veggie Base

• Onions
• Bell peppers
• Celery

Stir everything together and let the veggies dance in the pot for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.

Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, releasing those incredible aromas.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Foundation

• Sausage
• Cajun seasoning
• Salt
• Cayenne pepper

• Chicken broth
• Water
• Fire-roasted tomatoes
• Coconut aminos
• Bay leaves

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 50 minutes.

Step 5: Final Flavor Explosion

• Shrimp
• Frozen okra

Cook for approximately 10 minutes.

Watch for the shrimp to turn pink and become opaque – that’s your signal that everything is perfectly cooked.

Step 6: Serve with Style

Fish out the bay leaves.

Ladle the steaming gumbo into bowls and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Get ready to transport your taste buds to Louisiana!

Tips for Flavorful Shrimp Gumbo

• Whisk continuously and patiently over medium heat, watching for a golden caramel color without burning. Lower heat if browning happens too quickly, ensuring a rich, deep flavor foundation for your gumbo.
• Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 10 minutes maximum. Overcooking leads to tough, chewy seafood that ruins the dish's delicate texture.
• Use fire-roasted tomatoes and coconut aminos to add complexity and subtle sweetness. These ingredients elevate the traditional gumbo profile with unexpected richness.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal spice tolerance. Start with a small amount and gradually increase to find your perfect spice balance without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Chop vegetables in advance and store in sealed containers. This technique saves time during cooking and ensures a smooth, stress-free preparation process for your gumbo.

Reheat & Save Your Gumbo the Right Way

• Store leftover gumbo in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer gumbo to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, gumbo can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place gumbo in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Pour gumbo into a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if the gumbo seems too thick. Warm until heated through completely, about 10-15 minutes.

What to Eat with Shrimp & Sausage Gumbo

• Pair Zesty Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp white wine cuts through the gumbo's rich, spicy flavors, providing a refreshing counterpoint that cleanses the palate with each sip.
• Serve with Dirty Rice: Traditional Louisiana side dish complements the gumbo's bold Cajun profile, adding extra depth and authentic regional texture to the meal.
• Match with Cornbread: Slightly sweet, crumbly bread absorbs the gumbo's robust sauce, balancing the spiciness while offering a comforting Southern-style accompaniment.
• Enhance with Craft Amber Ale: Malty beer with subtle hoppy notes stands up to the hearty gumbo, its caramel undertones echoing the roux's rich golden color.

Different Takes on Shrimp Gumbo

• Low-Carb Gumbo: Replace traditional flour with almond flour or coconut flour to create a roux. Swap out rice for cauliflower rice or serve over zucchini noodles to keep the dish keto-friendly and reduce carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute shrimp and sausage with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain rich flavor while creating a meat-free version.
• Seafood Lover's Edition: Expand protein variety by adding additional seafood like crab meat, crawfish, or white fish alongside shrimp. This variation enhances oceanic flavors and provides more complex seafood textures.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour alternatives such as rice flour or cornstarch for creating the roux. Ensure all seasoning blends and broths are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

FAQs

• What makes the roux so important in gumbo?

The roux is the flavor foundation of gumbo, providing a deep, rich taste and thickening the dish. Carefully cooking flour and oil together creates a complex base that gives gumbo its distinctive taste and texture.

• Can I substitute the seafood or sausage?

Yes, you can swap shrimp for chicken or use andouille sausage for a different flavor profile. Just keep the cooking times in mind and adjust accordingly to ensure everything cooks properly.

• How do I know if I'm making the roux correctly?

The roux should be a golden-brown color, similar to caramel, and have a nutty aroma. Whisk constantly and keep the heat medium to low to prevent burning. The process takes about 20 minutes and requires patience.

• Is this gumbo spicy?

The recipe includes Cajun seasoning and optional cayenne pepper, which can add heat. You can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of cayenne or using a mild Cajun seasoning blend to suit your taste preferences.

Shrimp And Sausage Gumbo Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Louisiana-style Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo delivers rich, spicy flavors straight from New Orleans’ culinary heart. Simmering with andouille sausage, plump shrimp, and deep roux, this classic dish promises a soul-warming meal you’ll savor to the last delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 lb large shrimp (raw; peeled and deveined)
• 12 oz andouille chicken sausage or pork sausage

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 1 green bell pepper (diced)
• 2 celery (chopped)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 ½ cups frozen okra
• ¼ cup green onions (for garnish)

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ¼ cup avocado oil (or butter)
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 32 ounces (946 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 14 ounces (397 g) fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cayenne (optional)
• 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
• 2 bay leaves

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Instructions

1. Meticulously chop onions, bell peppers, and celery into uniform dice, creating the foundational flavor base for the gumbo. Finely mince garlic and set ingredients aside for quick access during cooking.
2. Create a deep, rich roux by slowly whisking flour and oil together in a large pot over medium-low heat. Maintain constant stirring for approximately 20-25 minutes, watching for a deep caramel-brown color. Lower temperature if browning occurs too rapidly to prevent burning.
3. Incorporate diced vegetables into the prepared roux, stirring continuously for 5-6 minutes until they soften and release their aromatic qualities. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing flavors to meld seamlessly.
4. Introduce sliced sausage, Cajun seasoning, salt, and optional cayenne pepper into the pot. Pour in chicken broth, water, fire-roasted tomatoes, coconut aminos, and bay leaves. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 50-55 minutes.
5. Gently fold in shrimp and frozen okra during the final cooking stage. Monitor closely as shrimp transform to a pink, opaque color, indicating perfect doneness, which typically takes 8-10 minutes.
6. Eliminate bay leaves and transfer gumbo into serving bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, providing a vibrant, crisp finish to this robust Louisiana-inspired dish.

Notes

• Take your time and whisk constantly to prevent burning, creating a rich, deep flavor foundation that’s the heart of authentic gumbo.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning and cayenne to match your heat tolerance, allowing personalized flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Add shrimp precisely when they’ll cook through, avoiding rubbery texture by removing them from heat immediately after turning pink.
• Swap shrimp with chicken or andouille sausage for different protein options, keeping the robust gumbo character intact.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Cajun/Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg