30 Minute Shrimp And Sausage Gumbo
A quick and flavorful shrimp and sausage gumbo with a rich roux, savory vegetables, and a spicy kick, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 package turkey smoked sausage, sliced ⓘ
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained ⓘ
- 1 can condensed chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 package frozen okra, thawed and sliced ⓘ
- 1 small bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves ⓘ
- salt and black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 pound cleaned medium shrimp ⓘ
- hot cooked white rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Stir in flour and cook for 4 minutes or until golden brown, stirring frequently.
- Add chopped green pepper, onion, celery, and minced garlic; cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add sliced turkey smoked sausage, drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, thawed and sliced okra, bay leaf, and dried thyme; stir until well blended.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cleaned medium shrimp and cook for 5 minutes or until the shrimp are done.
- Remove and discard the bay leaf.
- Serve the shrimp mixture over hot cooked white rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked sausage instead of turkey sausage. If you can't find frozen okra, you can substitute with fresh okra or even green beans in a pinch. For a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce. Make sure to cook the flour thoroughly to avoid a raw taste in the gumbo.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo over hot cooked white rice for a satisfying meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions on top adds a nice touch. For a complete dinner, consider pairing it with a side salad or crusty bread. This dish also goes well with a refreshing glass of iced tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the gumbo in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up if it thickens too much in the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 30 Minute Shrimp And Sausage Gumbo contains roughly 914 calories, with 29g protein, 185g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (208% of the Daily Value), iron (176% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (84% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1007mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh shrimp can be used in this recipe. Just make sure they are peeled and deveined, and adjust the cooking time slightly, as fresh shrimp may cook faster than frozen. Ensure they turn pink and opaque for perfect doneness.
Is there a vegetarian option for this gumbo?
Absolutely! You can omit the sausage and shrimp entirely and instead use additional vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a flavorful vegetarian gumbo that everyone can enjoy.
What can I serve with gumbo?
Gumbo is traditionally served with white rice, but you can also serve it with cornbread or crusty French bread for dipping. A side of coleslaw or a simple green salad can complement the dish well, enhancing its flavor and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).