Crab Gumbo
Crab gumbo offers a rich, flavorful stew with a hearty tomato base, tender okra, and succulent crab meat. Its bold spices and savory profile make it perfect for seafood lovers and those seeking comforting Southern-inspired cuisine. Ideal for a satisfying dinner or special gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. all purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 can (28 oz.) tomatoes
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 pkg. (10 oz) frozen okra sliced ⓘ
- 2 pkg. (6 oz) frozen Alaska Snow crab meat, thawed, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large kettle over medium heat.
- Add flour and stir constantly until dark brown but not burned.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Gradually stir in undrained tomatoes.
- Add sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, hot pepper sauce, and bay leaf.
- Stir to break up the tomatoes.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors, stirring occasionally.
- Add sliced okra and cook for 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add crab meat and stir gently to heat through.
- Discard bay leaf before serving.
- Serve the gumbo over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a smoked sausage for depth. If fresh crab isn't available, you can substitute with canned crab meat, but be sure to drain it thoroughly. To thicken the gumbo, you can add more okra or a touch of cornmeal. Adjust the hot pepper sauce to your heat preference. This dish also pairs beautifully with rice for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo over a generous scoop of fluffy white rice. It pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. A sprinkle of green onions on top adds a pop of color and freshness. For a complete seafood experience, consider serving with Tina'S Hot Crab Meat Dip as an appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the gumbo in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency. Stir occasionally until warmed through. Avoid boiling to maintain the quality of the crab meat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Gumbo contains roughly 619 calories, with 4g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (65% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1870mg per serving (81% 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 make this gumbo in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the gumbo a day ahead. The flavors meld beautifully overnight. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving. Keep the crab meat separate until you reheat to maintain its texture.
What can I use instead of okra?
If you don't have okra, consider using diced zucchini or green beans for a similar texture. Alternatively, you can skip it entirely, but be aware that it will change the consistency and flavor profile of the gumbo.
Is it possible to freeze crab gumbo?
Yes, you can freeze crab gumbo, but it's best to do so without the crab meat added. Freeze the base of the gumbo for up to 3 months, then thaw and add fresh crab when reheating for optimal texture and flavor.
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).