Crab Gumbo(From Maryland Seafood Marketing Authority)
A flavorful Maryland crab gumbo with tender crabmeat, tomatoes, okra, and aromatic seasonings, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a hearty, comforting dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Maryland crabmeat ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large stalk celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup margarine or butter ⓘ
- 6 cups canned whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen okra ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon whole thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 3 cups hot cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove all cartilage from the crabmeat.
- In a 4 to 5-quart pot, cook onion, celery, and garlic in margarine or butter until tender.
- Add canned whole tomatoes, frozen okra, bay leaf, salt, sugar, thyme, chili powder, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add crabmeat and heat through.
- Serve over hot cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a homemade seafood stock instead of just water. If you can't find fresh crabmeat, lump crabmeat from the can works well as a substitute. To enhance the dish, you might add diced bell peppers or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat. This gumbo pairs beautifully with Aunt Pauline'S Shrimp Salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crab gumbo hot over a generous scoop of rice for a comforting meal. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For added flair, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley. This dish is perfect for gatherings and can be complemented with a side of Hot Green Bean And Crab Bake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover crab gumbo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to maintain its consistency. Avoid microwaving as it can overcook the crabmeat and make it tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Gumbo(From Maryland Seafood Marketing Authority) contains roughly 640 calories, with 20g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (219% of the Daily Value), iron (74% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1389mg per serving (60% 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 other types of seafood in this gumbo?
Yes, you can customize this crab gumbo by adding other seafood like shrimp, fish, or even mussels. Just ensure that you adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different seafood cooks at different rates. This flexibility allows for a delicious variation of the dish and makes it great for seafood recipes enthusiasts.
What can I substitute for okra?
If you're not a fan of okra, you can substitute it with diced zucchini or green beans for a similar texture. Some recipes also use filé powder as a thickener. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor, but it will still yield a delicious result.
Is it necessary to use canned tomatoes?
While canned tomatoes are convenient and provide a consistent flavor, you can certainly use fresh tomatoes if they are in season. To substitute, use about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped. Just remember, fresh tomatoes may require a longer cooking time to break down into a sauce.
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).