Crab Shrimp Gumbo
Crab Shrimp Gumbo is a hearty, flavorful dish blending the sweet seafood with savory vegetables and spices. Rich and comforting, it's perfect for seafood lovers and those seeking a comforting bowl of Cajun-inspired goodness. Ideal for family dinners or special gatherings, served over hot rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 3 cups canned or fresh tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 hot pepper (optional) ⓘ
- 3 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 10-ounce package frozen or 1 pound fresh okra, cut into 3/4-inch lengths ⓘ
- 1 pound shrimp, cleaned and cut ⓘ
- 1 10-ounce package frozen Alaskan crab ⓘ
Instructions
- Measure broth into a 5-quart Dutch oven. Add tomatoes, parsley, and celery.
- Heat butter in a skillet; add peppers, onion, garlic, and okra.
- Cover and sauté without stirring until onion is soft but not browned.
- Add the sautéed mixture to the broth in the Dutch oven.
- Add all of the remaining ingredients except seafood and Tabasco.
- Heat to boiling.
- Reduce heat and simmer covered for 2-1/2 hours.
- Stir in Tabasco and seafood, then cook an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve hot over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth. If you prefer a spicier gumbo, add more hot peppers or a dash of cayenne. You can substitute margarine with butter for a more traditional taste. For a vegetarian version, replace the seafood with additional vegetables and use vegetable broth. This gumbo pairs beautifully with Sweet Chicken for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo hot over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a well-rounded dinner. For an authentic touch, consider offering a side of Black Beans And Rice to complement the flavors. A cold beverage like iced tea can also enhance your dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it's cooled completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Shrimp Gumbo contains roughly 492 calories, with 36g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (92% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), and protein (72% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1618mg per serving (70% 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 crab instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh crab can be used instead of frozen. Just ensure it's cleaned properly and add it during the last 15 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking. Fresh seafood will elevate the dish's flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for okra?
If you can't find okra, consider using green beans or sliced zucchini as a substitute. While they won't provide the same texture, they'll still add a nice vegetable component to the gumbo. You can also omit it altogether if desired.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This gumbo is naturally gluten-free if you ensure that the broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Avoid any thickening agents that contain gluten, and enjoy the dish without worrying about gluten intolerance.
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).