Creole Seafood Gumbo
Creole Seafood Gumbo is a hearty, flavorful dish combining the rich tastes of seafood, okra, and tomatoes in a spicy, savory broth. Its bold flavors and comforting rice make it perfect for seafood lovers and those seeking a taste of Creole cuisine. Ideal for a satisfying family meal or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 2 cups liquid (water and seafood juice) ⓘ
- 2 cups cut okra ⓘ
- 2 cups peeled and cubed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 cups shrimp, crab meat, oysters, or a combination ⓘ
- 3 cups hot cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan; blend in flour and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until dark brown.
- Add liquid, okra, tomatoes, onion, green pepper, Tabasco sauce (optional), thyme, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add seafood and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf.
- Serve in soup bowls with a mound of hot rice in the center.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer gumbo, consider adding a smoked sausage or andouille for depth. If fresh okra isn't available, frozen okra works well. You can substitute other seafood based on availability; for instance, use catfish in place of shrimp for a different flavor. Adjust the heat by modifying the Tabasco sauce to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Creole Seafood Gumbo hot, with a generous scoop of hot cooked rice in the center of each bowl. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or cornbread for dipping. A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can complement the flavors nicely, adding a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or seafood juice to prevent sticking. Gumbo can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it’s cooled completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creole Seafood Gumbo contains roughly 1339 calories, with 17g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 100g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (197% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 614mg per serving (27% 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 gumbo ahead of time?
Absolutely! Gumbo tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it ahead of time, cool it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently when you're ready to serve.
What type of seafood is best for gumbo?
A mix of shrimp, crab meat, and oysters works wonderfully, but feel free to use whatever is fresh or available. For a change, you can try using crawfish for a Louisiana twist.
How can I thicken my gumbo?
If you'd like a thicker gumbo, you can let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid or add more flour to your roux. Alternatively, a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water can also help thicken it up.
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).