Galveston Gumbo
Galveston Gumbo features tender shrimp, okra, and bold spices, offering a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for seafood lovers and those craving Southern comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. frozen raw fully peeled and deveined shrimp ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced fresh okra or 10 oz. frozen sliced okra ⓘ
- 1/3 cup shortening ⓘ
- 2/3 cup chopped green onion and tops ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups hot water ⓘ
- 1 cup canned tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 whole bay leaves ⓘ
- 6 drops liquid hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute okra in melted shortening about 10 minutes or until okra appears dry, stirring constantly.
- Add chopped green onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and shrimp to the okra.
- Cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add hot water, canned tomatoes, and bay leaves.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves.
- Add liquid hot pepper sauce.
- Place 1/4 cup cooked rice in the bottom of each of 6 bowls.
- Fill bowls with the gumbo and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for additional heat. If okra is not available, try using diced zucchini as a substitute. To save time, you can use pre-cooked shrimp, adding them at the end of the cooking process to warm through. Enhance the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo hot, garnished with additional green onions or parsley for color. It pairs beautifully with crusty French bread for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh green salad or a side of coleslaw. This dish also complements other seafood recipes like French-Fried Shrimp.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the gumbo on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving as it may alter the texture of the shrimp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Galveston Gumbo contains roughly 582 calories, with 17g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (204% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (144% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (91% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1786mg per serving (78% 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 of time. Just follow the recipe up until the simmering stage, then let it cool before refrigerating. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated.
What can I use instead of shrimp?
If you're looking for a different protein, you can substitute shrimp with cooked chicken or sausage for a heartier version. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or a mix of your favorite vegetables.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, start with fewer drops of hot pepper sauce and taste as you go. You can also include milder spices like paprika or omit the sauce entirely for a milder gumbo. Always remember that you can add heat, but it's hard to take it away!
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).