Kerry'S Seafood Gumbo
Kerry's Seafood Gumbo is a rich, flavorful dish combining shrimp, okra, and spices, perfect for a hearty gathering or comfort food with a Cajun flair.
Ingredients
- 5 pounds large shrimp ⓘ
- 2 cups cut okra ⓘ
- 1 large white onion ⓘ
- 3 cups green onions ⓘ
- 2 cups celery ⓘ
- 1 cup bell pepper ⓘ
- 4 or 5 garlic cloves ⓘ
- 1 cup roasted green chilies
- 1 1/2 cups cooking oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 2 cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 can Rotel
- 1/4 cup dry sherry ⓘ
- 8 cups boiling water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoon red pepper ⓘ
- 1/3 cup catsup
- 2 tablespoon Lea & Perrins ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning ⓘ
Instructions
- Peel and cut the shrimp and chop the vegetables the day before, then refrigerate.
- The next day, start by making the roux in a stainless steel skillet with 3/4 cup oil and 1/2 cup flour over low heat, stirring constantly for about 1 hour and 15 minutes until brown and separated.
- In a separate skillet, heat the remaining oil and sauté the okra and white onions until wilted.
- Add the remaining vegetables along with salt and pepper, and cook until wilted and soft.
- Combine the roux with the vegetables in a large soup pot.
- Start adding boiling water, Rotel, chicken broth, shrimp, and remaining ingredients to the pot.
- Cook on low heat for about 4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add crab meat.
- Serve over rice and enjoy the gumbo.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bit of smoked sausage or crab meat along with the shrimp. You can substitute the okra with sliced green beans if preferred. If you want a thicker gumbo, let it simmer longer after adding the boiling water. Using a good quality seafood seasoning can enhance the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo over a bed of fluffy rice for a comforting meal. A side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad pairs beautifully with this dish. For a complete experience, consider serving it alongside Chicken Soup With Semolena for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Gumbo can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just be sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kerry'S Seafood Gumbo contains roughly 944 calories, with 35g protein, 224g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (252% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (191% of the Daily Value), and iron (149% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2098mg per serving (91% 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 frozen shrimp for this gumbo?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them properly before adding them to the gumbo. This will ensure even cooking and better texture. It's best to thaw shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a bowl of cold water.
What can I do if my gumbo is too spicy?
If your gumbo turns out too spicy, you can mellow it by adding a bit of sugar or additional broth. Adding more vegetables or serving it with a side of rice can also help balance the heat.
Is it necessary to make the roux from scratch?
While making the roux from scratch gives the gumbo a deep, rich flavor, you can use a pre-made roux if you're short on time. Just be aware that the flavor may differ slightly, and you'll want to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
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).