Myrtle'S Shrimp Gumbo
Myrtle's Shrimp Gumbo is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp, okra, and a smoky, savory base, perfect for comforting gatherings or Cajun-inspired meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. shrimp, shucked and cleaned ⓘ
- 1/2 c. oil or Crisco ⓘ
- 2 onions, chopped
- 1 c. celery, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1 lb. fresh okra, sliced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. gumbo file ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 qt. chicken stock ⓘ
- salt, black pepper, red pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine oil, chopped onions, chopped celery, chopped garlic, paprika, and sliced okra in a heavy pot.
- Cook slowly until the vegetables are limp.
- Add gumbo file to the mixture and heat for a minute or two to impart flavor and prevent 'ropiness'.
- Add the mixture to a pot, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes or longer.
- Add canned tomatoes, chicken stock, salt, black pepper, and red pepper.
- Add shrimp and cook for no longer than 10 minutes until shrimp are just done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought. If you're unable to find fresh okra, frozen okra works well in this dish. Adjust the spice levels by using more or less red pepper based on your preference. For a heartier version, add cooked sausage or chicken. This gumbo also pairs beautifully with Chicken In Wine for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this gumbo hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions for a burst of color. It pairs wonderfully with a warm, crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad or with a side of cornbread. This dish is perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover gumbo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. You can also freeze the gumbo for up to 3 months; just ensure it's fully cooled before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Myrtle'S Shrimp Gumbo contains roughly 2847 calories, with 46g protein, 355g carbohydrates, and 178g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (363% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (206% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! This gumbo tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it when ready to serve. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing.
What can I substitute for shrimp?
If you're looking for alternatives, you can use chicken or sausage for a different protein. Additionally, for a vegetarian option, consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, or use chickpeas for added protein.
How do I thicken my gumbo?
To thicken your gumbo, you can add a roux by cooking equal parts flour and oil until browned, then stirring it into the pot. Alternatively, mashing a portion of the okra can also help achieve a thicker consistency. Adjust to your desired thickness by simmering longer if needed.
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).