Rice Shrimp Gumbo
A hearty and flavorful gumbo featuring shrimp, tomatoes, and rice, infused with savory spices. Perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chopped onion, green pepper, and 1/4 cup water in a pot and bring to a boil. Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add chopped tomatoes (with juice), garlic powder, paprika, and pepper to the mixture.
- Add uncooked rice, 2 cups water, and shrimp to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is cooked.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a splash of hot sauce to the pot. If you don't have shrimp, feel free to substitute with chicken or sausage for a different protein. You can also use brown rice instead of white, but adjust the cooking time accordingly as brown rice takes longer to cook. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Rice Shrimp Gumbo hot, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley for freshness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside American recipes like cornbread or a refreshing coleslaw to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent the rice from drying out and microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of water if necessary.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Shrimp Gumbo contains roughly 214 calories, with 13g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (144% of the Daily Value) and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 641mg per serving (28% 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 in this gumbo?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them before adding to the gumbo, or add them directly from frozen and increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
What can I substitute for rice if I want a low-carb option?
If you're looking for a low-carb alternative, consider using cauliflower rice. Simply sauté riced cauliflower for a few minutes before adding it to the gumbo in the last 5 minutes of cooking to absorb the flavors without the carbs.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper during the cooking process. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer to spice up their individual bowls.
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).