Shrimp Gumbo With Rice

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A flavorful shrimp gumbo with bell peppers, celery, and tomato paste, simmered to perfection and served over rice—perfect for a hearty, comforting meal with bold flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine
  • 1 onion
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 celery
  • 1 tsp. garlic
  • 1 can chicken broth
  • 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1/8 tsp. black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients except shrimp into a large skillet.
  2. Cook until tender.
  3. Deshell and devein raw shrimp.
  4. Add shrimp to the mixture and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
  5. Serve over rice.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of canned. If you like it spicy, increase the cayenne pepper to taste. You can substitute shrimp with chicken or sausage for a different protein. Fresh vegetables can also be swapped; for instance, use green onions instead of celery. Make sure to cook the vegetables until they’re tender for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the shrimp gumbo over a generous scoop of rice for a hearty meal. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete dinner. It’s also delicious alongside dishes like Broccoli Rice Casserole for a comforting spread. For an added touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley or green onions on top before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover gumbo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it to prevent drying out. If the gumbo thickens, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Shrimp Gumbo With Rice contains roughly 335 calories, with 8g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (164% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (76% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 16g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

335 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.6g 15% DV
Total Fat 10.8g 14% DV
Carbs 66.5g 24% DV
Fiber 16.3g 58% DV
Sugar 32.3g 65% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 96.9mg 4% DV
Potassium 1168.8mg 25% DV
Cholesterol 11.6mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 688mcg 76% DV
Vitamin C 147.9mg 100% DV
Calcium 192mg 15% DV
Iron 5.5mg 30% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp as a convenient alternative. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before adding them to the gumbo. This will help ensure that they cook evenly and maintain their texture. If using frozen shrimp, reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.

What can I substitute for the chicken broth?

If you want to keep it vegetarian, vegetable broth is a great substitute for chicken broth. It will still provide a good depth of flavor. Alternatively, if you're looking for a richer taste, consider using seafood broth, which complements the shrimp well and enhances the overall dish.

Can I make this gumbo ahead of time?

Absolutely! Gumbo often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to reheat it gently and add a little liquid if it thickens too much during storage.

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).

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