Shrimp, Okra And Sausage Gumbo
A flavorful gumbo featuring smoked sausage, shrimp, and tender okra, seasoned with spices and tomatoes, perfect for hearty gatherings and lovers of bold Southern flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. smoked sausage, sliced ⓘ
- 1 lb. shrimp, peeled ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 4 to 6 cups smothered okra ⓘ
- 1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon red pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil ⓘ
- 1/3 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 to 1 1/2 quarts water
Instructions
- Slice and sauté the okra in oil until browned.
- Add chopped onions, bell pepper, and minced garlic; simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, seasonings, sausage, and water; cook for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Add shrimp and chopped green onions; cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade stock instead of water. If you can't find smothered okra, fresh okra sautéed until tender can be used as a substitute. Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of red pepper or incorporating a dash of hot sauce. This gumbo can also be enhanced with additional seafood, making it a delightful addition to your seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or cornbread for dipping. For a refreshing contrast, consider a side salad or some pickled vegetables. This dish is perfect for gatherings and can be a standout at any Christmas Party Dip.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp, Okra And Sausage Gumbo contains roughly 1285 calories, with 9g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 118g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (167% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2224mg per serving (97% 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, frozen shrimp can be used; just ensure they are fully thawed before adding them to the gumbo. This helps maintain the texture and flavor. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as thawed shrimp will cook faster than fresh.
How can I make this gumbo spicier?
To increase the spice level, add more red pepper or include a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. You can also add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when serving. Adjust to taste, ensuring it complements the other flavors without overpowering them.
What types of sausage work best in gumbo?
Smoked sausage like andouille or kielbasa is ideal for gumbo due to their robust flavors. If you prefer a lighter option, turkey sausage can be used. Just ensure to choose a sausage that has good seasoning to enhance the overall dish.
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).