Spicy Hot Crock-Pot Gumbo
A hearty, spicy Cajun-inspired gumbo with shrimp, ham, okra, and Creole flavors, perfect for comforting gatherings and those craving bold, savory tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 recipe roux ⓘ
- 2 oz. cooked cubed ham ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can cut okra
- 1/2 (10 oz.) can Ro-Tel tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 3 c. hot water ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. allspice (optional) ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 c. converted rice
- 1/2 tsp. ground bay leaves
- 1/2 tsp. Creole crab boil (optional) ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 lb. raw peeled shrimp ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. file
Instructions
- Put all ingredients except shrimp and file into the crock-pot and stir well.
- Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or until rice is tender.
- Add shrimp and cook on high for an additional 15 to 25 minutes until shrimp are cooked through.
- Add file to the pot or sprinkle into bowls or cups of gumbo.
- Serve immediately with oyster crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use homemade roux and feel free to substitute the shrimp with other proteins like chicken or sausage. If you prefer less heat, opt for mild diced tomatoes instead of Ro-Tel. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the umami profile. For a vegetarian version, replace the shrimp with cooked chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
This spicy gumbo pairs beautifully with oyster crackers, which add a nice crunch. For a complete meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. If you enjoy rice dishes, a side of Japan Rice complements the gumbo well, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, adding a bit of water if necessary to loosen the gumbo. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Hot Crock-Pot Gumbo contains roughly 673 calories, with 15g protein, 182g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (182% of the Daily Value), calcium (122% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (107% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2025mg per serving (88% 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 in advance?
Yes, this gumbo can be made a day ahead. In fact, it tastes even better after sitting as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. Make sure to add the shrimp just before serving to keep them tender.
What can I use instead of file?
If you don't have file, consider using a pinch of gumbo file seasoning or simply omit it. However, file adds a unique flavor and thickening characteristic to the gumbo. Another option could be a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken.
How do I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can reduce the amount of Creole crab boil or use a milder version. Additionally, using regular diced tomatoes instead of Ro-Tel will help lower the heat. For extra spiciness, add more hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste.
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).