Turkey Or Shrimp Gumbo

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A hearty gumbo featuring tender diced turkey or shrimp, rich tomatoes, okra, and aromatic spices, perfect for comforting dinners and flavorful gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 small diced onions
  • 2 Tbsp. cooking oil
  • 2 c. canned tomatoes
  • 4 c. cooked okra
  • 2 c. cooked diced turkey
  • 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 c. cooked rice

Instructions

  1. Saute diced onions until tender in cooking oil.
  2. Add canned tomatoes, cooked okra, cooked diced turkey or shrimp, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Add cooked rice, heat through, and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the gumbo. If you can't find fresh okra, frozen is a great substitute. You can also use shrimp instead of turkey for a seafood variation. To thicken the gumbo, add a roux made from equal parts flour and oil, cooking until golden brown before combining with other ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this gumbo over a bed of cooked rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad. For added flavor, top with extra chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or as a comforting weeknight dinner.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, let the gumbo cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out and heat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Turkey Or Shrimp Gumbo contains roughly 1277 calories, with 61g protein, 194g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (121% of the Daily Value), iron (59% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

1277 kcal 64% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 60.7g 100% DV
Total Fat 28.8g 37% DV
Carbs 194g 71% DV
Fiber 7.1g 25% DV
Sugar 6.7g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 1015.2mg 22% DV
Cholesterol 109.2mg 36% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 93.8mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 34.5mg 38% DV
Calcium 188.1mg 14% DV
Iron 10.5mg 59% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

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?

Yes, gumbo can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. Make sure to add the rice just before serving to keep it from getting mushy.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the turkey with more vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. You can also omit the meat entirely and add extra okra and tomatoes for a hearty vegetarian version.

What type of rice should I use?

Long-grain white rice is a classic choice for gumbo, but you can also use brown rice for a healthier option or even Jasmine rice for a fragrant twist. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of rice you choose.

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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