Authentic Seafood Gumbo Recipe with a Rich Cajun Twist

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Diet: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

For the Roux:

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

For the Gumbo Base:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced
• 8 cups seafood or chicken broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Seafood:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound crabmeat, picked for shells
• 1 pint shucked oysters, drained

For Serving:

• Cooked white rice
• Chopped green onions
• Hot sauce

Instructions

Prepare the Roux:

1. In a heavy pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour to create a roux.
2. Continue cooking the roux, stirring constantly, until it reaches a rich brown color. Be patient, as this can take about 20-30 minutes. Ensure not to burn it.

Saute the Aromatics: 3. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic to the roux. Cook until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.

Add Sausage and Spices: 4. Stir in the sliced Andouille sausage, bay leaves, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for a few minutes to combine flavors.

Add Broth and Tomatoes: 5. Gradually pour in the seafood or chicken broth, stirring to incorporate the roux mixture into the liquid. Add diced tomatoes with their juice.

Simmer and Develop Flavors: 6. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

Add Seafood: 7. Gently fold in the peeled shrimp, crabmeat, and drained oysters. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and opaque.

Serve and Garnish: 8. Serve the seafood gumbo over cooked white rice.

9. Garnish each serving with chopped green onions and offer hot sauce on the side for those who crave extra heat.

Serving Suggestion

This Authentic Seafood Gumbo with a Cajun Twist is a true taste of Louisiana. Serve it with a side of cornbread and enjoy the rich flavors and hearty seafood goodness!

Note: For a dairy-free version, ensure that the sausage and broth used are dairy-free.

Enjoy this flavorful and comforting gumbo as a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

We’d love to hear about your experience making these! Share your stories, photos, or any variations you tried in the comments below. Happy cooking!