My Cajun Shrimp Gumbo is the perfect one-pot stew recipe made with shrimp and fresh vegetables.
I use onion, celery, and green pepper, and I make the roux from scratch. This Gumbo is super delicious and flavorful; believe it or not, it tastes even better the next day.
Cajun Shrimp Gumbo Recipe
I like my Cajun Shrimp Gumbo to be as simple as possible, so I choose to use veggies such as bell pepper, celery, onion and green onion along with the shrimp and the cajun seasoning, of course, 🙂 I also like to make the roux from scratch. The dish turned out SO GOOD!
Let's talk about how to make the best Shrimp Gumbo:
In this recipe, I used small shrimps; I usually use small shrimps when making stews or soups because they are easier to eat. I also prefer fresh shrimp over frozen.
The roux is what gives the gumbo a thick consistency. When I make the roux, I cooked the flour in just vegetable oil. My mother usually makes it by mixing oil and butter, and it turns out so good as well. However, I like to keep my recipe as simple as possible.
In my opinion, after making this dish so many times, I can say that chicken broth is the secret ingredient; it makes this recipe taste even more robust and flavorful.
Also, cajun seasoning is so important to flavor this dish, as it is the best seasoning out there that can easily spice up your gumbo.
You will easily perfect this recipe in no time because it is very much simple to make, so wait no more and add this to your favorite recipe book!
Cajun Shrimp Gumbo Ingredients
Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Vegetable Oil. I use vegetable oil and sunflower oil works fine.
All-Purpose Flour. Flour is essential in the making of the roux for this recipe. The flour will be cooked together with the oil to create a base that will thicken the sauce of your gumbo.
Vegetables: I use onion, celery, green pepper and green onion.
Chicken Broth. I find that chicken broth tastes better than seafood stock in this recipe.
Shrimp. I wash and devein it before using.
Fresh Parsley. In my experience, It helps in lessening the smell of the shrimp to blend easily with the aroma of the whole dish.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
Paprika: I like to use smoked paprika to add a little bit of smokey flavour.
Cajun Seasoning. It will spice up your gumbo beautifully, I used store-bought Cajun seasoning.
How to Make Cajun Shrimp Gumbo
One (Make The Roux): Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat, and mix in flour until smooth.
Two: Cook for 3-4 minutes (stirring constantly) until the mixture is golden brown.
Three: Add onion, celery, green onions and green pepper; stir until combined.
Four: Cook for 4-5 minutes, then add the chicken broth, water, paprika, salt and pepper. Bring to boil; then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Five: Add shrimp, Cajun seasoning and parsley, and simmer for 5 minutes more then serve!
Expert Tips!
- When making the roux, make sure that the heat is never above medium because the flour will easily get burned. Do not forget that the mixture has to be stirred constantly until it is already golden brown; this will prevent the flour from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Measure the flour correctly. If you do not add the right amount of flour to make the roux, the result of the whole recipe will become watery or very thick.
- Do not try to shorten the amount of cooking time of this recipe. The longer you let this dish simmer in the pot, the more flavorful it can get.
- Store. Keep in an airtight container before refrigerating for three days.
Serve It With
Serve this Cajun Shrimp Gumbo with a bowl of white or brown rice for the most satiating meal ever. Pairing it with slices of white bread or Gyro bread is also an ideal meal idea.
Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad, Avocado Sauce Pasta or Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese will pair nicely with the savory sauce of this dish as well.
Personally, I like to serve this Cajun Shrimp Gumbo with Marmite Pasta or Vegetable Pasta Bake.
Recipe FAQs
Simply microwave your leftovers until piping hot, and then it is already ready to be served again with all flavors and aroma still evident.
Add in more vegetables, such as peas, green beans or carrots. Incorporate Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste or hot sauce. You can also add more fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme.
More Cajun Recipes
More Shrimp Recipes
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Cajun Shrimp Gumbo Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large onion , chopped
- 4 stalks celery , chopped
- 1 green pepper , chopped
- 4 green onions , sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 cups shrimp , rinsed and drained,
- ¼ cup fresh parsley , chopped
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat, and mix in flour until smooth.½ cup vegetable oil, ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Cook for 3-4 minutes (stirring constantly) until the mixture is golden brown.
- Add onion, celery, green onions and green pepper; stir until combined.1 large onion, 4 stalks celery, 1 green pepper, 4 green onions
- Cook for 4-5 minutes, then add the chicken broth, paprika, salt, oregano and pepper. Bring to boil; then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.4 cups chicken broth, 1 tablespoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Add shrimp, Cajun seasoning and parsley, and simmer for 5 minutes.6 cups shrimp, 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, ¼ cup fresh parsley
Notes
- When making the roux, make sure that the heat is never above medium because the flour will easily get burned. Do not forget that the mixture has to be stirred constantly until it is already golden brown; this will prevent the flour from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Measure the flour correctly. If you do not add the right amount of flour to make the roux, the result of the whole recipe will become watery or very thick.
- Do not try to shorten the amount of cooking time of this recipe. The longer you let this dish simmer in the pot, the more flavorful it can get.
Mary says
What other veggies to add to this Gumbo recipe?
Radwa says
You can add carrots, zucchini, green beans or okra.
Nancy says
This recipe is what to call comfort food!