This Easy Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo is a warm, hearty dish packed with flavor! Juicy shrimp and smoky sausage come together in a rich, spicy broth that is simply irresistible.
You won’t believe how easy it is to make! Just toss in your ingredients, let it simmer, and enjoy the deliciousness. Perfect for cozy nights! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp adds the best flavor. Frozen shrimp work well too; just thaw them before using. If you’re allergic, try using vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for a different texture!
Smoked Sausage: Andouille sausage gives a classic gumbo flavor. Kielbasa is a great substitute if you want something milder. For a lighter option, turkey sausage is a great choice too.
Vegetable Oil: You’ll need this for your roux, but you can easily swap in butter or olive oil for a different taste. Just remember that butter might brown faster, so keep an eye on it!
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is ideal for depth of flavor, but store-bought works just fine. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth can replace chicken broth effortlessly.
How Do I Make a Perfect Roux?
The roux is the heart of gumbo! It gives your dish that amazing flavor and color. Here’s how to nail it:
- Heat your oil over medium heat and whisk in the flour.
- Keep stirring constantly for 10-15 minutes until it turns a rich, dark brown like peanut butter. Patience is key; don’t rush it!
- Watch closely to avoid burning, as burnt roux cannot be salvaged—start over if needed.
- Once you’ve reached the desired color, you can add your veggies to kick up the flavor!
Easy Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz (340 g) smoked sausage (such as Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (such as Tabasco, optional)
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep your ingredients and roughly 45-60 minutes to cook and simmer the gumbo. So, grab a cozy seat and get ready for a delicious home-cooked meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the roux:
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour. Keep whisking constantly for about 10-15 minutes until the roux becomes a dark peanut butter brown color but not burnt. This is what gives your gumbo its deep flavor!
2. Cook the vegetables:
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the roux. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the sausage:
Stir in the sliced sausage pieces, cooking for about 5 minutes to brown them lightly and release their savory flavor.
4. Add liquids and seasonings:
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth to smoothly combine without any lumps. Add the diced tomatoes (if using), thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, bay leaves, oregano, basil, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir everything well to combine.
5. Simmer to perfection:
Bring the gumbo to a boil and then reduce the heat. Let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to meld together and makes it a bit thicker.
6. Add the shrimp:
Stir in the shrimp, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed!
7. Serve and enjoy:
Remove the bay leaves. Ladle the gumbo over bowls of cooked white rice and garnish with sliced green onions and fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Dig in and enjoy your hearty Easy Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo!
Happy cooking! 🍲
FAQ About Easy Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work great! Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for quick thawing. Pat them dry before adding to the gumbo to avoid extra moisture.
How Can I Make This Gumbo Spicier?
If you love heat, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce! Adjust to your taste but start with a little and gradually add more to avoid overwhelming the dish.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the gumbo a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove before serving. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even tastier!
What Should I Serve with Gumbo?
This gumbo is traditionally served over white rice, which absorbs the flavorful broth wonderfully. For a twist, you can also serve it with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal!
