Description
At its most basic definition, the seafood gumbo recipe is a savory, thick stew that features a variety of seafood, a dark roux, and a specific blend of aromatic vegetables. However, that description barely scratches the surface. Gumbo is characterized by its unique thickening agents—traditionally a roux made of flour and fat, okra, or filé powder (ground sassafras leaves). In this version, we utilize both a dark chocolate-colored roux and okra to achieve a luscious, hearty consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
Ingredients
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for roux)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups seafood or chicken stock
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb crab meat (or imitation crab if needed)
- ½ lb white fish (like cod or tilapia), cut into chunks
- 1 cup okra (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
- Green onions & parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the roux
Heat oil in a large pot. Slowly whisk in flour and cook on medium-low heat, stirring constantly for 15–20 minutes until it becomes dark brown (like chocolate). - Add vegetables
Stir in onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. - Build the base
Add diced tomatoes, stock, thyme, paprika, cayenne, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well. - Simmer
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. - Add seafood
Add fish, shrimp, crab, and okra. Cook for 8–10 minutes until seafood is tender and cooked through. - Serve
Remove bay leaf and serve hot over rice. Garnish with green onions and parsley.
Notes
This seafood gumbo is a rich, hearty dish packed with bold flavors and comforting Southern-style warmth.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~420 kcal
Keywords: traditional cajun seafood gumbo, easy shrimp and crab gumbo, authentic creole seafood stew, dark roux seafood gumbo, southern style seafood gumbo