Authentic Louisiana Seafood Gumbo Recipe: A Flavorful Cajun Delight
Dive into the rich flavors of the South with this Authentic Louisiana Seafood Gumbo. Perfect for seafood lovers, this hearty stew combines fresh blue crabs, jumbo shrimp, and tender crabmeat in a savory broth infused with Cajun spices. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or craving a comforting meal, this gumbo is sure to impress. Follow our step-by-step guide to create a bowl of warmth and flavor that celebrates the essence of Louisiana cuisine.
Ingredients
- °12 qty live blue crabs
- °16 ounces crabmeat in large chunks
- °2 lbs jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- °2 cans of peeled plum tomatoes (large cans)
- °4 cups of chicken broth
- °1 cup water (if needed)
- °1 large onion, finely chopped
- °1 cup vegetable oil
- °1 cup Bisquick
- °2 bags frozen cut okra (16 oz total)
- °2 bay leaves
- °1-2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
- °1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- °1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- °1 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Preparation
Gather all ingredients. Start by cleaning the live blue crabs and shelling the shrimp. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet and sauté the shrimp shells and 2 bay leaves for 3-4 minutes until browned. Add 4 cups of chicken broth, reduce heat, and simmer while preparing the crabs. Boil the crabs for 3-5 minutes, then cool, clean, and set aside. Blend 2 cans of peeled plum tomatoes and set aside. Strain the shrimp shell stock and reserve for later. In a large pot, combine 1 cup vegetable oil and 1 cup Bisquick to make a roux. Stir continuously over medium heat until the roux reaches a dark chocolate color (20-30 minutes). Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Gradually whisk in the tomato blend and reserved stock, followed by frozen okra and cleaned crabs. Season with Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, adding water if needed. Finally, add the jumbo shrimp and crabmeat, cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes until fully cooked. Serve hot and enjoy this soulful Seafood Gumbo!
