Image by Adrien Sala

Seafood gumbo

Ah, the beloved seafood gumbo. A fragrant, complex dish with a long-held tradition in many homes around the world. Much like a jazz song or a spiritual, it tells a story - of its origins in the southern United States and its evolution over time as it spread and took on new flavors from multiple cultures.

Seafood gumbo


Seafood gumbo is as much about technique as it is about ingredients. First of all, it starts with a special trinity of aromatic vegetables, usually onion, celery, and bell pepper. To give it that unmistakable flavor, a dark roux serves as the base, thickening and enriching the broth. Then comes the fun part - the seafood! Popular options include shrimp, oysters, and crawfish, but really, the sky's the limit. Finally, seasonings like thyme and cayenne pepper are added to increase complexity and depth of flavor.

The end result? A hearty, flavorful stew packed with protein and loaded with soul-satisfying goodness. Pair it with some crusty French bread, and you've got a meal that's likely to bring people together. Coupled with its interesting history and unique preparation, it's no wonder why seafood gumbo has the power to captivate and delight.

So the next time you find yourself craving something comforting and satisfying, try your hand at making some seafood gumbo. Its beguiling taste and soul-soothing aroma is sure to evoke happy memories and provide an experience to savor for a lifetime.

Seafood gumbo recipes

Amazing Seafood gumbo recipes sourced from the web.

Image by James Sutton Seafood Gumbo

Seafood Gumbo


4 / 5 (409 votes)
Cooking time:1 hr 35 min
NYT Cooking - The New York Times
Image by Adrien Sala Seafood Gumbo

Seafood Gumbo


4.7 / 5 (68 votes)
Cooking time:2 hr 30 min
Spicy Southern Kitchen
Image by Daniel Norris Seafood Gumbo

Seafood Gumbo


4.7 / 5 (18 votes)
Cooking time:1 hr 30 min
The Speckled Palate

The origin of Seafood gumbo

Seafood gumbo is a delectable dish with a long and storied history that stretches into the mists of time. Although its exact origins are somewhat shadowy, there is no doubt that the beloved classic has been on southern tables for generations.

The earliest recorded recipe for seafood gumbo dates back to the 19th century, when it was served up at plantation homes in the south. It is believed to be a combination of three unique cultures: French, Spanish and African. The French likely contributed filé powder – made from sassafras root – which is used to thicken the stew. The Spanish would have supplied tomatoes and peppers to the mix, giving it a delightful kick. Finally, the African influence is thought to have come through the use of okra and other vegetables.

As other vegetables, spices and ingredients became available, each family added their own creative touches to this rich and flavorful stew. Those variations culminated in the gumbos we so enjoy today, where shrimp, crab, oysters and other seafood take center stage.

While the exact origin of seafood gumbo may forever remain hidden in the shadows, its mix of flavors, textures and ingredients remain timeless. Their collective deliciousness will undoubtedly grace tables for many years to come.

FAQs about Seafood gumbo

What are the three types of gumbo?

1. Creole Gumbo - This type of gumbo is a tomato-based dish containing the Holy Trinity of onion, celery and bell pepper as well as okra, a roux (flour and fat mixture) and various meats or seafood.

2. Cajun Gumbo - This type of gumbo features a darker roux made from a combination of vegetable oil and flour that gives it a smoky flavor. The presence of a range of vegetables such as onion, celery and bell pepper is still present, however meats such as andouille sausage or chicken are often used instead of seafood.

3. Seafood Gumbo - This type of gumbo typically consists of shrimp, crab, oysters, and sometimes lobster. It often contains less vegetables than the Creole and Cajun varieties, with okra sometimes making an appearance. It also uses a light roux to give it more subtle flavor.

What is seafood gumbo made of?

Seafood gumbo is typically made with a combination of seafood such as shrimp, crab, oysters, and fish, plus vegetables such as celery, onion, green pepper, okra, and garlic. Chicken or sausage can also be added for additional flavor and texture. The broth is usually thickened with either roux (flour and oil), file powder (ground sassafras leaves), or a combination of both.

What is the secret ingredient in gumbo?

The secret ingredient in gumbo is often considered to be love. However, the traditional ingredients that add flavor and texture to gumbo would include okra, sausage, onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, file powder (ground sassafras leaves), and seafood such as shrimp, crab, or crawfish.

What is usually in gumbo?

Gumbo is a stew that typically includes some combination of okra, celery, onions, bell peppers, garlic, and spices. Other common ingredients include tomatoes, seafood such as shrimp and crab, sausage, ham, chicken, and sometimes even beef.

Types of Seafood gumbo

Seafood Gumbo - A Delicious and Varied Delight

If you're ever feeling adventurous in the kitchen, and want to whip up an exquisite delicacy that is sure to tantalize the taste-buds of your dinner guests, then might I suggest seafood gumbo? Gumbo is a complex and flavourful dish from the Southern United States, often referred to as a "stew", but this traditional delight has a characteristic of its own - and when you add in seafood, it takes on a whole new level of deliciousness.

There are a number of variations of this dish, each with a unique take on the classic recipe. As its name implies, seafood gumbo always includes some form of seafood - whether that's prawns, mussels, oysters, scallops or even crab - giving the dish a delightful briny flavour, and making it a joy to savour. But with diverse cultural influences on the cuisine of the Southern US, the ingredients don't end there: onions, peppers, okra, celery and garlic may also be added, imbuing the gumbo with some much-needed piquancy and warmth. Finally, a roux is traditionally created by frying flour and fat together, often butter or oil, to give the gumbo a thick consistency and appetizing golden hue.

The results are a truly delectable amalgamation of flavours and textures that will send your guests into raptures. However, if you're averse to seafood, fear not; non-seafood gumbos such as chicken and sausage gumbo are also captured in the gastronomy of the Southern US, and are equally as scrumptious.

Whether you're an experienced chef looking for something new to wow your dinner guests, or someone more novice in the kitchen who wants a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, seafood gumbo is the perfect dish to add a touch of sophistication to your dinner table.