Louisiana seafood gumbo is a rich, hearty, and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Creole and Cajun cuisine. Made with a dark roux, fresh seafood, the “holy trinity” of vegetables (onion, bell pepper, and celery), and a blend of spices, this gumbo is the ultimate comfort food.

Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or just craving a taste of authentic Louisiana cooking, this recipe will take you straight to the heart of the bayou with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Authentic Cajun & Creole Flavors – A traditional recipe with bold spices and fresh seafood.
✔ Rich & Hearty – A thick, flavorful broth packed with shrimp, crab, and sausage.
✔ Perfect for Special Occasions – A great dish for holidays, parties, and family meals.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

For the Roux:

• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

For the Gumbo:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
• 6 cups seafood or chicken stock
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained (optional)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (like Tabasco)
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound lump crab meat
• 1 dozen oysters, with liquid (optional)
• 1 tablespoon gumbo file powder (for thickening, optional)
• ½ cup chopped green onions
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Roux

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-low heat.
2. Slowly whisk in the flour and stir constantly for about 20-30 minutes until the roux turns a deep brown (like dark chocolate). Be careful not to burn it.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables & Sausage

3. Once the roux is ready, add the onion, bell pepper, and celery (the holy trinity) and stir until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the sliced andouille sausage and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing it to brown slightly.

Step 3: Build the Gumbo

6. Slowly pour in the seafood stock, stirring to combine with the roux.
7. Add the diced tomatoes (if using), bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, black pepper, white pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
8. Bring the gumbo to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add the Seafood

9. Add the shrimp, crab, and oysters (if using) and cook for 5-7 minutes until the seafood is just cooked through.
10. Stir in the gumbo file powder, chopped green onions, and parsley.
11. Remove the bay leaves and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

12. Ladle the hot gumbo over steamed white rice and garnish with extra green onions and hot sauce.
13. Serve with crusty French bread or cornbread on the side for a true Louisiana experience.

Cooking Tips & Variations

✔ Don’t Rush the Roux – The key to an authentic gumbo is a dark roux, which adds deep flavor. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
✔ Use Fresh Seafood – If possible, use fresh Gulf shrimp, blue crab, and oysters for the best taste.
✔ Add Okra – For extra thickness, add 1 cup sliced okra with the vegetables.
✔ Make it Spicier – Increase the cayenne and hot sauce for a spicier kick.
✔ Let it Rest – Gumbo tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld overnight.

FAQs

Can I make gumbo without seafood?

Yes! You can make a chicken and sausage gumbo by replacing the seafood with bone-in chicken thighs.

What is gumbo file powder?

File powder is made from ground sassafras leaves and adds earthy flavor and thickness to the gumbo.

Can I freeze leftover gumbo?

Yes! Gumbo freezes well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

This authentic Louisiana seafood gumbo is a rich, flavorful dish that brings the taste of New Orleans straight to your kitchen. With its bold spices, hearty seafood, and deep roux-based broth, it’s perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a comforting bowl of Cajun goodness.

Try it today and let the good times roll!