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Grandma-in-Law’s Classic Shrimp Gumbo

Grandma-in-Law’s Classic Shrimp Gumbo blends a rich, dark roux with smoky sausage and bacon, tender okra, and juicy shrimp for layered, soulful flavor. The gentle heat from cayenne and green chiles rounds it out, making it perfect ladled over hot rice for a cozy family dinner or a festive weekend gathering.

  • Prep45 mins
  • Cook2 hrs 15 mins
  • Serves12
  • DifficultyMedium
Grandma-in-Law’s Classic Shrimp Gumbo
  1. 1

    Brown sausages in a skillet over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Drain the sausages onto a paper-towel-lined plate and set aside.

  3. 3

    Drain the skillet.

  4. 4

    Cook bacon until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes.

  5. 5

    Remove the bacon to the plate with the sausages.

  6. 6

    Cook the okra in the bacon drippings until tender, about 5 minutes.

  7. 7

    Drain the okra in a colander.

  8. 8

    Drain the skillet.

  9. 9

    Place the okra and tomatoes in the skillet over medium heat.

  10. 10

    Bring to a simmer.

  11. 11

    Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.

  12. 12

    Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.

  13. 13

    Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, green onions, parsley, and garlic.

  14. 14

    Cook until the onions turn brown, about 10 minutes.

  15. 15

    Transfer the vegetables to a bowl, leaving the melted butter and any vegetable liquid in the pot.

  16. 16

    Stir in the flour; reduce the heat to low.

  17. 17

    Cook, stirring constantly, until the roux is the color of milk chocolate, 30 to 45 minutes. Do not burn.

  18. 18

    Return the cooked vegetables to the pot and stir to coat them with the roux.

  19. 19

    Whisk in 2 cups water, raise the heat to medium, and stir in the salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, thyme, and bay leaves.

  20. 20

    Bring the mixture to a boil.

  21. 21

    Stir in the sausage, bacon, okra-tomato mixture, and the remaining 6 cups water.

  22. 22

    Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the gumbo, stirring occasionally, until the stew thickens and the flavors blend, about 45 minutes.

  23. 23

    Add the shrimp and simmer until pink and opaque, 6 to 8 more minutes.

  24. 24

    Discard the bay leaves and adjust seasonings, if desired, before serving.

About This Recipe

Grandma in Law's Classic Shrimp Gumbo is a Cajun and Creole dinner recipe made with 18 ingredients. It takes about 3 hrs, serves 12, and is rated medium. Key ingredients include All Purpose Flour, Cayenne Pepper, Celery, and Cut Okra. Each serving provides about 398.88 kcal, and is a good source of protein.

Recipe Questions

What is Grandma-in-Law’s Classic Shrimp Gumbo?
It is a Cajun and Creole recipe made with 18 ingredients, usually served for dinner or lunch or soup.
What is Grandma-in-Law’s Classic Shrimp Gumbo made of?
The main ingredients are All-Purpose Flour, Cayenne Pepper, Celery, Cut Okra, Diced Onion. The full list of 18 is above.
What goes well with Grandma-in-Law’s Classic Shrimp Gumbo?
Explore these Cajun and Creole side-dish recipes.
How long does it take to make Grandma-in-Law’s Classic Shrimp Gumbo?
About 3 hrs in total: 45 mins to prepare and 2 hrs 15 mins to cook.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving provides about 398.88 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
Is Grandma-in-Law’s Classic Shrimp Gumbo easy to make?
This recipe is rated medium, with 18 ingredients and 24 steps.

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