Hearty Louisiana Gumbo with Shrimp & Andouille

Few dishes capture the spirit, history, and flavor of Louisiana quite like a classic gumbo. Rich, smoky, full-bodied, and deeply comforting, Louisiana Gumbo with Shrimp and Andouille is a warm hug in a bowl—perfect for chilly evenings, weekend gatherings, or anytime you’re craving a soulful Southern stew.

Gumbo is more than a recipe; it’s tradition. It’s a blend of African, French, Spanish, and Native American influences, all simmered together to create one unforgettable dish. A proper gumbo starts with a roux—slowly browned flour and fat that develops deep, nutty color and flavor. From there, the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking—onions, celery, and bell pepper—adds savory aroma and structure. And of course, smoked andouille sausage and sweet Gulf shrimp create the iconic surf-and-turf flavor that makes gumbo so beloved.

Every bowl is hearty, smoky, spicy, and deeply layered with flavor. Serve it over fluffy white rice with crusty French bread on the side, and you have the kind of dinner that brings people back for seconds.

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What Makes This Gumbo So Good?

🔥 A Deep, Rich, Dark Roux

The base of all authentic gumbo, cooked low and slow until dark caramel–colored.

🍤 A Perfect Protein Combo

Sweet, tender shrimp + smoky andouille sausage = unbeatable flavor.

🥄 Thick & Hearty Texture

Okra and roux thicken the stew naturally, giving it a silky, rich body.

🌶️ Bold Cajun Seasoning

Layers of garlic, paprika, thyme, and cayenne build savory warmth.

🍚 Comfort Food at Its Best

Served over rice, this gumbo becomes a fully satisfying, soul-warming meal.

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Ingredients

For the Gumbo

• ½ cup vegetable oil or butter
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup sliced okra (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp green onions, for serving
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Optional Additions

• A splash of hot sauce
• File powder (for authentic flavor)
• Crab meat
• Chicken thighs

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Instructions

1. Make the roux

In a heavy pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 15–20 minutes until deep brown (like chocolate). Don’t rush—roux burns easily.

2. Add the trinity

Stir in onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened.

3. Add garlic and sausage

Cook until fragrant and sausage begins to brown.

4. Build the gumbo base

Add broth, okra, Cajun seasoning, paprika, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

5. Simmer

Cover and cook for 35–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Add the shrimp

Stir in shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking, until pink and cooked through.

7. Serve

Remove bay leaves. Spoon gumbo over hot white rice. Garnish with green onions.

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Expert Tips for the Best Louisiana Gumbo

⚡ The darker the roux, the richer the flavor.
Take your time—this step makes or breaks the gumbo.

🍤 Add shrimp at the end.
Overcooking makes them rubbery.

🥘 Use smoked andouille only.
It gives gumbo its signature depth.

🥄 Stir frequently.
Gumbo thickens and can stick to the bottom.

🌶️ Taste and adjust spice.
Every Cajun seasoning blend is different—start with 1 tbsp and adjust.

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Flavor Variations

🌿 Chicken & Sausage Gumbo

Swap shrimp for shredded chicken thighs.

🦀 Seafood Gumbo

Add crab, crawfish, or scallops.

🔥 Spicy Gumbo

Add extra cayenne or hot sauce.

🍅 Creole Gumbo

Add a can of crushed tomatoes.

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What to Serve with Gumbo

Pair with:

• Steamed white rice
• French bread or cornbread
• Potato salad (Louisiana-style)
• Collard greens
• Fried okra

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Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:
Lasts up to 4 days—flavor gets even better!

Freezer:
Freeze without shrimp for best texture, up to 3 months.

Reheat:
Warm slowly on stove, thinning with broth if needed.

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Why This Gumbo Always Impresses

This Hearty Louisiana Shrimp & Andouille Gumbo brings together deep Cajun flavors, rich aroma, and comforting warmth. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home. Every spoonful is smoky, savory, spicy, and satisfying—an authentic taste of Louisiana that anyone can master.