Gumbo-Inspired Cajun Seafood Stew
A hearty stew blending shrimp, sausage, and vegetables with classic Cajun spices for a rich, comforting dish. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 55 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds andouille sausage
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 2, diced celery stalks
- 1 medium, diced green bell pepper
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cups, for serving cooked white rice
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 8 oz of sliced andouille sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and slightly crispy on edges.
- Step 2: Add 1 diced medium yellow onion, 2 diced celery stalks, 1 diced medium green bell pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking and stirring continuously for 3 minutes to form a roux that thickens and darkens slightly.
- Step 4: Slowly whisk in 4 cups chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Add 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tbsp cajun seasoning, and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the stew thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 5: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot and simmer for 5 minutes until shrimp turns opaque and tender. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Remove bay leaves, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve the gumbo hot over 4 cups cooked white rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Gumbo-Inspired Cajun Seafood Stew take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Gumbo-Inspired Cajun Seafood Stew?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep peeled and deveined shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Gumbo-Inspired Cajun Seafood Stew?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Gumbo-Inspired Cajun Seafood Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Gumbo-Inspired Cajun Seafood Stew?
Southern seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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