New Orleans Style Gumbo

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, spicy Creole stew with shrimp, andouille sausage, and okra, simmered to perfection in a flavorful roux. This creole-inspired one pot ready in about 75 minutes pairs flour, oil, medium, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 Creole cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat 1/2 cup oil over medium heat. Whisk in 1/3 cup flour to make a roux, stirring constantly for 5-7 minutes until golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 diced onion, 2 diced celery stalks, 1 diced green pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup sliced okra and 1 tsp thyme; cook for 3 minutes. Add 4 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp filé powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a boil, then add 1 lb shrimp and 1/2 lb andouille sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes until shrimp turn pink. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does New Orleans Style Gumbo take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (30 min prep + 45 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 New Orleans Style Gumbo?

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 flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in New Orleans Style Gumbo?

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 New Orleans Style Gumbo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 New Orleans Style Gumbo?

Creole one pot 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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