This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our privacy policy.
Perfect for entertaining, this Shrimp and Andouille Gumbo is loaded with succulent shrimp, spicy sausage and lots of fresh veggies!
This Shrimp and Andouille Gumbo Post is sponsored by Marina Del Rey. I have been compensated for my time. Opinions are my own, as I only partner with brands I truly love.
I came up with this Shrimp and Andouille Gumbo recipe back in December, and it was my "go-to" holiday entertaining meal throughout the season. It's perfect for dinner parties, as it can be made early in the day, and takes only a few minutes to warm before serving.
I love meals that can be prepared in advance, giving me time to enjoy guests instead of scurrying around the kitchen. This one-pot meal is super delicious and loaded with succulent shrimp, spicy sausage and lots of fresh, healthy veggies. Each time I've served it, there have been lots happy faces around the table!
The only kind of gumbo I knew growing up was canned Chicken Gumbo Soup. It wasn't a favorite of mine, so when I left home and began cooking, gumbo wasn't even on my radar. That all changed when a friend brought a pot of gumbo to share at work one day. She had learned to make this famous Creole dish at a cooking school in New Orleans.
One taste had me smitten, and I begged for the recipe. That was many years ago and I've been making gumbo variations ever since. It's one of Scott's all-time favorite meals and always brings me a beaucoup of accolades when I present him with a bowl. He describes it as "candy" which translated means; Out-of-this-world delicious!
I changed things up a bit for this Shrimp and Andouille Gumbo. In the past, when I've made gumbo, I included chicken as well as shrimp and andouille. But since shrimp is one of my favorite parts of gumbo, I decided to go with just shrimp and andouille sausage for a delicious, but healthy splurge.
I used Marina Del Rey Wild Argentinian Shrimp in this gumbo with fantastic results. I discovered Marina Del Rey's frozen shrimp last summer while shopping at Sam's Club. I love shrimp that can be purchased already peeled and deveined, as it makes cooking with shrimp a breeze! The shrimp are easily thawed overnight in the refrigerator or, for a quick thaw, simply rinse them with cold water and drain in a strainer.
Marina Del Rey shrimp are not only convenient, they're large, sweet and super delicious. They're also free of antibiotics and growth hormones, high in protein and Omega-3 fats and have lower sodium levels than most frozen shrimp. And I love that Marina Del Rey shrimp have no added water or chemicals.
Another changeup I made in the recipe was to include a half pound of sliced carrots. Carrots are not a norm in most gumbo recipes, but I love to sneak extra veggies into our meals whenever I can to make them healthier. The carrots become meltingly tender and also add a touch of pretty color along with the red and yellow bell peppers.
Quick history of gumbo
You're probably familiar with this popular Louisiana dish, but may not be aware of exactly what it is or where it came from. Gumbo has a zillion variations, but at its base, it's a savory Creole-style stew that's made from meats, shellfish and an array of vegetables, spices and herbs. It actually originated in West Africa and took root in the southern U.S. colonies in the late 1700's.
In addition to Marina Del Rey shrimp, I also use bell peppers, carrots, onions, garlic, spices and andouille chicken sausage. Andouille is a somewhat spicy sausage that's often used in Cajun cooking. It's traditionally made with pork, but chicken andouille is now available. I really like it - the same flavor, but it's lower in fat and calories. Andouille is sold at most larger grocery stores.
What is a roux?
The one thing gumbos have in common is a roux. A roux is simply a mixture of oil (or butter) and flour that's cooked together and used to thicken sauces, soups and gravies. In contrast to French sauces, where a roux is often used but kept very light in color, gumbo roux is meant to reach a deep golden (even darker sometimes) hue.
In culinary circles, a roux is classified in terms like "blond", "peanut-butter", "brown" or "chocolate", depending on its color. The darker the color, the richer and more "nuttier" the flavor will be. You can see exactly how to make a roux in this Shrimp and Andouille Gumbo video below.
For this Shrimp and Andouille Gumbo, I like to go for the "peanut butter" (or slightly darker) color. It makes for a very flavorful sauce, while still allowing the delicious flavor of the shrimp to shine. It only takes about 10 minutes for the roux to reach the perfect color. Once the roux is made, the rest is super simple!
Are you ready to make a fabulous meal for family and/or friends? Check out the recipe and make your shopping list! If you have a Sam's Club membership, be sure to pick up some Marina Del Rey. I think you'll love this Shrimp and Andouille Gumbo; it just may become your "go to" meal for entertaining too!
Café Tips for making this Shrimp and Andouille Gumbo
- This gumbo can be made early in the day or even a day in advance. Don't add the shrimp right away though. Just prep through step 5. Then bring the gumbo back to a simmer right before dinner, add the shrimp and cover for 10 minutes. This will ensure that your gumbo will taste like it was just made!
- I like to serve this Shrimp and Andouille Gumbo in bowls with jasmine or basmati rice. I add a simple green salad dressed with this Orange Cilantro Vinaigrette. The flavors pair really nicely!
- I used andouille chicken sausage for this gumbo as a healthier option. You could also use traditional andouille sausage made with pork.
- This recipe calls for Cajun seasoning. Cajun seasonings can vary in spiciness and amount of salt. The Cajun seasoning is tossed with the shrimp which are added at the very end. You can always add more salt and/or Cajun seasoning, but wait until the shrimp has been added to the gumbo. Then give it a test and season to your individual taste.
- 2 pounds large shrimp (I used Marina Del Ray Wild Argentinian Shrimp) shelled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ cup sunflower oil or other mild flavored oil
- 1 pound Andouille pre-cooked chicken sausage cut into ½ inch slices and halved
- ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large onion peeled and diced into ¼-inch dice
- 2 large bell peppers diced in ¼-inch dice
- 4 medium cloves garlic
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon mild paprika
- ½ pound carrots peeled and sliced ¼-inch thick
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon dry basil
- ½ teaspoon dry thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt more to taste
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper more to taste
- thinly sliced green (spring) onions for garnish
-
Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
-
Heat oil in a large heavy-duty Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sausage and cook for 6-8 minutes or until sausage is nicely browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
-
Add flour to oil and cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until mixture turns a deep golden brown color, slightly darker than the color of peanut butter. This will take about 10 minutes. If the mixture is darkening too quickly, reduce heat.
-
Add onions, peppers and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally for 8-10 minutes until onions begin to soften.
-
Add the chicken stock, carrots, spices and pepper. Stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a slow simmer. Cook for 25-30 minutes, uncovered until carrots are very tender.
-
Add shrimp and reserved andouille sausage, stir to combine, then return gumbo to a boil. Cover pot and turn off the heat. Let gumbo sit, covered for 10 minutes before serving. The shrimp will cook perfectly during this 10 minute resting time. Taste and season, if needed. Serve in bowls with basmati rice. Garnish with sliced green (spring) onions.
See Café Tips for more detailed instructions and tips.
Lynne says
Your gumbo recipe looks delicious!!! I am very excited to make it for company. I cannot find Marina del Rey shrimp in our area. My shrimp are smaller. If I wanted to add a little chicken for extra protein, what do you recommend? How would you cook it? Many thanks!!
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Lynne, any type of shrimp will work. If I were going to add chicken, I would use the same technique that's used in this recipe:https://thecafesucrefarine.com/low-carb-hungarian-mushroom-soup-with-or-without-chicken/
Kathleen says
This was delicious! BUT don't forget the celery ... or else you don't have the holy trinity!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Kathleen!
Michelle says
Hi - I really want to try this recipe, but I can’t seem to find a butcher in my area (near Vancouver, Canada) that sells Andouille sausage. Can I substitute chorizo? And if so, should I use a fresh pork sausage or a smoked one? Thanks in advance
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Michelle, the flavor profile will be a bit different but chorizo will be delicious. Use a smoked sausage. ENJOY!
Sue says
Hi, does this really serve 12 for dinner or should I half recipe for six people?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Sue, I would go ahead and make the full recipe, especially if your guests have hearty appetites. Also, the leftover are wonderful!
Ann says
I made these multiple times now and everytime I do, everyone raves about it. This is so perfect for my husband who loves shrimp. It is a monthly staple in our household, it’s that amazing! Thank you for this recipe!
Chris Scheuer says
I love that, Ann! Thanks for sharing your results!