Jim's Irresistible Coastal Seafood Gumbo
Experience the rich flavors of the coast with Jim's Irresistible Coastal Seafood Gumbo, a cherished family recipe that has become a staple at our beach gatherings. This hearty gumbo is packed with succulent shrimp, tender crab, and savory oysters, all combined in a thick, flavorful broth made from fresh, wholesome ingredients. Jim, a passionate chef from Virginia, perfects this dish using a dark roux and a medley of colorful vegetables, making it an instant favorite among kids and adults alike. Adjust the heat to your liking, and serve over fluffy rice for a warming meal that will transport you to sunny shores, even on the coldest days. Get ready for compliments as your family delights in every spoonful!
N/A
Servings
320
Calories
24
Ingredients
Ingredients
shrimp
1 lb (shelled)
frozen crab
6 ounces
flour
1/2 cup
oil
1/2 cup
green onion
3/4 cup (chopped)
green pepper
3/4 cup (chopped)
celery
1/2 cup (chopped)
chicken broth
1 1/2 cups
salt
1/2 teaspoon
pepper
1/4 teaspoon
ham hock
1
tomato paste
1 (8 ounce) can
diced tomatoes
1 (7 1/2 ounce) can (undrained)
parsley
2 tablespoons
Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons
Pickapeppa Sauce
1 tablespoon
dry oregano
2 teaspoons
bay leaves
2
paprika
1 teaspoon
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon
Tabasco sauce
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
frozen okra
10 ounces
oysters
1 pint (shucked and drained)
file powder
1 1/2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
If using frozen seafood, be sure to thaw the shrimp and crab beforehand.
2
In a large saucepan, combine the flour and oil over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for 30 to 40 minutes until the mixture turns a deep red-brown color, forming a roux. Be patient; this step is crucial for developing flavor.
3
Once the roux is ready, add the chopped green onions, green pepper, celery, and chicken broth. Stir well to incorporate.
4
Add the ham hock, tomato paste, canned diced tomatoes (with juices), parsley, Worcestershire sauce, Pickapeppa Sauce, oregano, bay leaves, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Tabasco sauce (adjust to taste). Bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the gumbo simmer for 1 hour. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
6
After an hour, carefully remove the ham hock from the pot. Chop off the meat, discarding bones and skin, and return the chopped meat to the gumbo. Skim off any excess fat that rises to the surface.
7
Stir in the oysters, shrimp, and crab meat, cooking for an additional 15 minutes until the seafood is cooked through.
8
Finally, add the frozen okra and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the pot from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
9
Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves before serving, and finish with a sprinkle of file powder for extra authenticity.
Nutrition Information
16
Fat
25
Carbs
20
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jim's Irresistible Coastal Seafood Gumbo?
It is a hearty, flavorful gumbo featuring shrimp, crab, and oysters in a dark roux-based broth, often served at beach gatherings.
Who created this seafood gumbo recipe?
The recipe was perfected by Jim, a passionate chef from Virginia, and has become a cherished family staple.
What types of seafood are included in the gumbo?
This recipe includes 1 pound of shelled shrimp, 6 ounces of crab meat, and 1 pint of shucked and drained oysters.
How do I prepare the roux for this recipe?
Combine 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 cup oil over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for 30 to 40 minutes until it reaches a deep red-brown color.
What vegetables are needed for the gumbo base?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup chopped green onions, 3/4 cup chopped green pepper, and 1/2 cup chopped celery.
How long does the gumbo need to simmer?
After adding the initial ingredients and spices, the gumbo should simmer covered on low heat for 1 hour.
When should I add the seafood to the pot?
Stir in the oysters, shrimp, and crab meat after the gumbo has simmered for an hour, then cook for an additional 15 minutes.
How is the ham hock prepared in this recipe?
The ham hock is simmered in the broth for an hour, then removed to chop the meat (discarding bone and skin) before returning the meat to the pot.
Is there okra in Jim's Coastal Seafood Gumbo?
Yes, 10 ounces of frozen okra are added during the final 5 minutes of cooking.
What is the calorie count for a serving of this gumbo?
Each serving contains approximately 320 calories.
How much protein is in this seafood gumbo?
There are 20 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat and carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 16 grams of fat and 25 grams of carbohydrates.
What special sauces give this gumbo its unique flavor?
The recipe uses Worcestershire sauce, Pickapeppa Sauce, and Tabasco sauce for a complex, savory, and spicy profile.
What is the final step before serving the gumbo?
Remove the bay leaves and sprinkle with 1.5 teaspoons of file powder for extra authenticity.
Can I use frozen seafood for this gumbo?
Yes, but you should be sure to thaw the shrimp and crab meat beforehand.
How should I adjust the spiciness?
You can adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the 1/2 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce according to your preference.
What is the recommended way to serve this dish?
Jim's Coastal Seafood Gumbo is best served over fluffy rice.
Why is the roux step considered crucial?
The 30-40 minute cooking process for the roux is essential for developing the deep, rich flavor characteristic of a traditional gumbo.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires a total of 24 ingredients.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the broth?
The recipe uses one 8-ounce can of tomato paste and one 7.5-ounce can of undrained diced tomatoes.
How much chicken broth is used?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of chicken broth.
What spices are used to season the gumbo?
Seasonings include oregano, bay leaves, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
How do I handle the excess fat during cooking?
After removing the ham hock, you should skim off any excess fat that rises to the surface of the gumbo.
What is the preparation for the oysters?
The oysters should be shucked and drained before being added to the pot.
How much file powder is added at the end?
The recipe suggests adding 1.5 teaspoons of file powder after removing the pot from the heat.
Can kids enjoy this gumbo?
Yes, it is described as an instant favorite among both kids and adults.
What is the total cooking time for the seafood?
The shrimp, crab, and oysters are cooked for 15 minutes, followed by 5 minutes for the okra.
How much green pepper and celery are needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of chopped green pepper and 1/2 cup of chopped celery.
Is this gumbo suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a warming meal that can transport you to sunny shores even on the coldest days.
What should I do after the gumbo is finished cooking?
Let the pot sit for 5 minutes after removing it from the heat to allow the flavors to enhance before serving.