Citrus Shrimp and Okra Gumbo

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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If you're in the mood for something comforting yet zesty, this Citrus Shrimp and Okra Gumbo is the perfect dish. It's a delightful blend of fresh seafood, vibrant vegetables, and a hint of citrus that brings everything together beautifully. This gumbo is fantastic for a cozy dinner or a special gathering.

Ingredients for Citrus Shrimp and Okra Gumbo

The star of this dish is the shrimp. They add a delicate seafood flavor that's perfectly complemented by the earthy okra, which also thickens the gumbo without being slimy, thanks to our cooking method. We start with olive oil and a bit of butter to add richness, which helps sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, building a flavorful base. The diced tomatoes bring acidity and body to the broth. Lemon zest and orange zest add a delightful citrus aroma, while smoked paprika and cayenne pepper provide a smoky, spicy kick. Finally, the dish is rounded off with fresh parsley and served over warm, fluffy white rice.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a deeper flavor, try roasting the shrimp shells and adding them to the broth while it simmers. Just strain them out before adding the shrimp back in.
  • Use fresh shrimp if possible; it makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
  • If you prefer a thicker gumbo, let it simmer longer to reduce more liquid.

Serving Suggestions

This Citrus Shrimp and Okra Gumbo pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty French bread, perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the dish without overpowering it. For a refreshing beverage, try serving with iced tea or a crisp white wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking.
What if I don't have okra?
You can substitute it with green beans or zucchini, though the texture will differ.
How spicy is this gumbo?
The cayenne pepper adds a moderate heat. Adjust to your preference by adding more or less.

Citrus Shrimp and Okra Gumbo Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the shrimp and sauté them until they just turn pink. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Remove them from the pot and set them aside for later.

In that same pot, melt the butter and add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté these until they're soft and fragrant, roughly 5 minutes. Stir in the okra and let it cook for another 5 minutes to reduce its natural slime.

Next, pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Add the lemon zest, orange zest, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer. Allow it to simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

After the gumbo has simmered and the flavors have melded, return the shrimp to the pot. Let everything cook together for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the shrimp are cooked through. Serve your gumbo hot over a bed of white rice, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Brings a unique citrus twist to a classic gumbo.
  • Combines fresh shrimp and okra for a hearty meal.
  • Perfect balance of spicy and tangy flavors.
  • Simple enough for a weeknight, special enough for a dinner party.

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup chopped okra
1 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tsp orange zest
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 cups cooked white rice

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the shrimp until just pink. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add butter and sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft and fragrant.
3. Stir in the okra and cook for 5 minutes to reduce slime.
4. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, lemon zest, orange zest, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Return shrimp to the pot and simmer for another 5 minutes until shrimp are cooked through.
7. Serve hot over cooked white rice, garnished with fresh parsley.

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