Zesty Lemon Okra Gumbo

Name: Zesty Lemon Okra Gumbo
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh okra, sliced; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 tsp Cajun seasoning; 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded; 1/2 lb cooked shrimp; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; Salt and pepper to taste

🕒 Prep: 20 min

🔥 Cook: 1 hour

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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If you're craving something comforting with a bright twist, Zesty Lemon Okra Gumbo is your ticket to a flavorful ride. This dish combines the warmth of traditional gumbo with a zesty citrus punch, perfect for any season.

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Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Okra Gumbo

Okra is the star here, giving the gumbo its characteristic texture and flavor. Sliced fresh, it slightly thickens the stew.

All-purpose flour and vegetable oil form the base of our roux, adding depth and richness.

Onion, bell pepper, and celery make up the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking, providing a savory backbone to the dish.

Garlic adds an aromatic punch, while diced tomatoes bring a touch of acidity and sweetness.

Chicken broth is our flavorful liquid base, melding everything together.

Cajun seasoning brings the heat and spice, elevating the gumbo to new heights.

Cooked chicken and shrimp add hearty protein, making this dish satisfying and filling.

Fresh lemon juice and zest are the secret ingredients, adding a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.

Salt and pepper to taste, because seasoning is everything!

Tips & Tricks

Stir the roux constantly to prevent burning—it's worth the effort!
For a thicker gumbo, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This gumbo shines when served over fluffy white or brown rice, which soaks up the delicious broth. A side of crusty bread is perfect for dipping, and a simple green salad rounds out the meal nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen okra?: Yes! Just thaw it beforehand and add it as you would fresh.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?: You can make a quick mix using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and thyme.
How can I make this vegetarian?: Swap the chicken and shrimp for beans or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Zesty Lemon Okra Gumbo Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating your vegetable oil over medium-high in a large pot. Once hot, whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Keep stirring until it becomes a deep brown color, the key to that nutty, rich flavor.

Next, toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Sauté this mix until everything is soft and aromatic—about five minutes should do it.

Now, add the sliced okra. Cook it briefly until it starts to become tender but still has a bit of bite left.

Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth next, along with the Cajun seasoning. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

Mix in the shredded chicken and shrimp. Let everything simmer together for about 15 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld and the proteins heat through.

Finally, add the fresh lemon juice and zest. Stir them in, taste, and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve your gumbo hot over a bed of cooked rice and enjoy the zesty, comforting flavors!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Combines classic gumbo flavors with a refreshing lemon twist.
Packed with veggies and protein, making it a hearty meal.
Simple enough for weeknights yet impressive for guests.
Flexible ingredient list for easy substitutions.

Ingredients

1 lb fresh okra, sliced

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 large onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped

2 celery stalks, sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

4 cups chicken broth

2 tsp Cajun seasoning

1 lb cooked chicken, shredded

1/2 lb cooked shrimp

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp lemon zest

Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat and whisk in the flour to make a roux. Stir constantly until the roux turns a deep brown.

2. Add chopped onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the roux, sauté until vegetables soften.

3. Stir in sliced okra and cook until slightly tender.

4. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning, bring to a simmer.

5. Mix in shredded chicken and shrimp, simmer for an additional 15 minutes until heated through.