Seafood gumbo depends on the base and the timing. Roux gives the pot body and depth. Seasoning gives it Cajun and Creole character. Seafood should go in late enough to stay tender.
Choose gumbo mix for the simplest route, jar roux for more control, and Cajun's Choice Gumbo File for the finish.
Recipe snapshot
Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes Serves: 6 to 8
Ingredients
- Ragin' Cajun Authentic Gumbo Mix or Acadian Kitchens roux
- 1 to 2 pounds shrimp, crab, crawfish, oysters, or a seafood mix
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups seafood stock or chicken stock
- Cajun or Creole seasoning, to taste
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Cajun's Choice Gumbo File, optional for finishing
How to make it
- Build the base with gumbo mix, or whisk roux into stock until smooth.
- Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic.
- Simmer until the broth has body and the vegetables are tender.
- Add seafood near the end of cooking so it stays tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve over rice.
- Finish with Gumbo File at the table or after the pot is off the heat.
Choose your gumbo base
Use Ragin' Cajun Authentic Gumbo Mix when you want the simplest route.
Use Acadian Kitchens or Ragin' Cajun roux when you want to build the gumbo base and control the rest of the pot.
Use Cajun's Choice Gumbo File when you want a traditional finishing note.
Shop the ingredients
- Ragin' Cajun Authentic Gumbo Mix 5 oz
- Ragin' Cajun gumbo mixes
- Acadian Kitchens All Natural Premium Roux 16 oz
- Ragin' Cajun Authentic Roux 16 oz
- Cajun's Choice Gumbo File 1.4 oz
- Cajun's Choice Shrimp, Crab, and Crawfish Boil 8 oz
Browse Authentic Dinners, Roux and Sauces, and Seasonings and Rubs for gumbo products.
FAQs
What seafood goes in gumbo?
Shrimp, crab, crawfish, oysters, or a seafood mix can work. Add seafood near the end so it stays tender.
When do you add seafood to gumbo?
Seafood is usually added near the end of cooking so it does not overcook.
Do you need roux for seafood gumbo?
A roux or gumbo mix helps create the body, color, and base flavor associated with gumbo.
What does Gumbo File do?
Gumbo File adds a distinctive finishing flavor and can affect texture. It is usually added at the end or at the table.
Related recipes and guides
Keep cooking with the next Acadian Kitchens guide or recipe that fits the same pantry path.
Shop seafood gumbo products
Shop gumbo mix, roux, Gumbo File, and seafood-ready seasonings for the pot.