Although Cajun seafood gumbo is a New Orleans classic, it is being served up here in Katy, TX year-round. The good news is that you do not have to know how to cook gumbo in order to enjoy it. The even better news is that if you live in Katy, your next bowl of hot, delicious seafood gumbo is only minutes away.
The Making of a Cajun Treasure – Seafood Gumbo
There could possibly be as many gumbo recipes as there are fish in the ocean, but Cajun seafood gumbo remains a favorite recipe. This southern favorite incorporates a dark roux, what is known as the “holy trinity” of vegetables (bell pepper, onion, and celery), and at least two sources of protein.
While the source of protein can vary, classic Cajun seafood gumbo ingredients typically include:
- Oil for sautéing vegetables
- The trinity vegetable mix of bell pepper, celery, and onion
- Dark roux which is typically made from oil and flour
- Water and/or chicken or seafood stock
- Cajun seasoning
Now, when it comes to the protein used in gumbo, this largely depends on the preference of the cook and what is readily available. For most seafood gumbo recipes, the stars of the show typically include shrimp, crab, and even oysters.
How much of each ingredient will be used depends on how many portions are being prepared. A large crowd can require higher quantities of everything whereas seafood gumbo for four may call for only a fraction of those amounts.
Making the gumbo takes the above ingredients, but you will need a couple more to add a special touch, which are:
- Many people prefer to have their gumbo served over a heaping serving of white or brown rice.
- To make a steaming hot bowl of seafood gumbo really come alive, plan on adding a little flair in the form of fresh parsley or green onions.
For some, gathering all the ingredients will be the easy part because when done properly, seafood gumbo can be a true labor of love that requires attention to detail during the preparation phase.
- The first step is to make the dark roux. This can be a little tricky if you have never made your own roux before. It may help to look up information on creating the perfect dark roux before you begin. Take special care not to burn it as this is the base of the entire dish.
- In a separate pan, sauté the vegetables thoroughly before adding in the water and stock mixture. Bring it to a boil.
- The roux and boiling mixture are combined a little at a time.
- After everything is combined, turn the stove down to simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour.
- Just before serving, the seafood protein is added and cooked completely.
Now it’s time to serve up that delicious seafood gumbo, and don’t forget about the rice and add a little flair to finish off the dish! For those that want to enjoy this delicious New Orleans classic in Katy, 7Spice Cajun Seafood has already put in the work and is ready to serve up seafood gumbo that will warm the belly and the soul.
Cultural Significance of Seafood Gumbo
Seafood gumbo has long been a favorite of Louisianans, but some historians believe the dish can be traced all the way back to West Africa. This theory makes sense when learning that the earliest gumbos contained okra, and “gumbo” means okra in West African.
At some point in time, gumbo took hold in Louisiana, possibly as early as the beginning of the nineteenth century when it was noted to be served to guests at a New Orleans gubernatorial reception. However, in subsequent years, seafood gumbo made its way to restaurants all across the nation, including Katy, TX.
Today, this stew-like dish is a hit with individuals across all ages, economic classes, and geographic locations. Since seafood gumbo has become a beloved dish by so many, it is hard to find two recipes that are exactly the same. Residents from one corner of the country may prefer crab while southerners might prefer shrimp, and that is just the seafood. Some add extra spice with a little garlic or an extra helping of fiery Cajun seasonings.
While the ingredients can change, there tends to be one dividing line for chefs and consumers alike, and that is tomatoes. Some people prefer the ingredient in gumbo, and others do not.
How to Have Seafood Gumbo Tonight
If a bowl of New Orleans classic seafood gumbo would really hit the spot, but you can’t travel to New Orleans and you don’t feel like cooking, you can still have your gumbo and eat it too! Thanks to restaurants like 7Spice Cajun Seafood, who take great pride in the quality ingredients used for seafood gumbo, you can easily order it for takeout.
Anyone craving a delicious bowl of seafood gumbo without wanting to spend hours preparing it should consider calling 7Spice Cajun Seafood in Katy for a savory bowl of authentic goodness.