Oh, gumbo! Just the *name* makes my mouth water, doesn’t it? And guess what? You don’t have to ditch your keto goals to enjoy a big, comforting bowl. This Easy Keto Gumbo with Crab and Shrimp is seriously amazing. It’s got all the flavors you crave, without all the carbs that weigh you down.
I remember the first time I had real gumbo… I was in New Orleans, totally overwhelmed by all the delicious smells. One bite, and I was hooked! I knew I had to figure out a way to make it keto-friendly so I could enjoy it anytime. And trust me, this recipe totally nails it!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Keto Gumbo with Crab and Shrimp
Seriously, you’re gonna flip for this gumbo! Why? Let me tell ya:
Quick and Easy
Who’s got time to spend *hours* in the kitchen? Not me! This comes together super fast – we’re talking minimal prep and cook time. Boom! Dinner is served.
Packed with Flavor
Oh my gosh, the flavor! The combo of sweet crab, juicy shrimp, and all those Cajun spices? It’s a party in your mouth, I swear!
Keto-Friendly and Healthy
Yep, you can indulge without the guilt. This gumbo is low-carb, high-protein, and totally keto-approved. So dig in and enjoy!
Ingredients for Your Easy Keto Gumbo with Crab and Shrimp
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Easy Keto Gumbo with Crab and Shrimp. Don’t skimp on the good stuff, okay?
Seafood
You’ll want a pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined – nobody wants to do *that* job while they’re cooking! And a pound of yummy crab meat. Fresh or canned, whatever you prefer!
Vegetables
Chop up one cup of onion (I always cry!), half a cup of green bell pepper, and half a cup of celery. And don’t forget four cloves of garlic, minced. Mmm, that garlic smell!
Broth and Tomatoes
Grab four cups of chicken broth – low sodium is always a good idea. Then, one (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained. We want all that juicy goodness!
Seasonings
Okay, flavor time! You’ll need half a cup of butter (yes, real butter!), one teaspoon of Cajun seasoning (go wild!), half a teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt and pepper to taste, and hot sauce if you’re feeling brave!
How to Make Easy Keto Gumbo with Crab and Shrimp
Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of the most amazing Easy Keto Gumbo with Crab and Shrimp you’ve ever tasted. Promise!
Sauté the Vegetables
First, melt that half cup of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s all melty and delicious-smelling, toss in your chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Cook ’em until they’re nice and softened, about 5 minutes. You’ll want them tender, not crunchy!
Add Seasonings
Now, stir in that minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook for just one minute more. Careful, don’t let the garlic burn! You just want to wake up those spices and get them all fragrant.
Simmer the Broth
Pour in those four cups of chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes (undrained, remember!). Bring it all to a simmer. That means little bubbles gently breaking the surface, not a crazy boil, okay?
Cook the Seafood
This is the *really* important part! Gently add your shrimp and crab meat to the simmering broth. Cook until the shrimp turns pink and the crab is heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Whatever you do, don’t overcook the seafood! Nobody likes rubbery shrimp, right?
Season and Serve
Finally, season your Easy Keto Gumbo with Crab and Shrimp with salt, pepper, and hot sauce, if you’re using it. Taste it and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Then, serve it up hot and enjoy every single spoonful!
Tips for the Best Easy Keto Gumbo with Crab and Shrimp
Want to take your Easy Keto Gumbo with Crab and Shrimp from “good” to “OMG amazing?” Here are my top tips for gumbo perfection!
Don’t Overcook the Seafood
Seriously, this is key! Nobody wants tough, rubbery shrimp or dry crab. Cook them just until they’re done – pink shrimp, heated-through crab. Trust me on this one!
Adjust the Seasoning
Okay, taste your gumbo! Does it need more spice? A little more heat? Add Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to *your* liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Thicken the Gumbo
Want a thicker, heartier gumbo? Just let it simmer a little longer! The longer it simmers, the more the liquid reduces, and the thicker it gets. Easy peasy!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Easy Keto Gumbo
Okay, so maybe you don’t have *exactly* what the recipe calls for? Don’t sweat it! Here are a few easy swaps you can make for your Easy Keto Gumbo.
Seafood Variations
Not a huge fan of crab? No problem! Throw in some sausage (andouille is amazing!) or crawfish. Or, hey, why not *add* them? More is more, right?
Vegetable Options
Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Go for it! Cauliflower rice is a great keto-friendly addition. Just toss it in with the broth. Easy peasy!
Broth Substitutions
Want an even *deeper* seafood flavor? Use seafood broth instead of chicken broth. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Keto Gumbo with Crab and Shrimp
So, you’ve got this amazing pot of Easy Keto Gumbo with Crab and Shrimp… what do you serve with it? Here are a couple of my go-to ideas!
Side Dishes
Cauliflower rice is *always* a winner. It soaks up all that yummy gumbo broth! A simple side salad works too, or even some keto-friendly cornbread if you’re feeling fancy!
Garnishes
Don’t forget the finishing touch! A sprinkle of fresh parsley or some sliced green onions makes it look extra pretty. Plus, they add a nice little pop of flavor!
Storing and Reheating Your Easy Keto Gumbo
Okay, so you’ve made this *amazing* Easy Keto Gumbo with Crab and Shrimp, and you (somehow!) have leftovers? Here’s how to keep it tasting its best!
Storage Instructions
Just pop your leftover gumbo in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!
Reheating Instructions
Wanna warm it up? You can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. Or, if you’re in a hurry (aren’t we always?), zap it in the microwave. Just be sure to use a microwave-safe bowl!
Easy Keto Gumbo with Crab and Shrimp FAQs
Got questions about this Easy Keto Gumbo with Crab and Shrimp? I bet you do! Here are some of the most common ones I get asked—hopefully, these help!
Can I use frozen shrimp and crab?
Absolutely! Just make sure you thaw them *completely* before you toss them in the pot. Nobody wants icy gumbo!
Can I make this gumbo ahead of time?
Oh, you totally can! In fact, I almost recommend it. The flavors meld together even *better* if you let it sit in the fridge overnight. It’s like magic!
Is this recipe spicy?
Well, that kinda depends on you! It really comes down to the Cajun seasoning and how much hot sauce you add. So, start small and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away, ya know?
Can I add okra to this keto gumbo recipe?
You betcha! If you’re an okra fan, go for it. Just add it in when you add the other veggies. It’ll thicken things up nicely!
Can I freeze this Easy Keto Gumbo with Crab and Shrimp?
Yep! Just let it cool down completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it out overnight in the fridge and reheat. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information for Easy Keto Gumbo
Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nutrition info for this Easy Keto Gumbo, right? Well, here’s the deal: keep in mind that the exact nutritional content can vary *a lot* depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use.
I’m giving you my best estimate, but don’t take it as gospel, okay? Always double-check your labels if you’re tracking macros super closely! Just sayin’!
Print
Devastating Easy Keto Gumbo with Crab & Shrimp in 30 Mins
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Keto
Description
Enjoy this easy keto gumbo recipe packed with crab and shrimp for a delicious and satisfying low-carb meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound crab meat
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Hot sauce to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
- Add shrimp and crab meat. Cook until shrimp is pink and crab is heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce (if using).
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can add other seafood such as sausage or crawfish.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preference.
- For a thicker gumbo, simmer for a longer time to reduce the liquid.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 200mg