Gumbo Fried Rice

Gumbo Fried Rice is a creative and flavorful dish that combines the essence of traditional gumbo with the versatility of fried rice. This fusion brings together a medley of spices, proteins, and vegetables, offering a unique twist on two classic dishes. Here’s how to make Gumbo Fried Rice, a dish that’s sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients:For the Gumbo Base:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil2 tablespoons all-purpose flour1 onion, diced1 green bell pepper, diced2 celery stalks, diced2 cloves garlic, minced1 cup okra, sliced (fresh or frozen)1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, or to taste1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika1/2 teaspoon dried thyme1 bay leaf2 cups chicken or vegetable broth1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)1/2 pound andouille sausage, sliced1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveinedSalt and pepper to taste

For the Fried Rice:

4 cups cooked rice, preferably day-old2 tablespoons soy sauce, or to taste2 eggs, beaten2 green onions, slicedAdditional vegetable oil for frying

Prepare the Gumbo Base:

Make a Roux: In a large skillet or pot, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the flour, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes a dark brown color, about 5-10 minutes. This is your roux, which will thicken and flavor the gumbo.Sauté Vegetables: Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the roux. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.Add Okra and Seasonings: Stir in the okra, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for another 2 minutes.Add Liquids and Proteins: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer. Add the sliced andouille sausage and shrimp. Cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf.

Make the Fried Rice:

Cook Eggs: In a separate pan, heat a little oil and scramble the eggs. Once cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside.Fry Rice: In the same pan, add a bit more oil and the cooked rice. Fry for a few minutes until the rice starts to get crispy.Combine: Add the gumbo mixture to the fried rice. Stir well to combine. Drizzle soy sauce over the mixture and mix thoroughly.Final Touches: Add the scrambled eggs back into the pan along with the sliced green onions. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the Gumbo Fried Rice hot, garnished with additional green onions or parsley if desired.For an extra kick, offer hot sauce on the side for those who prefer a spicier dish.

Tips:

Rice: Using day-old rice that’s been refrigerated helps prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy. The grains are firmer and separate more easily after being chilled.Roux: Pay close attention while making the roux, as it can burn easily. A dark roux adds a deep, rich flavor to the gumbo.Customization: Feel free to add other traditional gumbo ingredients like chicken or crab meat to the dish for more variety.

Gumbo Fried Rice is a hearty, flavorful dish that marries the soul of gumbo with the comfort of fried rice. It’s a perfect meal for those looking to explore a fusion of culinary traditions, offering a taste experience that’s both familiar and excitingly new. Enjoy the process of making this dish and the delicious rewards of your culinary adventure!