Craving something packed with flavor and a touch of tradition? You’re in for a treat with this Cheesecake Factory Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo Recipe.
Imagine a hearty mix of seafood and chicken swimming in a rich, savory broth that’s sure to wow your taste buds. The best part? I’ve got a little secret to share—how to whip up a perfect roux in under 20 minutes, so you can enjoy all that gumbo goodness without the long wait.
Let’s dive in!
Delicious Cheesecake Factory Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo
Indulge in the delicious Cheesecake Factory Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo, a hearty dish bursting with flavor. This recipe features tender shrimp, juicy chicken, and savory Andouille sausage simmered in a rich, spicy broth. The secret to its depth of flavor lies in the quick, 20-minute roux preparation.
With fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and a touch of Cajun seasoning, this gumbo is a comforting delight. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, it pairs wonderfully with rice. Enjoy a taste of Creole comfort with every bite!
Ingredients for Cheesecake Factory Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo Recipe
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 pound large shrimp, cleaned and deveined
- 1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon shrimp and crab boil
- 2 cups cooked rice (optional for serving)
Equipment & Tools Required
- Large skillet and Non-stick pan
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board and Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl and Ladle
- Soup pot
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Recipe for Cheesecake Factory Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo
Step-01: Season the Shrimp and Cook the Sausages
In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and a pinch of paprika for added color. Set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until they are golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the sausages and set them aside.
Step-02: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the diced red and green bell peppers, celery, and onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
Step-03: Prepare the Roux
To a non-stick pan, add 1/4 cup of flour and roast over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the flour turns a deep brown color (about 20 minutes). This is a quick method for making a roux that usually takes longer. Once the flour is browned, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter until fully incorporated.
Step-04: Combine Ingredients
In a large soup pot, add the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, roasted roux, and 1 can of fire-roasted tomatoes. Stir in the chicken broth, oregano, thyme, ground black pepper, Cajun seasoning, and shrimp and crab boil. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
Step-05: Simmer the Gumbo Add the Shrimp
Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. After 45 minutes, add the seasoned shrimp to the gumbo. Cook for an additional 4-7 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the gumbo over cooked rice if desired, and enjoy!
Serving Ideas for Cheesecake Factory Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo
1. Classic Qdoba White Rice: Serve the gumbo over a bed of steamed Qdoba White Rice to absorb the rich, flavorful broth and provide a neutral base.
2. Fluffy Cornbread: Pair the gumbo with a slice of buttery cornbread. The slightly sweet, crumbly texture contrasts nicely with the savory gumbo.
3. Crispy French Bread: Serve with warm, crusty French bread or a baguette. It’s perfect for dipping into the gumbo and soaking up the delicious broth.
4. Garlic Bread: Add a touch of garlic by pairing the gumbo with garlic bread. The toasted, garlicky flavor enhances the dish.
5. Steamed Okra: For added authenticity, serve with a side of steamed or sautéed okra. This classic pairing complements the gumbo’s Southern roots.
6. Simple Green Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the gumbo and provide a crisp contrast.
7. Pickled Vegetables: Serve with pickled vegetables such as pickled onions or cucumbers. The tanginess can cut through the richness of the gumbo.
8. Jalapeño Corn Muffins: Spice things up with jalapeño corn muffins. The heat from the jalapeños pairs well with the bold flavors of the gumbo.
9. Coleslaw: A side of creamy coleslaw adds crunch and a tangy flavor that complements the gumbo’s richness.
10. Spicy Hot Sauce: Offer a selection of hot sauces on the side. For those who like extra heat, a few dashes of hot sauce can elevate the gumbo’s flavor profile.
Tips on Cheesecake Factory Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo Recipe
1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp, high-quality sausage, and fresh vegetables make a significant difference in flavor. Opt for large, clean shrimp and avoid pre-cooked sausage.
2. Roast the Flour for the Roux: Roasting the flour for the roux in a non-stick pan on medium-low heat ensures a rich, deep flavor and prevents burning. Stir constantly to avoid uneven cooking.
3. Season the Shrimp Well: Ensure the shrimp are well-seasoned with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of paprika for extra color. This adds a vibrant flavor to the dish.
4. Cook Sausages Until Golden: Sear the sausage slices until they are golden brown on both sides. This adds a smoky, caramelized flavor to the gumbo.
5. Dice Vegetables Small: Dice the bell peppers, celery, and onions as small as possible. This helps them cook evenly and blend into the gumbo more seamlessly.
6. Sauté Vegetables Properly: Cook the vegetables until they are softened and the onions are translucent before adding the garlic. This enhances their flavor and texture.
7. Add Garlic Last: Garlic cooks quickly and can burn easily, so add it towards the end of the vegetable sautéing process to avoid bitterness.
8. Simmer Slowly: Allow the gumbo to simmer on low heat for 45 minutes. This slow cooking process helps develop deep, rich flavors and ensures all ingredients meld together.
9. Add Shrimp at the End: Add the shrimp during the last 4-7 minutes of cooking. Overcooking shrimp can make them tough, so add them just until they turn pink.
10. Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the gumbo before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more Cajun seasoning, black pepper, or salt based on your preference.
How to Store Leftover Cheesecake Factory Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo?
Store leftover gumbo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen gumbo in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Cheesecake Factory Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 green onions chopped
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can 14.5 oz fire-roasted tomatoes
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 pound large shrimp cleaned and deveined
- 1 pound Andouille sausage sliced
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 1 cup onions chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon shrimp and crab boil
- 2 cups cooked rice optional for serving
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and a pinch of paprika for added color. Set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until they are golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the sausages and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced red and green bell peppers, celery, and onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
- To a non-stick pan, add 1/4 cup of flour and roast over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the flour turns a deep brown color (about 20 minutes). This is a quick method for making a roux that usually takes longer. Once the flour is browned, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter until fully incorporated.
- In a large soup pot, add the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, roasted roux, and 1 can of fire-roasted tomatoes. Stir in the chicken broth, oregano, thyme, ground black pepper, Cajun seasoning, and shrimp and crab boil. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. After 45 minutes, add the seasoned shrimp to the gumbo. Cook for an additional 4-7 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the gumbo over cooked rice if desired, and enjoy!
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Notes
Common queries on Cheesecake Factory Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo Recipe
These commonly asked questions and their short answers will give you an better understanding of this Cheesecake Factory Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo Recipe
1. How many calories are in Cheesecake Factory Shrimp and Chicken Gumbo?
The calorie count can vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used. On average, a serving of shrimp and chicken gumbo can contain approximately 350-450 calories. For a more accurate count, consider using a nutritional calculator with the exact quantities and brands of ingredients.
2. What is the secret to good gumbo?
The secret to a great gumbo lies in the depth of flavor. This is achieved through a well-made roux (cooked flour and fat), a blend of aromatic vegetables (like bell peppers, onions, and celery), and a mix of seasoning such as Cajun spices and thyme. Allowing the gumbo to simmer slowly also helps develop rich, layered flavors.
3. What culture eats gumbo?
Gumbo is a traditional dish of Louisiana Creole cuisine, which is a blend of African, French, Spanish, and Native American culinary influences. It’s especially popular in New Orleans and the surrounding region.
4. Can I make this gumbo ahead of time?
Yes, you can make gumbo ahead of time. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
5. Can I substitute the andouille sausage?
If you can’t find andouille sausage or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute it with other smoked sausages or chorizo. For a milder option, try using chicken sausage.
6. Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of this gumbo?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of gumbo by omitting the shrimp and chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more vegetables and consider using plant-based sausage for a hearty texture.
7. What type of shrimp should I use?
Use large, raw, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Frozen shrimp can be used, but make sure they are thawed completely before cooking.
8. Can I make the roux ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the roux ahead of time. Cook and cool the roux, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat and incorporate it into the gumbo when ready.
9. How can I thicken my gumbo if it turns out too thin?
If your gumbo is too thin, you can thicken it by making a slurry with equal parts flour and water and stirring it into the simmering gumbo. Alternatively, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables or add a bit more roux.
10. Can I adjust the spice level of this gumbo?
Absolutely! You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning and hot sauce according to your taste. For a milder gumbo, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning and skip the hot sauce.
This gumbo is perfect for a cozy dinner and is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the rich flavors and hearty ingredients that make this Cheesecake Factory-inspired recipe a true winner.
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Delicious!!!
Thanks ron