If you’re looking for the perfect side to serve with seafood gumbo, we’ve got you covered. This collection features 26 seafood gumbo side dish recipes for you to choose from.
Seafood gumbo is a rich, complex stew with a spicy kick. It’s a popular dish in any New Orleans restaurant.
You can trace the roots of this southern classic to the enslaved Africans who brought non-native okra seeds to America. They grew the unique vegetable and used it to create an exquisite gumbo.
The okra is essential for thickening this unforgettable meal, but many recipes borrow from other cuisines. Some start the base with a dark roux (a French technique) and add a dash of filé powder (a Native American specialty).
You can choose any seafood you like, but shrimp, crab, bay scallops, and oysters make a perfect combination. A typical gumbo also includes the holy trinity: chopped green bell peppers, onions, and celery.
But if you’re still holding out on making gumbo because you despise slimy okra, here’s a great way to deslime the okra before cooking it.
One final tip: to achieve the best gumbo, allow it to simmer for at least 30 minutes.
And while that’s happening, let’s look at the most popular side dishes you can make to go with this delicious family dinner:
Side Dishes for Seafood Gumbo
1
Almond Flour Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits
These biscuits' soft texture and sharp cheddar flavor are a great match for rich, hearty gumbo. They’re perfect for soaking up the savory broth!
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2
Palatable Pastime
Crab and Rice Croquettes
The recipe for these lovely croquettes could not be any easier. And as gumbo is commonly served with rice, this crispy and flavorful twist on the original will delight the taste buds. Be sure to chill the mix for 2 hours before forming into neat patties for your crab cakes.
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3
Bite on the Side
Creamy Broccolini Slaw
Both broccoli and broccolini are represented in each creamy forkful of this fresh salad. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days to enjoy every delicious morsel. And the best part? There's no cooking involved!
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4
Peas and Crayons
Mini Cornbread Muffins
Although the right place for these adorable muffins is next to your bowl of gumbo, they're ideal for freezing to use throughout the month. You'll also get a fantastic mini-recipe for making rich, tangy buttermilk for these little bites.
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5
Tastythin
Air Fryer Cajun Fries with Garlic Aioli
Here's a great side dish like the cajun fries you find in trendy pubs. It's made at home and just as delicious! The air fryer brings out all the crunchy textures of the potatoes, giving you a good reason to whip up your own garlic aioli.
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6
Somebody Feed Seb
Savoury Polenta Muffins
Polenta is a versatile ingredient, but it can be bland at times. This savory recipe uses a blend of enticing ingredients to give your polenta muffins lots of flavor and star power.
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7
The Magical Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker Coconut Bread Pudding
This mouthwatering side has so many good things in it that your seafood gumbo will be jealous! Bake this bread pudding in your slow cooker a few hours before dinner. Although technically a dessert, it makes a magical combination with your main dish.
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8
Blackberry Babe
The Best Crispy Fried Okra
Whether you use fresh or frozen okra, it's a good choice for picky eaters. This recipe shows four ways to prepare an amazing platter of crunchy, breaded veggies. Dip into hot sauce for an extra kick.
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9
On My Kids Plate
Bacon Cheese Bread
This clever recipe for bacon bread needs no yeast! It also uses simple ingredients you probably already have and bakes into a hearty loaf of cheesy goodness. Bake, slice, and serve with your gumbo for a delicious meal.
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10
Coley Cooks
Celery Root Remoulade
Celery root is the gnarly, light-brown root of the celery stalk we know so well. It is sweeter than a potato, with a mild hint of celery. Combine it with a creamy dressing for a cold dish that happily balances out your spicy gumbo.
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11
The Magical Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker Cajun Parmesan Potatoes
Cajun seasoning is the rising star here, tantalizingly dressing up a pot of slow-roasted potatoes. And these thick potato wedges are ideal for soaking up the yummy gumbo sauce.
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12
Served From Scratch
Easy Homemade Rice Pilaf
This scrumptious dish uses white rice, orzo, and an intense mix of spices to create a robust version of gumbo's classic side dish. Toasting the grains and coating with olive oil is the perfect way to keep the rice loose and fluffy.
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13
Aubrey’s Kitchen
Air Fryer Biscuits
Who knew you could make flaky yet tender biscuits in the air fryer? It's a great idea if you want to avoid turning on the oven to make a small side dish. And it's as easy as buying your favorite pre-made biscuit dough and cooking for 7-9 minutes.
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14
Knife and Soul
Potato Salad with Spring Onions
Gumbo with a side of potato salad? Only the best pairing ever! This chunky salad uses boiled potatoes cut in half and combined with a zesty mix of herbs and onions, with a surprising and welcome addition of crunchy fried onions on top.
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15
Chicken Fried Kitchen
KFC Coleslaw Recipe
Ah, a not-so-secret recipe inspired by the Colonel himself. You'll love this fresh, sweet, vinegary side dish. Save energy by using pre-cut bags of vegetables, and chill your coleslaw for at least 2 hours.
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16
Thrifty Jinxy
Copycat Red Lobster Biscuit Recipe
Speaking of copycat recipes, here's one for another popular side dish that everyone craves. But perhaps this version is even better! And you can make them in under 30 minutes, so they'll be hot and ready for your seafood gumbo.
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17
Two Healthy Kitchens
5-Minute Easy Rice and Beans
This recipe is handy for those pre-dinner panic attacks when you have 10 minutes to scramble up a quick side dish. The result is a flavorful and satisfying bowl of rice and beans that the whole family will enjoy.
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18
Oh So Delicioso
Green Chili Cheese Toast
Can a humble cheese bread stand up to your awesome seafood gumbo recipe? It sure can! Start with the softest loaf of French bread and top with a divine assortment of ingredients (hint: cheese and hot peppers!).
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19
Wok and Kin
How to Cook Perfect White Rice
Practice your chopstick skills while making this fluffy white rice. Even if you don't have a rice cooker, you'll learn great techniques for cooking rice on the stovetop or in the microwave. It's a fabulous companion to your seafood gumbo.
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20
Monday is Meatloaf
Instant Pot French Bread
Did you know that you could proof your dough in your Instant Pot? Look for the Yogurt feature and raise your breadmaking standards with the touch of a button. You'll get step-by-step instructions on how to prepare bread that's soft and crusty.
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21
Babaganosh
Roasted Cajun Okra
It's entirely possible you've never had okra this way before…and you're going to love it! Simply roast at a high temperature for 12 minutes. There are also helpful tips on reducing the slime to enjoy the crunch of this unusual vegetable.
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22
I am Homesteader
Homemade Cornbread
This homemade cornbread is the perfect choice for your main dish. It's quick and easy to make and slightly sweet to balance out the savory gumbo flavors. It's so delicious you'll be drooling before the first square is cut.
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23
Cooking With Wine Blog
Cajun Crab Cakes
This is no ordinary crab cake recipe. It boasts medium heat on the spicy level with expert instructions on how to make it the perfect side dish. Make sure to use real crab meat, not imitation. You'll also enjoy the bonus recipe for a simple and spicy aioli.
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24
Chef Savvy
Sweet Potato Biscuits
Here's a delightful biscuit that's flaky and fortified with sweet potato. It's also very forgiving – bake, boil, steam the spuds, or use canned puree. You can mix by hand if you don't have a food processor. Make sure the butter is kept very cold for best results.
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25
Little Sunny Kitchen
Simple Tossed Green Salad
This tossed green salad tastes anything but simple. Each dressing ingredient serves a specific purpose and blends perfectly to create a light, fresh side dish for your gumbo. You'll also find plenty of ideas for topping variations.
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26
Pink Owl Kitchen
Southern Hush Puppies Recipe
If you've never had these deep-fried fritters, you'll soon join the ranks of all hush puppies fanatics! Be warned – this unique and tasty battered treat is highly addictive.
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Next time you add seafood gumbo to your weekly menu, try a few of these delicious side dishes to make it a complete meal. In keeping with true southern cuisine, most are on the spicy side or hearty enough to complement the rich gumbo.
I was scrolling through, trying to decide which I’d make first. Love hush puppies … but those Cajun Crab Cakes look TOO GOOD! And then I spotted the Cajun Okra – that sounds perfect!!