If you're a seafood lover, you've probably heard of shrimp gumbo. This hearty dish is a popular Cajun and Creole cuisine that is often prepared with a variety of ingredients, including sausages, chicken, and vegetables. However, for the health-conscious foodies, it's always a good idea to know the calorie content of the dish. Well, we've got you covered! A 100g serving of shrimp gumbo has only 67 calories.
But shrimp gumbo isn't just low in calories; it's also packed with vital nutrients that can boost your overall health. This delightful delicacy is a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. So, let's take a deeper dive into the nutritional aspect of shrimp gumbo.
In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about this Louisiana specialty, from its health benefits and calorie count to recipes and portion sizes. So whether you're a shrimp gumbo fanatic or trying it for the first time, read on to discover everything you need to know about this delicious dish.
Calorie Content of Shrimp Gumbo
As mentioned earlier, shrimp gumbo is a low-calorie dish. A 100g serving of shrimp gumbo contains only 67 calories, which is great news for those watching their weight. However, it's worth noting that the calorie count may vary depending on the ingredients added. For instance, if you add a lot of sausages, bacon or cheese to your gumbo, the calorie count may increase significantly. Also, the method of preparation may also affect the calorie count. For example, if you fry the shrimps before adding them to the gumbo, it may increase the fat content and thus the calorie count.
Serving Size of Shrimp Gumbo
Now that you know the calorie count of shrimp gumbo, you may be wondering about the serving size. Well, one serving of shrimp gumbo is typically one cup or around 240ml. This serving size provides a good balance of macro and micronutrients. However, larger servings may provide more energy and nutrients, but they may also lead to overeating and excess calorie intake. The key is to enjoy this delicious dish in moderation and practice portion control.
Macronutrient Breakdown of Shrimp Gumbo
Apart from being low in calories, shrimp gumbo is also well-balanced in terms of macronutrients. A 100g serving provides approximately 6g of protein, 2g of fat, and 9g of carbohydrates. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, while fat is important for energy and nutrient absorption. Carbohydrates, on the other hand, provide the body with energy. However, it's worth noting that the type of carbohydrates matters. Shrimp gumbo contains fibrous vegetables, such as bell peppers and onions, which are great sources of dietary fiber. Fiber aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
Vitamin and Mineral Content of Shrimp Gumbo
Shrimp gumbo is not only a good source of macronutrients but also packed with vital micronutrients. It contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, folate, calcium, and iron. Vitamin A is essential for immune function and eye health, while vitamin C is an antioxidant that boosts the immune system and promotes collagen synthesis. Vitamin K is important for blood clotting and bone health. Folate is necessary for DNA synthesis and cell division, while calcium and iron play vital roles in bone and blood health, respectively.
Health Benefits of Shrimp Gumbo
Shrimp gumbo offers several health benefits due to its nutritional profile. Here are some of the potential benefits of consuming shrimp gumbo regularly:
- May promote heart health: Shrimp gumbo is low in saturated fat and high in healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids can reduce inflammation, lower triglyceride levels, and improve overall heart health.
- May aid digestion: Shrimp gumbo contains dietary fiber, which can improve digestion and prevent constipation. Also, the probiotics present in the gumbo may promote gut health.
- May boost immunity: Shrimp gumbo is a good source of vitamins and antioxidants, which may strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of infections.
Low Calorie Shrimp Gumbo Recipe
If you're looking for a low-calorie shrimp gumbo recipe, here's a simple one you can try:
- Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimps
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions and parsley for garnish
- Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour and Cajun seasoning over the vegetables and stir until everything is coated.
- Add tomatoes and broth and stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to simmer.
- Add shrimps and cook for 6-8 minutes or until they turn pink.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with green onions and parsley before serving.
Best Shrimp Gumbo in Town
If you're not in the mood for cooking but still craving shrimp gumbo, you may want to try some of the best places in town. Here are some of the top-rated restaurants that serve delicious shrimp gumbo:
- The Gumbo Shop in New Orleans, Louisiana
- Drago's Seafood Restaurant in Metairie, Louisiana
- Antoine's Restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana
- The Roux House in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Shrimp Boat in Panama City Beach, Florida
How to Make Shrimp Gumbo
If you're wondering how to make shrimp gumbo from scratch, here are the general steps to follow:
- Sauté vegetables: Heat some oil in a large pot or Dutch oven and sauté onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Add flour and spices: Sprinkle some flour and Cajun spices over the vegetables and stir well.
- Add liquids: Pour in some chicken or vegetable broth and canned tomatoes and stir everything together.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce to simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Add protein: Add shrimps, crabs, or other seafood/meat of your choice, and cook until done.
- Adjust seasoning: Season with salt, pepper, Creole seasoning, or hot sauce to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the gumbo into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions, parsley, or file powder.
Recommended Portion Sizes for Shrimp Gumbo
As mentioned earlier, one serving of shrimp gumbo is around one cup or 240ml. However, the recommended portion size may vary depending on various factors such as age, sex, physical activity, and health status. In general, it's recommended to eat a balanced diet with a variety of foods in moderate portions. You can consult a registered dietitian or use online resources to determine your personalized calorie and nutrient needs.
Nutrition Facts of Shrimp Gumbo per 100g
Here's a summary of the nutrition facts of shrimp gumbo per 100g:
- calories: 67
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Vitamin A: 18% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 25% of the DV
- Calcium: 4% of the DV
- Iron: 6% of the DV
Life is too short to miss out on the beautiful things like a shrimp gumbo.
5 FAQ about 100 G Shrimp Gumbo with 67 calories
1. Can shrimp gumbo be a low-calorie meal option?
Yes, shrimp gumbo can definitely be a low-calorie meal option. As seen in the given nutrition information, 100 g of shrimp gumbo contains only 67 calories.
2. Is shrimp gumbo a healthy meal choice?
Shrimp gumbo can definitely be a healthy meal choice depending on the quality of ingredients used to make it. Shrimp is a good source of protein and low in fat. Adding healthy vegetables like okra and bell peppers can make it even more nutritious.
3. Is shrimp gumbo high in sodium?
It depends on the recipe and the amount of added salt used to make shrimp gumbo. However, some recipes can be high in sodium due to the use of ingredients such as canned tomatoes and broth. It is always a good idea to check and control sodium levels in one's diet.
4. Can shrimp gumbo be made with a gluten-free roux?
Yes, shrimp gumbo can definitely be made with a gluten-free roux. Instead of using wheat flour, alternative flours like rice flour or cornstarch can be used. This will make the dish gluten-free without compromising on taste.
5. What are some good sides to serve with shrimp gumbo?
Shrimp gumbo is traditionally served with cooked white rice. Other good options include crusty bread, cornbread, or a side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing. These sides not only complement the flavors of the dish but also add some variety to the meal.