Keto Slow Cooker Gumbo

Did you know you can create an amazing Keto gumbo in a slow cooker? Our gumbo is made using chicken stock and the Creole "holy trinity," of celery, bell peppers, and white onions. The stew is studded with okra, shrimp, and slices of spicy kielbasa sausage. The mixture is seasoned with garlic, parsley, and Cajun seasoning. Most gumbo is thickened using a dark roux made from wheat flour. Instead, we thickened our Keto gumbo with the addition of okra and some arrowroot powder to keep it low carb. The slow cooker is the perfect cooking vessel for this stew because it cooks the ingredients slowly, rendering the shrimp tender and succulent.

Can you make other Keto recipes in the slow cooker?

Yes! If using all Keto-friendly ingredients like in this dish, you can easily make Keto recipes in the slow cooker. We love using the slow cooker so food is hot and ready on busy weeknights.

What is the best shrimp for this dish?

We like to use wild-caught frozen shrimp for this dish as the level of contaminants is lower and the vitamin and mineral content higher. Keeping the shrimp frozen helps to protect the shrimp from overcooking. However, if you want to substitute the shrimp for chicken, you can substitute it 1:1. To adjust the recipe, simply copy the recipe in the Carb Manager app and edit it to include chicken instead of shrimp.

Can use salt-free seasoning?

Yes! We used a Cajun seasoning that included salt. If you opt to use a salt-free Cajun seasoning, please add some salt to taste to the vegetable mixture and on the shrimp.

Does Keto gumbo freeze well?

Yes! Due to the nature of the stew, you can freeze the gumbo in individual containers and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick, healthy, high-protein meal.

Can I substitute the arrowroot starch?

Arrowroot starch is generally accepted on the Keto diet in small quantities as is used in this recipe. It is used as a thickener and is never consumed in large quantities. However, if you want to substitute the arrowroot starch with xanthan gum you can. If doing so, start by adding 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the soup. Remember it will continue to thicken as it cools, so don't add too much. A little xanthan goes a long way! You could also forego adding any xanthan gum if you wanted to, but the soup will have less viscosity.

To make the ultimate pairing, serve Keto Slow Cooker Gumbo with our Keto Cauliflower Rice! One of our favorite recipes! You can place the cauliflower rice at the bottom of a bowl and top it with the hot stew for a complete meal.