Gumbo Ramen is a mouthwatering fusion of Southern comfort and Asian flair that will change the way you look at both gumbo and ramen forever. Born from the rich traditions of Creole cooking and mixed with the bold umami flavors of ramen noodles, this dish is perfect for anyone looking to spice up their dinner routine. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply want to indulge, Gumbo Ramen delivers soul-satisfying flavor in every bite.
Image Source Instagram: @theonealsway
What makes Gumbo Ramen extra special is its ability to celebrate Black culinary creativity. It takes the familiar flavors of gumbo — smoky andouille sausage, tender chicken, crab legs, and seasoned shrimp — and nestles them in a bowl of rich, savory broth with chewy ramen noodles. The result? A soulful, slurp-worthy dish that brings together two beloved food cultures into one unforgettable meal.
Ingredients (What You Need)
For the Proteins:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Cool water (for rinsing)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Badia Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning
- 8-11 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for shrimp)
- 1 tbsp garlic & herb seasoning
- 1 lb beef andouille sausage, sliced
For the Roux:
- ½ cup cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
Vegetables:
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup chopped celery
For the Gumbo:
- 4 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 tbsp Ragin Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Badia Complete Seasoning
- 1 tsp gumbo file powder (optional but recommended)
Add-ins:
- 1 lb crab legs (optional but delicious)
- 2 packs of ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Clean & Season Chicken
Rinse chicken thighs under cool water with vinegar and lemon juice. Pat dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Badia Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning. Rub in well and set aside.
2. Prep Shrimp
Rinse, peel, and devein shrimp. Season with olive oil and garlic & herb seasoning. Toss to coat and set aside in the fridge.
3. Prep Sausage
Slice beef andouille sausage into rounds and set aside.
4. Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
5. Cook the Sausage
In the same skillet, add sliced sausage. Cook until browned and slightly crisp (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
6. Make the Roux
In a large Dutch oven over low to medium heat, combine oil and flour. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk until the roux turns a deep chocolate brown (about 20-30 minutes). Don’t walk away — burning it means starting over.
7. Build the Base
Add chopped onions, bell pepper, and celery to the roux. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
8. Add Broth & Seasonings
Slowly stir in chicken broth or water. Season with Ragin Cajun seasoning, black pepper, Badia Complete, and gumbo file. Bring to a rolling simmer.
9. Stew the Chicken & Sausage
Return seared chicken thighs and sausage to the pot. Cover with lid and let simmer on low for about 1 hour, until chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender.
10. Add Seafood & Ramen
Stir in the seasoned shrimp and crab legs. Cook for 3-5 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque. Stir in ramen noodles and cook for 4 minutes or until tender.
11. Serve
Remove chicken thighs and debone them. In each bowl, layer cooked ramen, gumbo broth, shrimp, sausage, crab legs, and shredded chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Image Source Instagram: @theonealsway
About the Chef/Creator
This recipe is brought to you by Michael J. O’Neal, the creative force behind The Oneal’s Way. With over 1 million followers on Instagram, Michael is known for his incredible fusion recipes that bring soul food classics to life with a modern twist. His vibrant, down-to-earth cooking style resonates deeply with home cooks who love comfort food done right.
Follow more of his delicious creations on Instagram: @theonealsway
For collaborations or business inquiries, contact him at theonealsway@gmail.com.