Learn how to make a delicious vegan gumbo with the same rich texture and complex flavors as the original.


Vegan Gumbo Recipe: How to Make Vegan Gumbo

Vegan gumbo is a variation of gumbo—a thick, flavorful stew from southern Louisiana—free from animal products like dairy or meat. There are many different styles of traditional [gumbo](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-gumbo); some of the most popular include sausage gumbo, seafood gumbo, and chicken gumbo, while New Orleans–style gumbo combines all three. Vegetarian [gumbo z'herbes](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/okra-gumbo-recipe-by-mashama-bailey), traditionally eaten during Lent, features a variety of leafy greens and herbs.

The roots of gumbo are in Africa, but ultimately it’s the culinary outcome of several intersecting cultures: broadly, African, Native American, and European. 

Outside of the core elements—a dark roux, okra, and the [holy trinity](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-with-the-cajun-holy-trinity)—your vegan gumbo should reflect your own tastes. Use what you have available to you, and create a harmonious, seasonal combination of greens and vegetables. Here’s what else to know before getting started:

1. __Find the right texture__. Gumbo is a roux-based soup that can range from thin to gravy-thick; traditional preparations often use both sliced okra and dark roux as binding agents. You can make a dark [roux](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-a-roux-step-by-step-guide) by whisking together flour and fat in a saucepan on the stovetop until very dark brown, about ten minutes. Some cooks use filé powder, made from ground sassafras leaves, to thicken stews, including gumbo. For a gluten-free roux, use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. 
2. __Add extra protein__. Gumbo doesn’t necessarily need to feature a protein—a combination of leafy, hearty vegetables is just as filling and delicious—but if you’d like, vegan sausage or cooked beans are both excellent additions. Use a bean that turns velvety soft when cooked, like [kidney beans](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/kidney-beans-guide) or red beans.
3. __Use fresh or frozen okra__. If you can’t find fresh [okra](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-with-okra), try the frozen section of most grocery stores, where it comes pre-sliced. Add frozen okra directly to the cooking liquid, rather than thawing first. 

Learn how to make a delicious vegan gumbo with the same rich texture and complex flavors as the original.


Vegan gumbo is a variation of gumbo—a thick, flavorful stew from southern Louisiana—free from animal products like dairy or meat. There are many different styles of traditional <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-gumbo' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-gumbo","linkCopy":"gumbo","category":null}'>gumbo</a>; some of the most popular include sausage gumbo, seafood gumbo, and chicken gumbo, while New Orleans–style gumbo combines all three. Vegetarian <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/okra-gumbo-recipe-by-mashama-bailey' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/okra-gumbo-recipe-by-mashama-bailey","linkCopy":"gumbo z\u0026#39;herbes","category":null}'>gumbo z&#39;herbes</a>, traditionally eaten during Lent, features a variety of leafy greens and herbs.The roots of gumbo are in Africa, but ultimately it’s the culinary outcome of several intersecting cultures: broadly, African, Native American, and European.

What Is Vegan Gumbo?

Outside of the core elements—a dark roux, okra, and the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-with-the-cajun-holy-trinity' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-with-the-cajun-holy-trinity","linkCopy":"holy trinity","category":null}'>holy trinity</a>—your vegan gumbo should reflect your own tastes. Use what you have available to you, and create a harmonious, seasonal combination of greens and vegetables. Here’s what else to know before getting started:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Find the right texture. Gumbo is a roux-based soup that can range from thin to gravy-thick; traditional preparations often use both sliced okra and dark roux as binding agents. You can make a dark <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-a-roux-step-by-step-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-a-roux-step-by-step-guide","linkCopy":"roux","category":null}'>roux</a> by whisking together flour and fat in a saucepan on the stovetop until very dark brown, about ten minutes. Some cooks use filé powder, made from ground sassafras leaves, to thicken stews, including gumbo. For a gluten-free roux, use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Add extra protein. Gumbo doesn’t necessarily need to feature a protein—a combination of leafy, hearty vegetables is just as filling and delicious—but if you’d like, vegan sausage or cooked beans are both excellent additions. Use a bean that turns velvety soft when cooked, like <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/kidney-beans-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/kidney-beans-guide","linkCopy":"kidney beans","category":null}'>kidney beans</a> or red beans. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Use fresh or frozen okra. If you can’t find fresh <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-with-okra' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-with-okra","linkCopy":"okra","category":null}'>okra</a>, try the frozen section of most grocery stores, where it comes pre-sliced. Add frozen okra directly to the cooking liquid, rather than thawing first. </li></ol>

3 Tips for Making Vegan Gumbo

Hearty Vegan Gumbo Recipe

Learn how to make a delicious vegan gumbo with the same rich texture and complex flavors as the original.