Wooden Table texture
Hands Holding a Dish of Louisiana Seafood Gumbo

Everything You Need to Know About Louisiana Gumbo

When you think of Louisiana cuisine, you might conjure images of hearty bowls of gumbo laden with rice, savory meats and spices that embody Creole and Cajun cooking. This stew-like dish is one of the most common menu items in the state for good reason, and your gumbo experience will likely differ from restaurant to restaurant.


The base of gumbo is typically formed with roux, a mix of flour and fat (e.g. oil or butter), ground sassafras — called filé powder — and sometimes okra. The stock is then loaded with ingredients like the trinity of chopped onions, bell peppers and celery, tomatoes (though this is often debated), seasonings and proteins. Once all of the flavors meld in the pot, it’s served with a scoop of rice and maybe a sprinkling of green onions.


While some favor fowl and pork, seafood gumbo with shrimp, crab or crawfish speaks to Louisiana’s proximity to the Gulf and all of the bounty it provides. Chicken and sausage is a popular combination, but you can find countless variations, preparations and regional specialties across the state. One example is gumbo z’herbes, a meatless style made with greens like kale, collards and mustard greens. 


History of Louisiana Gumbo


This tasty meal made its first official appearance at a gubernatorial reception in 1803, though Louisianians were serving up gumbo long before that. In fact, gumbo has evolved over the centuries through the various peoples and cultures of the state, including West Africans, Creoles and Cajuns, with each influence adding another layer of flavor. In 2004, gumbo became the official state cuisine of Louisiana. 
 

Try Gumbo At Home

Check out these recipes and get ready to feed your soul.
 

How to Make Seafood Gumbo

Filled with Louisiana crab, shrimp and oysters galore, you won't want to miss trying seafood gumbo. View detailed recipe here

How to Make a Roux

How will you take your roux – light, medium or dark? A roux is the foundation of a good gumbo and etouffee. 

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

If you love Louisiana cooking and Cajun cuisine, try this authentic Chicken and Sausage Gumbo recipe. View detailed recipe here.

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Where to Try Gumbo in Louisiana

While there are many excellent restaurants that serve gumbo throughout Louisiana, here’s a few we’d like to suggest: Pat’s of Henderson in Lake Charles serves up award-winning seafood gumbo with crawfish, crab and shrimp, while locals rave about The Gumbo Shop in New Orleans and its chicken-and-andouille offering. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant is another Big Easy treasure that’s known for sumptuous Creole gumbo. And don’t miss the rich, smoked-duck gumbo that makes a limited-time appearance on the menu during cooler months (typically starting in October) at Marilynn’s Place in Shreveport.

 

Explore the gallery below to find gumbo and more Louisiana culinary delights.