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Keto Gumbo

Dom Lorenzo
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This Keto Gumbo Recipe is hands-down the best low-carb version of Louisiana’s official state dish. It has the same bold flavors, minus the gluten and carb-heavy ingredients.

Instead of using a wheat-based roux used in traditional gumbo recipes, we have opted for a simple pantry staple — almond flour roux. And, we also use okra to naturally thicken the gumbo.

Aside from these small tweaks, this gumbo stays true to tradition. You’ll find the classic 'holy trinity' of celery, onion, and bell pepper, paired with the unbeatable combo of andouille sausage, plump shrimp, and tender chicken.

Needless to say, this simple, healthy, one-pot recipe is pure Southern comfort, reimagined for your keto lifestyle.

Keto gumbo served in a gray bowl.
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Preparation and cooking overview

To make cleanup and cooking a breeze, we’ll whip up this low-carb gumbo entirely in one pot. Simply sauté the holy trinity of veggies, brown the meats, and simmer everything with spices and okra for a flavorful, thickened broth. In just 50 minutes, you’ll have a soul-warming dish ready to serve at your dinner table!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 6 Servings

Chef's note

In our keto gumbo, we skip the traditional roux and use almond flour to achieve that thick, hearty texture. But if you’re allergic to nuts or prefer to skip them, we’ve got you covered with another easy option—pureed cauliflower.

Just simmer cauliflower florets (medium head) right in the pot, remove them when tender, blend with about a quarter cup of broth, and stir it back in. Trust us, this simple swap takes your gumbo to the next level!

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Ingredients for this Keto Gumbo Recipe

Here’s everything we’ll need to create a warm, flavorful pot of keto gumbo at home:

  • 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
  • 1 pound chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup okra, sliced
  • 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, no added sugar
  • 2 tablespoons almond flour, for thickening
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Ingredient Substitutions

We know everyone’s pantry looks a little different, so here are some easy swaps to make this keto gumbo fit your needs:

  • Andouille sausage: Can’t find andouille? Don't worry, Spanish chorizo works wonders too. The deep flavor and taste suit the flavor profile of the gumbo.
  • Canned tomato: If canned goods aren’t your thing or you can’t find a sugar-free option, simply dice about 15 ounces of fresh tomatoes and use those instead.

Additional Ingredients

  • Hot sauce: Add a dash of hot sauce to the broth when it's simmering for a tangy, spicy punch.

Cooking Tools Required

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle
  • Mixing bowl

How to Make Keto Gumbo: Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Methods

  • Sautéing
  • Simmering

Preparation Steps

  1. Gather and measure all the ingredients.
  2. Slice the andouille sausage into round bite-sized pieces.
  3. Cut the chicken thighs into small, even chunks.
  4. Peel and devein the shrimp, then set them aside.
  5. Chop the bell peppers, celery, and onion into small, uniform pieces.
  6. Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
  7. Slice the okra into thin rounds.
  8. Open and drain the can of diced tomatoes, if needed.
  9. Chop the fresh parsley for garnish.

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
  3. Toss in the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
  4. Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and celery. Stir over high heat for 3-5 minutes until the onions are translucent.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  6. Sprinkle the almond flour over the vegetables to make a roux and stir for a minute.
  7. Add the tomatoes and stir for 3-5 minutes to let their juices combine with the flour.
  8. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring as you go to avoid lumps. Bring everything to a simmer.
  9. Add the sliced okra, bay leaves, and Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
  10. In the last 5 minutes, toss in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink.
  11. Season with salt, black pepper, and extra Cajun seasoning if needed.
  12. Serve hot in a bowl, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Chef's pro tip

When you're adding the chicken broth to the pot, make sure to pour it gradually while stirring continuously. Pouring the broth all at once can cause lumps with almond flour. Remember, a little patience goes a long way, especially in this recipe.

What to Serve with Keto Gumbo?

Keto gumbo is hearty on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are a few keto-friendly ideas:

  • Cauliflower Rice: Serve the gumbo with a plate of fluffy cauliflower rice to soak up every drop of that rich, flavorful broth. It’s the perfect low-carb swap for traditional white rice!
  • Keto Cornbread: Pair your gumbo with a slice of warm, buttery keto cornbread made with almond or coconut flour. It’s a comforting side that adds a classic Southern touch.

How to Make It Healthier

  • Use homemade chicken broth: Instead of using store-bought broth, prepare homemade broth by simmering chicken bones with veggies and herbs for a few hours, then strain.
  • Add more fiber: Toss in extra okra, zucchini, or spinach for more fiber and nutrients. But note that bell peppers are to be consumed in moderation in a keto diet.

What Can I Prepare Ahead of Time

Since this recipe has lots of ingredients, prepping ahead can save time and make cooking a breeze:

  • Chopped veggies: Dice the onion, celery, bell peppers, and slice the okra. Store them in airtight containers.
  • Deveined shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp, then pat them dry and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Chicken broth: Make your broth in advance and keep it in the fridge or freezer for easy access.

Time-Saving Tips

  • Opt for peeled and deveined shrimp: Purchase ready-to-cook shrimp to save time and effort.
  • Use a food processor: Quickly chop your veggies or mince garlic with a food processor to speed things up.
  • Use pre-cooked chicken: Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to reduce the cooking time.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover gumbo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Best Reheating Instructions

  • Stovetop: Reheat the leftover gumbo in a pot over medium heat until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Reheat individual servings in the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.

Recipe Wrap-Up and Conclusion

This Keto Gumbo is proof that comfort food can be both delicious and healthy! With its bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and low-carb twists, it’s a dish that satisfies cravings while supporting your lifestyle. Whether you’re prepping ahead, making it healthier, or adding your own touch, this recipe is versatile and perfect for any occasion. Gather the ingredients and give it a try! Who knows this boldly flavored stew might be your next favorite fall dish.

Frequently asked questions

Traditional gumbo isn’t usually keto-friendly because of the flour-based roux and high-carb ingredients like rice. However, this low-carb recipe is specially tailored for the keto diet, so you can enjoy all the flavor without the carbs!

Filé powder is a seasoning and thickener made from dried and ground sassafras leaves. It’s traditionally used in gumbo to add a unique, earthy flavor and slightly thicken the dish.

Filé powder is not always easy to find and can sometimes add unnecessary carbs. We opted for almond flour and okra as keto-friendly alternatives that are easier to source and keep the dish low-carb.

Absolutely! Gumbo tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Yes! Add extra cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or sliced jalapeños to kick up the heat. Adjust to your spice tolerance.

Yes, you can skip the okra and use another thickener like xanthan gum or stick with pureed cauliflower for a smooth texture.

📖 Recipe

Keto gumbo served in a gray bowl.

Keto Gumbo

Enjoy the rich flavors of this Keto Gumbo, a low-carb take on a classic Louisiana dish that’s perfect for any comfort food craving.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: cajun
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 526kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound andouille sausage sliced
  • 1 pound chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup okra sliced
  • 1 cup bell peppers chopped
  • 1 cup celery chopped
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium
  • 1 can diced tomatoes no added sugar
  • 2 tablespoons almond flour for thickening
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Gather and measure all the ingredients.
  • Slice the andouille sausage into round bite-sized pieces.
  • Cut the chicken thighs into small, even chunks.
  • Peel and devein the shrimp, then set them aside.
  • Chop the bell peppers, celery, and onion into small, uniform pieces.
  • Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
  • Slice the okra into thin rounds.
  • Open and drain the can of diced tomatoes, if needed.
  • Chop the fresh parsley for garnish.

Cooking Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add the sliced sausage and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
  • Toss in the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
  • Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and celery. Stir over high heat for 3-5 minutes until the onions are translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  • Sprinkle the almond flour over the vegetables to make a roux and stir for a minute.
  • Add the tomatoes and stir for 3-5 minutes to let their juices combine with the flour.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, stirring as you go to avoid lumps. Bring everything to a simmer.
  • Add the sliced okra, bay leaves, and Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
  • In the last 5 minutes, toss in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink.
  • Season with salt, black pepper, and extra Cajun seasoning if needed.
  • Serve hot in a bowl, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Gumbo
Amount Per Serving
Calories 526 Calories from Fat 360
% Daily Value*
Fat 40g62%
Saturated Fat 11g69%
Trans Fat 0.2g
Polyunsaturated Fat 7g
Monounsaturated Fat 18g
Cholesterol 139mg46%
Sodium 741mg32%
Potassium 839mg24%
Carbohydrates 11g4%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 31g62%
Vitamin A 2497IU50%
Vitamin C 43mg52%
Calcium 64mg6%
Iron 3mg17%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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