I'm not joking when I say that this is the Best Vegetarian Instant Pot Gumbo Recipe! It tastes so much like the Disneyland Vegetarian gumbo recipe and is simple to make! This tasty dish is about to be your new favorite vegetarian recipe.

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Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and Simple: This Vegetarian Gumbo cooks effortlessly in an Instant Pot.
- Rich and Flavorful: Packed with vegetables, herbs, and spices for a hearty, delicious meal.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Vegetarian Gumbo is a meat-free dish, perfect for vegetarians and health-conscious eaters.
🥘 Ingredients
- Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness to the dish.
- Bell Pepper: Adds a refreshing element to the recipe.
- Onion: Adds a savory and aromatic note that enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.
- Salted Butter: Enriches the gumbo, contributing to its velvety texture and enhancing the overall richness of the flavors.
- Minced Garlic: Adds depth and complexity, elevating the overall taste experience.
- Smoked Paprika: Infuses the gumbo with a distinct smoky flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used to create a roux, which helps thicken the gumbo.
- Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning: Enhance the overall taste and bring a touch of the Creole tradition to the dish.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy and savory element to the gumbo.
- Cayenne Powder: Adds a spicy kick and a vibrant heat that brings the dish to life.
- Frozen Sliced Okra: Holds up well during cooking and provides a delightful chewiness to the dish.
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes: Contribute a robust tomato flavor, balancing out the other ingredients and adding depth to the overall taste profile.
- Vegetable Broth or Vegetable Stock: Serves as the base of the gumbo, providing a flavorful liquid that brings all the ingredients together.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Creole Seasoning Substitutions
Creole seasoning is a great flavor for this Vegetarian Gumbo recipe. However, if you don't have any you can substitute it for any Cajun seasoning blend or make up your own creole seasoning.
To make your own creole seasoning simply mix an equal measure of the following:
- Paprika
- Dried Oregano
- Ground Black Pepper
- Dried Basil
- Kosher Salt
- Cayenne Pepper
- Granulated Onion
- Dried Thyme
- Granulated Garlic
Once made, you can store your creole seasoning in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
🔪 How To Make Vegetarian Instant Pot Gumbo?
Making gumbo doesn't have to be hard and this recipe proves just that! Follow the simple steps below!
Step One: Turn your Instant Pot onto sauté mode. Once it is hot add your oil and onions. Sauté until translucent for 3 to 5 minutes. Add to your onions your green bell pepper. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes. Add in your minced garlic. Sauté for one minute. Remove from your instant pot and set aside in a separate bowl.
Step Two: With your instant pot still on sauté, melt the butter. Once butter is melted, whisk in the flour to build your roux. If the roux is too thick, dough-like, add a splash of the broth to thin it out. If the roux is too thin, whisk in more flour teaspoon at a time. Roux should be a gravy-like consistency.
Step Three: Add to your roux your cooked vegetables that you set aside. Mix. Add your remaining ingredients, the creole seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, frozen okra, tomatoes, and broth. Set your Instant Pot to high pressure for 5 minutes.
Step Four: Once your Instant Pot is done cooking, do a quick release by releasing the valve. Serve while warm as is, or over a bed of rice! Enjoy!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- This is a great vegetarian recipe and hearty meal that you can whip up in no time. Be sure quick release the recipe once rather than natural release.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. You can really enjoy this recipe. It has a great plant based protein and is one to add to your recipes notes!
💭 FAQs
Gumbo is a thick stew that typically contains meat or seafood, vegetables, and a roux-based broth. Jambalaya, on the other hand, is more of a rice dish with meat or seafood and vegetables mixed in.
Worcestershire Sauce is a popular addition to a lot of recipes - even if you can't say the name! It's made with vinegar and a handful of other ingredients and is often added to seasonings and main dishes to help enhance the flavor.
If you want to add parmesan cheese on top, that is always a great choice. Fresh cilantro and chives are good, too! You can also garnish your Vegetarian Gumbo with fresh thyme or chopped parsley.
Wondering how long vegan gumbo will stay fresh in the fridge? It will last about 3-4 days if stored properly in an airtight container. You can also freeze creole gumbo. To freeze, cool completely. Ladle into freezer containers, leaving ½-inch headspace. Freeze up to 6 months.
🧂Serving Suggestions
Here are my favorite sides to serve with Vegetarian Instant Pot Gumbo Recipe:
- Rice and Bread: Serve this vegetarian gumbo over white or Brown Rice or with some Cheesy Bread for dipping.
- Greens: Vegetarian gumbo goes well with a delicious with a side of Collard Greens or Cornbread.
- Potato Salad: Offering a creamy and tangy contrast, Potato Salad is a refreshing side that pairs well with the hearty flavors of gumbo.
- Hush Puppies: These Deep Fried Cornmeal Balls are a delightful crunchy accompaniment to the soft texture of gumbo, absorbing its sauce delightfully.
- Hot Sauce: Be sure to top it off with some green onion and hot sauce for the perfect finishing touches!
🍽 Related Recipes
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Vegetarian Instant Pot Gumbo
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Bell Pepper Diced
- 1 Onion Diced
- 1 ½ tablespoon Minced Garlic
- ½ Stick Butter
- ½ Cup All Purpose Flour
- 2 tablespoon Creole Seasoning
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tablespoon Cayenne Powder
- 10 Oz Okra frozen and sliced
- 14 Can Crushed Tomatoes
- 4 Cups Vegetable Broth
Instructions
- Turn your instant pot onto sauté mode. Once it is hot add your oil and onions. Sauté until translucent for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add to your onions your bell pepper. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add in your minced garlic. Sauté for one minute.
- Remove from your instant pot and set aside in a separate bowl.
- With your instant pot still on sauté, melt the butter. Once butter is melted, whisk in the flour to build your roux. If the roux is too thick, dough-like, add a splash of the broth to thin it out. If the roux is too thin, whisk in more flour teaspoon at a time. Roux should be a gravy-like consistency.
- Add to your roux your cooked vegetables that you set aside. Mix.
- Add your creole seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, frozen okra, tomatoes, and broth. Set your instant pot to high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once your instant pot is done cooking, do a quick release by releasing the valve.
- Serve while warm as is, or over a bed of rice! Enjoy!