Vegan Jambalaya Recipe (Gluten Free) (2024)

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Medically reviewed by Abbey Sharp, Registered Dietitian (RD), BASc.

This gluten free and vegan jambalaya recipe is inspired by the classic cajun-creole comfort dish and is the perfect way to spice up dinner for the family.

Vegan Jambalaya Recipe (Gluten Free) (1)

There is nothing that screams comfort food like a savory bowl of homemade jambalaya. The way that all of the meat, seafood, rice, and seasonings blend together to create the most delicious dish is something you can’t beat! Don’t get me wrong – I love traditional jambalaya. However, as I’m trying to eat more plant-based meals, I was inspired to make this vegan jambalaya recipe that everyone can enjoy.

Table of contents

  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Key Ingredients
  • How To Make This Recipe
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipe FAQs
  • More Recipes You May Like

Why This Recipe Works

Whether you’re looking for a new meal to add to your weekly rotation at home or entertaining friends, this vegan jambalaya recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Traditional jambalaya is typically already gluten-free, which is a win for those with dietary restrictions but here are a few more reasons why we are lovin’ this recipe right now

  • Vegan & high in plant-based protein (~12 grams per serving)
  • Easy to make – only 5 simple steps!
  • Budget-friendly
  • The perfect meal prep dish

Key Ingredients

Vegan Jambalaya Recipe (Gluten Free) (2)

Spicy Vegan Sausage – it’s not jambalaya without sausage! Many people don’t realize that vegan sausage can contain almost as much protein as regular sausage. This brand has 16 grams of protein per link! It’s typically made with pea protein + seasonings.

Kidney Beans – Kidney beans are another great addition to add some plant-based protein and fiber to the mix.

Cajun or Creole Seasoning – This seasoning is vital in making this dish taste just like traditional jambalaya. You can totally make your own cajun seasoning or you can buy it from any local grocery store!

Uncooked Rice – What makes this recipe even easier to make is that the rice will cook itself while simmering with the other ingredients. Meaning less dishes and mess to clean up!

How To Make This Recipe

Vegan Jambalaya Recipe (Gluten Free) (3)

Step 1: Sautee onion, garlic, bell peppers, and celery until soft. Stir in crushed tomatoes and add seasonings – tamari, cajun seasoning, thyme, cayenne pepper, thyme, salt, and pepper. Then, stir in vegan sausage.

Step 2: Add the uncooked rice and veggie broth. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer for 20-25 minutes or until liquid is fully absorbed and rice is fully cooked.

Step 3: Add kidney beans and stir to combine. Cook for an extra 1-2 minutes.

Expert Tips

You can use any type of rice you like in this recipe – I recommend trying this vegan jambalaya using brown rice for some extra added fiber and micronutrients.

If you need to ensure this recipe stays gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions, make sure to check the nutrition label on packaged ingredients.

Customize your spice! In the recipe card, we measured out 2 tbsp on cajun/creole seasoning, but feel free to adjust based on preferences!

Vegan Jambalaya Recipe (Gluten Free) (4)

Recipe FAQs

How do I meal prep this recipe?

This vegan jambalaya recipe is the perfect meal prep dish to pull from throughout the week. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and use within 3-4 days.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Surprisingly, yes!! This recipe stays good in the freezer for up to 6 months. When ready to eat, place in the fridge the night before then microwave when ready.

What makes this recipe vegan compared to traditional jambalaya?

Traditional jambalaya typically contains andouille sausage, shrimp, and/or chicken. In this recipe we added our own vegan sausage + kidney beans for plant-based protein.

More Recipes You May Like

Feeling inspired after making this delicious vegan jambalaya? Check out some of my favorite vegan and gluten-free lunch/dinner recipes below!

  • VEGAN BURRITO BOWL WITH SPAGHETTI SQUASH (GLUTEN FREE)

Have you tried thisgluten-free & vegan jambalaya recipe? What are some of your other favorite cajun/creole recipes? Leave me a comment below with your thoughts!

Vegan Jambalaya Recipe (Gluten Free) (5)

Vegan Jambalaya Recipe (Gluten Free)

This gluten free and vegan jambalaya recipe is inspired by the classic cajun-creole comfort dish and is the perfect way to spice up dinner for the family.

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American, Cajun, Creole

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan

Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 244kcal

Author: Abbey Sharp

Ingredients

Vegan Jambalaya

  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 pack spicy vegan sausage diced
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup kidney beans
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tbsp cajun or creole seasoning
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • salt and pepper

Garnish

  • sliced green onion
  • parsley

Instructions

  • Add oil to skillet or large pot. Sautee the onion, garlic, bell peppers and celeryuntil soft. (about 5 minutes).

  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes and add seasonings –tamari, cajun seasoning, thyme, cayenne pepper, thyme, salt, and pepper.

  • Stir in the vegan sausage.

  • Add in the uncooked rice and veggie broth. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Let simmer for 20-25 minutes or untilliquid is fully absorbed and rice is fully cooked.

  • Add kidney beans and stir to combine. Cook for an extra 1-2 minutes.

  • Serve with sliced green onion and parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 786mg | Potassium: 663mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2343IU | Vitamin C: 50mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 4mg

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @AbbeysKitchen or tag #abbeyskitchen!

Vegan Jambalaya Recipe (Gluten Free) (6)

Abbey Sharp

Abbey Sharpis a Registered Dietitian (RD), regulated by theOntario College of Dietitians. She is a mom,YouTuber,Blogger,award winningcookbook author,media coachspecializing in food and nutrition influencers, and a frequent contributor to national publications likeHealthlineand on national broadcastTV shows.

About Abbey Sharp

Abbey Sharpis a Registered Dietitian (RD), regulated by theOntario College of Dietitians. She is a mom,YouTuber,Blogger,award winningcookbook author,media coachspecializing in food and nutrition influencers, and a frequent contributor to national publications likeHealthlineand on national broadcastTV shows.

Vegan Jambalaya Recipe (Gluten Free) (7)

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Vegan Jambalaya Recipe (Gluten Free) (2024)

FAQs

Does Jambalaya contain gluten? ›

The traditional Jambalaya is not gluten free since it includes a roux of flour and fat. However, this version is gluten free since I do not use a roux. The rest of the typical ingredients are gluten free. However, I always make sure to use gluten free spices and sausages when cooking any meal.

Is Zatarain's Jambalaya vegan? ›

I was so excited to find that Zatarain's Jambalaya Mix is vegan and believe me- anything but boring. It's so easy to make with directions right on the box. I added Beyond Meat Plant Based Sausage to it and OH MY-is this vegan!?

What's the difference between gumbo and Jambalaya? ›

Gumbo is really a soup or stew that's often served over a little rice, while jambalaya is made with the rice cooked into the dish, making the grain an integral part of it. In gumbo, there should be more liquid than rice, while jambalaya should not be liquid-y or mushy. "Jambalaya is a way to cook rice.

How do you make Zatarain's Jambalaya not so spicy? ›

Zatarain's makes a mild variety of our Jambalaya Mix, but it's easy to reduce the spice level of any Jambalaya mix by replacing half (or more or less) of the mix with white rice before preparing.

Does Zatarain's jambalaya have gluten? ›

Bring a little New Orleans flavor into your life with Zatarain's Jambalaya Mix. Now certified gluten-free, you can use this mix to whip up a fast and easy meal with confidence. Check out the nearly 20 other gluten-free rice mixes by Zatarain's, including Spanish Rice, Dirty Brown Rice, and Carribean Rice.

Does Zatarain's rice have gluten? ›

Zatarain's Spanish Rice is gluten-free and the company uses a gluten-free label on the front of the package. However, it is not a certified gluten-free product and it is not manufactured in a gluten-free factory, so there is a chance of cross-contamination.

Does Zatarain's seasoning have gluten? ›

Q: Gluten free? Zatarain's Blackened Seasoning does not contain gluten.

Is Zatarain's Gumbo Mix gluten-free? ›

Zatarain's New Orleans Style Gumbo Base does contain gluten.

Which Zatarain's are vegan? ›

Don't be fooled by the meaty name, they're guaranteed vegan: Black-eyed Peas and Rice Mix, Black Beans and Rice Mix, Brown Rice Jambalaya Mix, Dirty Rice Mix, Dirty Brown Rice Mix, Red Beans and Rice Mix, Spanish Rice Mix, White Beans and Rice Mix, Red Bean Seasoning Mix, Creole Seasoning, Blackened Seasoning, ...

What type of rice is best for jambalaya? ›

One of the biggest complaints when making jambalaya is that the rice ends up mushy. And there's two main culprits of this – choosing the wrong type of rice and over-stirring. For this recipe, you want long-grain white rice, like basmati or jasmine. Don't use short-grain rice.

What is the thickening agent for jambalaya? ›

Most jambalaya recipes don't call for thickeners like roux or okra, though some people use cornstarch as a thickener if the dish needs it. Most of all, the role of rice distinguishes gumbo and jambalaya. You serve rice in gumbo, but the rice cooks in a separate pot.

What is the secret to a good jambalaya? ›

Use the Right Ingredients: Authentic jambalaya typically includes ingredients like andouille sausage, chicken, shrimp, bell peppers, onions, celery, and tomatoes. Use these traditional ingredients for the best flavor. Season Liberally: Cajun and Creole seasoning blends are essential for flavoring jambalaya.

Who puts tomatoes in jambalaya? ›

For the protein, chicken, andouille (or other pork sausages), and shrimp or crawfish are all fair game. Creole jambalaya includes tomatoes—possibly a sub for paella's saffron (a once out-of-reach ingredient for southern Louisianans).

Why is my rice mushy in jambalaya? ›

Too much stirring can cause mushy rice as it releases starch. Don't be tempted to stir too much. Also, overcooking rice can lead to mushy rice. You want the water to be mostly absorbed, then remove it from the heat and let it steam to make the perfectly sauced rice.

Is Louisiana Cajun jambalaya mix gluten-free? ›

Is it Gluten Free? Yes!

What Creole food is gluten-free? ›

Some Creole meals that may be GF (but ask) are red beans and rice, shrimp and grits, jambalaya. Shrimp with remoulade. Maybe chargrilled oysters. Meals from the Heart show GF crab cakes.

What is jambalaya made of? ›

jambalaya, a savory dish, popularly associated with the U.S. state of Louisiana, consisting of meat (pork, chicken, or even rabbit), seafood (shrimp, crab, crawfish), or both (often including andouille either way) and cooked with vegetables, stock, rice, and various seasonings.

Why is gumbo not gluten-free? ›

Good gumbo is hard to find for my friend with a wheat allergy. The wheat flour roux is the key ingredient for any gumbo. After experimenting with a few gluten-free alternatives, I find that a light brown millet flour roux thickens the gumbo and gives an excellent taste nearly equal to wheat flour.

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