What is the difference between gumbo and jambalaya? Both are classic dishes made famous in Louisiana, and while similar, they vary mostly in the use of rice. Learn which is which.

A question I receive often here at Chili Pepper Madness is, "What is the Difference Between Gumbo and Jambalaya?"
Both are classic dishes from Louisiana, but gumbo is more of a soup-stew often served with rice, while jambalaya is made with rice. The rice is the biggest difference.
When you see the dishes side by side, the difference is quite obvious. Jambalaya is characterized by the amount of rice, being primarily a bowl of heavily seasoned rice with meats and vegetables. Gumbo, on the other hand, has much more liquid and sometimes has no rice at all.
Both dishes are a mixture of techniques from different cultures and cuisines resulting from heavy immigration to the area, perfect examples of multicultural cuisine, with influences such as French cuisine, Native American, Spanish, Italian, West African and more.
There are many common ingredients between the two dishes, but the results are rather different from each other. Learn more about these iconic dishes from the American south.
What is Gumbo?
Gumbo is the official state cuisine of Louisiana, essentially a stew made from stock that is thickened with a roux. It sometimes includes okra or filé powder (dried and ground sassafras leaves) as additional thickeners, and often includes proteins, such as meat or seafood.
If it is served with rice, the rice is cooked separately.
Roux plays an important role in thickening gumbo, a simple mixture of equal parts fat and flour that is stirred over heat until it turns anywhere from golden to a deep chocolate brown dark roux, developing gumbo's characteristic rich, immense flavor.
Okra is also a popular thickening ingredient. You can thicken gumbo without a roux using only okra, but a roux is more common. Filé powder is another, which is made by drying and grinding sassafras leaves into a powder, which can be stirred into the gumbo at serving. You can often find gumbo filé powder in Cajun stores or online.

You'll find different versions of gumbo made with different meats and vegetables, vegetarian versions like Gumbo Z'Herbes, and different colors of the roux as well as versions of Cajun Gumbo and Creole Gumbo.
Much depends on the cook preferences. Try this Seafood Gumbo Recipe, or my post on How to Make Gumbo: A Guide.

What is Jambalaya?
Jambalaya is a one-pot rice dish typically made with a combination of meats, vegetables and rice.
The recipe and techniques vary from region to region, with meats ranging from seafood like crawfish, oysters and shrimp to smoked sausage, chicken, turkey, wild boar, duck and even alligator, among others.
Cajun and Creole versions differ somewhat, particularly in their use of tomatoes, seasonings and meats, but all together it is a highly popular and hearty dish.
You'll find brown jambalaya and red jambalaya, with brown being more of a Cajun jambalaya made with Cajun seasonings and simpler ingredients, like this Cajun Chicken And Sausage Jambalaya, and red jambalaya, which is more Creole.
Creole jambalaya usually includes tomato and Creole seasonings, among other differences.
Jambalaya is comparable to dishes like Spanish Paella, African Jollof Rice or Arroz con Pollo, made with more local ingredients and seasonings.
Check out my Jambalaya Recipe or my crockpot jambalaya recipe to make it for yourself.

While both recipes incorporate many similar ingredients, such as the Cajun Holy Trinity of vegetables of celery, onions and bell peppers, andouille sausage (smoked pork sausage), and either Cajun or Creole seasonings, they are quite different in overall flavor and texture.
Relevant Links
I personally LOVE both gumbo and jambalaya, and make them different ways depending on who I'm cooking for and what I have on hand. It really depends on what I'm in the mood for. I love that I can include whatever meats and vegetables I prefer, and that I can spice up the dish as much as I want to.
Either is ideal for larger groups or bringing to a party situation or gathering.
Please let me know if you have any questions. I'm happy to help! -- Mike H.
Matt - Thyme With Dad says
Mike,
I've recently found your page during my own beginning as a Food Blogger. You put out some seriously great content, and it inspires me to stay at it. Jambalaya is one of my all time favorites and even as a former cook, I've often asked myself that same question, of what is the difference between a Gumbo and Jambalaya. Can't wait to read your recipe and give them both a shot!
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Matt. I appreciate it, and hope find many recipes you enjoy here. Cheers!
Eddie says
Hey Mike, loved the article. Though I'm not from the south I'm really into basically everything associated with it - especially the food. Could you elaborate the difference between creole and cajun for me since I've come across these words alot and don't know what to make of them.
Thanks,
Eddie
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Hey, Eddie. One could probably write an entire book on what is Cajun vs. Creole, and I would love to hear from some of our other readers here. From my understanding, "Cajun" is more associated with more rustic cooking off the land, which would be anything from fish to pigs, lizards and frogs, where "Creole" is more a more refined version with more technique and ingredients. Chef Emeril Lagasse probably said it best when he said, "Creole is a grand style of cuisine with delicate blends, sauces, and distinct courses. Cajuns use ingredients from the land, including fish, shellfish, ducks, frogs and nutria. But of course there's crossover, mostly seen in dishes with rice such as gumbo and jambalaya."
Lavina says
FANTASTIC article Mike! Super informative and helpful. Looking forward to checking out the gumbo recipes you've linked to above!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Lavina! I get this question all the time for some reason! =)
Jérémie says
Great article, Mike! Jambalaya is an old friend of mine: the 1st cajun recipe I made... but I’m deeply in love with gumbo too!!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Yes! Such great dishes. I love them both.