Knowing How to Make a Roux for gumbo that's dark and packed with Cajun flavor is actually easier than you'd think. By simply whisking together some all purpose flour with butter or oil, you'll have a roux ready to use in just 30 minutes.
Place a saucepan, skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat.
Add ½ cup of butter or oil. If using butter, let it melt completely and wait for it to start sizzling slightly.
½ cup butter
Sprinkle in ½ cup of flour and begin stirring immediately. Keep stirring constantly to prevent it from burning. (This stage is known as a white roux and is great to use as a thickener for soups and sauces.)
½ cup flour
The roux will start to thin out slightly after a few minutes and you can slow down how often you’re stirring it. After 3-5 minutes you will have what’s called a blonde roux. (This can be used to make creamy and lightly-colored sauces such as a bechamel or a sausage gravy.)
To get a darker colored roux continue cooking it for another 5-25 minutes. After 10-15 minutes of cooking you will have a light brown roux.
Continue cooking for a total of 25-30 minutes, to get a dark brown roux. (This is perfect for a homemade gumbo recipe!)
Store any leftover roux in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month.
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Notes
Butter: Feel free to use salted or unsalted butter.
Substitutes: Be careful if using a gluten-free substitute as these do not thicken up as easily as regular flour.
To Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
To Freeze: Seal in a freezer-safe airtight container in small increments for up to 1 year.