want to listen to the recipe ?
Imagine a big pot of steaming, spicy goodness. That’s Shrimp Jambalaya, a classic Cajun dish. This one-pot rice dish features shrimp, sausage, and vegetables, all cooked together with special spices. You can find this dish at gatherings and family meals all over Louisiana. Let’s explore the history, ingredients, and cooking steps of this amazing dish.
A Quick Trip to Louisiana: The Story of Jambalaya
Jambalaya comes from Louisiana, a state with a rich history and diverse culture. It blends Spanish, French, and West African cooking traditions. There are two main types of jambalaya: Creole and Cajun. Creole jambalaya, also known as red jambalaya, is from New Orleans and includes tomatoes. Cajun jambalaya, or brown jambalaya, is popular in other parts of Louisiana and does not have tomatoes.
The Flavor Makers: What Goes into Shrimp Jambalaya
Here are the ingredients you need to make Shrimp Jambalaya:
- Shrimp: Use 1 1/2 lbs. fresh, peeled, and deveined raw shrimp for the best flavor.
- Andouille Sausage: 8 oz. thinly sliced andouille sausage adds a smoky and spicy kick. You can also use a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
- The “Holy Trinity”: This Cajun cooking staple consists of:
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
- 2 large (or 3 small) bell peppers in various colors
- Mushrooms: 8 oz. sliced baby bella mushrooms add an extra layer of flavor.
- Rice: Use 1 1/2 cups of long-grain white rice for a firm and fluffy texture.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Use one 14-oz can for Creole-style jambalaya.
- Broth: 3 cups of low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth will form the base of the dish. You can also use shrimp stock made with shrimp shells or clam juice.
- Seasonings: Jambalaya gets its unique flavor from:
- 2 Tbsp. Cajun or Creole seasoning
- 1 tsp. dried thyme
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (adjust for desired spice level)
- 1 bay leaf
- Other:
- 4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
[woo_product_slider id=”3030″]
Cooking Up a Cajun Feast: Step-by-Step Shrimp Jambalaya
Now let’s make Shrimp Jambalaya:
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry and season them with salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat oil in a large pot and cook the sausage until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp in the same pot until they turn pink. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the “Holy Trinity”: Add more oil to the pot. Cook the onions, celery, and bell peppers until they soften. Add garlic, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Toast the Rice: Stir in the rice and cook for a few minutes until lightly toasted.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, broth, and remaining seasonings. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until the rice is almost done.
- Combine Everything: Add the sausage and shrimp back to the pot. Stir gently.
- Final Touches: Cook for a few more minutes until the shrimp is cooked through and the flavors meld. Remove the bay leaf.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Shrimp Jambalaya warm. You can garnish it with chopped parsley or green onions, olives, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Shrimp Jambalaya
Description
Shrimp Jambalaya is a hearty and flavorful one-pot dish from Louisiana, combining shrimp, rice, vegetables, and Cajun spices. It’s a comforting meal perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day.
Ingredients
For the Jambalaya:
For Garnish:
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp 🦐
Season shrimp lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning. - Brown the Sausage (Optional)
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add andouille sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside. - Sauté the Vegetables 🧄🌶️
In the same pot, add onions, bell peppers, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. - Add Spices and Rice 🍚
Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and rice. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, to toast the rice and bloom the spices. - Simmer the Jambalaya
Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender. - Cook the Shrimp 🦐
Add the shrimp (and browned sausage if using) to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. - Adjust Seasoning
Remove the bay leaf and taste the jambalaya. Adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed. - Serve 🍽️
Spoon the jambalaya into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions and parsley.
Notes
- -For an authentic touch, use Louisiana andouille sausage and Gulf shrimp.
-Add a splash of hot sauce for more heat.
-Jambalaya can also be made with chicken or a mix of proteins.
Trying Different Flavors
Creole and Cajun jambalaya differ in a few ways. Creole jambalaya is red because it uses tomatoes. Cajun jambalaya is brown because it does not use tomatoes and the meat is browned. You can also try other variations:
- Vegetarian: Omit shrimp and use plant-based sausage. Add chickpeas for protein.
- Vegan: Use vegetable broth and omit shrimp and sausage.
- Chicken or Seafood: Replace shrimp with chicken or another seafood.
A Complete Cajun Meal: What to Serve with Jambalaya
Shrimp Jambalaya is delicious on its own. But you can pair it with:
- Cornbread: The sweetness of cornbread complements the spicy jambalaya.
- Collard Greens: A traditional Southern side dish that adds a healthy touch.
- Salads: A simple green salad or potato salad adds freshness.
- Iced Tea: The perfect refreshing beverage to go with a spicy meal.
Saving the Flavor: Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftover jambalaya in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm it up on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if needed.
- Freeze: You can freeze jambalaya, but the rice and shrimp texture might change. Freeze the dish without rice and shrimp, and add them when reheating.
A Taste of Louisiana You Can Make at Home
Shrimp Jambalaya is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings the taste of Louisiana to your kitchen. With simple steps and creative variations, you can enjoy this Cajun classic any night of the week.