Indulge in the bold flavors of Spicy Shrimp & Sausage Jambalaya! This mouthwatering dish combines succulent shrimp and smoky sausage with a delightful mix of spices and veggies. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive gathering. Discover how easy it is to whip up this tasty recipe in just 45 minutes!
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
1 cup long grain rice
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
4 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
![- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds - 1 cup long grain rice - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 4 cups chicken broth - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 bay leaf - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh shrimp gives the best flavor and texture. I always choose shrimp that’s bright pink and firm. Frozen shrimp works too, but thaw it safely in the fridge overnight. For sausage, I prefer smoked or Cajun sausage. Both add great depth to the dish. Cajun seasoning is a key flavor in jambalaya. It usually blends paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs. This adds a nice kick to your meal. Dried thyme and paprika enhance the taste too. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can mix your own or use a store-bought blend. Use a Dutch oven or a large pot for even cooking. A good knife and a cutting board are key for prep. Measuring cups help keep your ingredients right. Always wash your hands after handling raw shrimp. This keeps your kitchen safe and clean. First, gather all your ingredients. Chop the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Measure out the rice and spices. This step helps you cook faster. Keep your workspace clean to avoid mess. When handling raw shrimp, wash your hands. Use a separate cutting board for the shrimp. This will prevent cross-contamination. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for about five minutes. The sausage should turn golden brown. Remove the sausage and set it aside. Next, add the chopped vegetables to the pot. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes until the onion is soft. Now, stir in the rice. Toasting it for two minutes adds flavor. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings. Bring everything to a boil, then cover and reduce heat. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the rice absorbs most of the liquid. Now, add the shrimp. Fold them gently into the pot. Cover again and cook for another 5-7 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. This means they are perfectly cooked. Once the shrimp are ready, remove the bay leaf. Taste your jambalaya and adjust the salt and pepper. Stir in fresh parsley for color. For serving, use deep bowls. Top with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. This adds a nice visual touch and flavor. For the full recipe, check out the previous sections. - For a great jambalaya, make sure your rice is not too wet. - Use long-grain rice for a light, fluffy texture. - Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch. - Avoid mushy rice by not stirring too much during cooking. - Cook shrimp until they turn pink; this takes about 5 minutes. - If you like spice, add cayenne pepper to the sausage mix. - For milder jambalaya, use less Cajun seasoning or omit it. - Fresh shrimp have the best taste, so buy them from local markets. - Look for shrimp that smell sweet, not fishy. - Quality sausage adds great flavor; choose smoked or Andouille sausage. - Visit farmers' markets for fresh produce like bell peppers and onions. - Supermarkets can have good options, but local shops often have better quality. - Marinate shrimp in lemon juice and garlic for 15 minutes before cooking. - Add bell peppers, okra, or corn for extra flavor and texture. - Homemade chicken broth gives a richer taste than store-bought. - Try using beer instead of broth for a unique twist. - Adjust the cooking time based on any added vegetables or meats. For the full recipe, check out the Spicy Shrimp & Sausage Jambalaya section. {{image_4}} You can swap shrimp for many other proteins. Chicken works great in jambalaya. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces. Cook it longer than shrimp, about 10-15 minutes, until it is no longer pink. If you prefer a meatless dish, tofu is a tasty option. Use firm tofu and cube it. Sauté it for a few minutes before adding it to the jambalaya. For seafood lovers, try scallops or crab for a fun twist. Just remember to adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking. Want more heat? You can add cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce. Mix in extra spices, too, like crushed red pepper flakes. For a fresh taste, add herbs like basil or oregano. Swap out the Cajun seasoning if you want a different flavor profile. You can use Creole seasoning or even a mix of paprika and garlic powder. Each region has its own spin on jambalaya, so feel free to experiment! Making jambalaya gluten-free is simple. Just choose gluten-free sausage or skip it altogether. For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and omit any meat. Replace shrimp with extra veggies or tofu. You can also make low-calorie jambalaya by using less oil and more veggies. Cut down on sausage and shrimp portions, too. This keeps the dish flavorful but light! Storing leftover jambalaya is easy. First, let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If it smells sour or looks off, it’s best to toss it. When reheating, use the stove or microwave. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist. To freeze jambalaya, portion it into smaller containers. Make sure they are freezer-safe. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, take a portion out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For quick reheating, use the microwave or stovetop. Remember, shrimp can become rubbery if frozen too long, so enjoy sooner rather than later. Batch cooking jambalaya is a smart move. Make a large pot and divide it into portions. Store them in the fridge or freezer. This way, you have meals ready to go. Pair jambalaya with a simple salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon can brighten the dish. This adds flavor and makes it feel fresh. What is the difference between jambalaya and gumbo? Jambalaya is a rice dish that is cooked all together. Gumbo is a soup that serves over rice. Both are flavorful but differ in texture and cooking method. Can I make jambalaya in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Just brown the sausage and sauté the veggies first. Then, add everything to the slow cooker with the rice. Cook on low for about 4 hours. What side dishes pair well with jambalaya? Some great sides include cornbread, a simple green salad, or coleslaw. These add a nice contrast to the spicy jambalaya. Can I omit the sausage for a lighter dish? Absolutely! You can skip the sausage. Use extra shrimp or add more veggies for flavor. What is the origin of jambalaya? Jambalaya comes from Louisiana, influenced by Spanish and French cooking. It is a dish that reflects the region’s rich culture and flavors. How spicy is the dish typically? The spice level can vary. With Cajun seasoning, it has a good kick. You can adjust spices to your taste. How can I make jambalaya less spicy? Try using mild sausage and less Cajun seasoning. You can also add a little sugar to balance the heat. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. Increase the liquid and cooking time for best results. What are some good topping suggestions? Chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or a squeeze of lemon work great. They add freshness and flavor to each bowl. For the complete recipe of Spicy Shrimp & Sausage Jambalaya, check the [Full Recipe]. Spicy Shrimp & Sausage Jambalaya is a flavorful dish that you can easily master. Fresh ingredients and proper cooking techniques are key. Remember to choose your spices wisely and keep safety in mind. You can customize this dish to fit your taste and dietary needs. Store leftovers well for later enjoyment. With a little practice, you will create an unforgettable jambalaya. Now, it’s time to get cooking and enjoy a taste of Louisiana at home!](https://lazychefmagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/f69d0e4b-ce2d-4ccc-b5d5-56db61371574-250x250.webp)