Jambalaya Recipe

If you’re looking for a recipe to enjoy during Mardi Gras, try this easy Jambalaya recipe.

It’s one of our favorite Creole dishes.

Also, check out these Mardi Gras food favorites from my recipe-creating friends!

Jambalaya Recipe

This easy jambalaya recipe can be made with your favorite protein. I’ve used salad shrimp and Andouille sausage. But, I know that many people enjoy adding chicken as well. 

Lots of people add more seafood than just shrimp. So, if you want a bit more variety, you can add cod, clams, crawfish, or even mussels.

And, of course, you can use whatever your favorite vegetarian proteins are as well. Firm tofu works well in this recipe as well.

This seafood recipe is popular during Mardi Gras so even if you can’t make it to New Orleans this year, you can recreate the theme at home by making this popular recipe.

What Rice is Best for Jambalaya?

This jambalaya recipe is usually made with long-grain white rice. If you try this recipe with shorter grain rice, it’s likely to turn out mushy.

In a pinch, you can make it with basmati rice. But, I really like the way it turns out with long grain rice.

What if I Can’t Find Andouille Sausage?

If you can’t find this in your area, you can substitute chorizo, kielbasa, or another type of smoked sausage.

But, Andouille is the traditional choice.

What is the Difference Between Gumbo and Jambalaya?

They are really quite similar but there is one major difference. In gumbo, you serve the rice separately and spoon the gumbo over the top. In jambalaya, the rice is cooked in the pot with the rest of the ingredients. 

What Gives Jambalaya its Flavor?

This easy jambalaya recipe contains onion, celery, bell pepper, and Cajun seasoning.

The specific seasoning blend usually contains cayenne pepper and thyme.

How Can I Make This Spicier?

This recipe is about average when it comes to its level of spiciness. 

If you like things that are hot and spicy, you can add more Cajun seasoning. And, you can also add jalapeno peppers along with the bell peppers.

Or, if you want it a bit more mild, use less of the seasoning.

Best Garnishes for Jambalaya

The most popular garnishes for this easy Cajun recipe are sliced green onions, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges. And, don’t forget to add salt and pepper.

If you’re looking for serving suggestions to go with this easy jambalaya recipe, here are a few things that work well for me.

• Cornbread
• Okra
• Cucumber and tomato salad
• Swiss chard
• Fresh garden salad
• Iced tea
• Fruit salad
• King Cake bites

Cajun Versus Creole Jambalaya Recipe

There are two basic types of this classic seafood entree. Traditional Cajun jambalaya uses chicken, pork sausage, and some type of game. It doesn’t include tomatoes which gives it the traditional brown color.

Creole jambalaya contains tomatoes and is more likely to include shrimp and other types of seafood rather than game. This recipe has more of a red or orange color from the tomatoes.

This easy jambalaya recipe is a combination of both of these styles. I use tomato paste and diced tomatoes. But, I also use Cajun seasoning. I really think that it’s the best of both worlds.

If you prefer, you can use a Creole seasoning instead of the Cajun seasoning. You can also try it with a jambalaya seasoning packet and see how you like the dish that way.

How Can I Store Leftovers?

Place the leftovers in a container with an airtight lid. And, store it in the refrigerator. You should use it within three to five days.

If you want it to last for more than three to five days, you can freeze it in a freezer container. It will be best reheated within several weeks to one month to avoid freezer burn.

Just let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, heat it slowly in a pot or in the microwave until it is warm through.

You may want to add a little bit more water when you reheat this. Don’t add too much or it will change the texture of the rice.

This easy jambalaya recipe almost tastes better the second time you eat it.

5 from 1 vote

Jambalaya Recipe

Jambalaya recipe with shrimp and sausage that is baked in the oven and easy to make.

Servings 6 people

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Equipment

• oven

Ingredients

• 2 cups Precooked shrimp shelled
• 1 package Zatarain's package andouille sausage cubed
• 2 1/2 cups rice
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 can Diced tomatoes
• 1 can Tomato paste
• 1 count white onion diced
• 4 stalks Celery diced
• 1 count Bell pepper diced
• 2 1/2 teaspoons cajun seasoning

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Mix onion, celery, and bell peppers in a large bowl. Stir in the rice, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix in the cajun seasoning and water, mixing well. Note that the mixture will thicken as it cooks. Mix in the shrimp and sausage.
• Spread the mixture into a deep, long baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover with aluminum foil.
• Bake for 45 minutes. Test to see if rice is soft, if not bake 10 minutes more and check again. When the rice is done the jambalaya is ready.

Video

Notes

Add more seasoning after baking if you'd prefer a spicier dish!

Author: Scrappy Geek

Cost: $10

Course: Dinner, Main, Main Course, Main Dishes

Cuisine: American, French/American