Cajun Seafood Jambalaya
A flavorful Cajun seafood jambalaya combining smoked sausage, ham, shrimp, and aromatic vegetables, seasoned with Creole spices for a hearty, smoky, and spicy dish perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. smoked sausage, sliced ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean ham, diced ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion and bell pepper
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- 2 tsp. minced garlic
- 2 tsp. Creole-type seasoning ⓘ
- 2 3/4 cups chicken stock or water ⓘ
- 1 (14 to 16 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes (with juice) ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups uncooked rice ⓘ
- 1 lb. shrimp ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, sauté sausage and ham until it begins to brown.
- Add butter, chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic; sauté until soft, stirring often.
- Stir in Creole seasoning, chicken stock, and tomatoes; bring to a boil.
- Add rice, stirring well.
- Add shrimp and stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until rice is done, about 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. If you prefer a meatless version, you can substitute the sausage and ham with smoked tempeh or mushrooms. Additionally, using leftover cooked rice can save time, just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking. This dish is reminiscent of Louisiana Dirty Rice Casserole in its flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the jambalaya hot, garnished with extra chopped green onions for a fresh touch. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing cocktail or a glass of iced tea. This dish is perfect for gatherings and can be a centerpiece just like Caribbean Fish Pot.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the jambalaya to prevent it from drying out, and warm it on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cajun Seafood Jambalaya contains roughly 1302 calories, with 27g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 110g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (54% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1519mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this jambalaya ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the jambalaya in advance. Just let it cool completely before storing it in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, reheat it gently, adding a bit of liquid if necessary to restore moisture.
What type of rice works best for jambalaya?
Long-grain white rice is ideal for jambalaya as it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well. Avoid using short-grain rice, as it can become overly sticky. If you're looking for a healthier option, brown rice can be used but will require a longer cooking time.
Can I add other seafood to this jambalaya?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other seafood like diced fish or scallops. Just be mindful of cooking times, as seafood can cook quickly. Adding these varieties can elevate the dish and make it even more flavorful.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).