Crawfish Or Shrimp Jambalaya
A hearty and flavorful jambalaya featuring crawfish or shrimp, rich with vegetables, cheesy soups, and a hint of spice, perfect for seafood lovers and comfort food fans.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute the chopped celery, onions, bell pepper, and garlic in margarine until vegetables are tender.
- Add crawfish and cook until pink.
- Mix in cooked rice, Cheddar cheese soup, cream of mushroom soup, plain bread crumbs, Tabasco sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can substitute the crawfish with shrimp if desired, or even mix both for a delightful variation. Adjust the Tabasco sauce to your spice preference, and feel free to add additional vegetables like diced tomatoes or peas for more texture. This dish is versatile and can be adapted to use leftovers like chicken or sausage, similar to E Z Gumbo.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Jambalaya hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Company Cheese Dip for a creamy contrast or a light Shrimp Dip Or Spread as an appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. Adding a splash of broth or water can help maintain moisture during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crawfish Or Shrimp Jambalaya contains roughly 785 calories, with 19g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), protein (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2085mg per serving (91% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Jambalaya mixture a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and when ready to serve, transfer it to a baking dish and bake as instructed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious.
What can I substitute for the soups?
If you prefer not to use canned soups, you can make a homemade version using a roux and adding milk or broth along with cheese and seasonings to mimic the creaminess. This option allows for more control over ingredients and can enhance the overall flavor.
Is this dish spicy?
The spiciness of this Jambalaya can be adjusted by the amount of Tabasco sauce you add. For a milder dish, start with a small amount and taste as you go. If you enjoy heat, feel free to add more or even include diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
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).