Creole Shrimp Jambalaya
A flavorful Creole Shrimp Jambalaya combining tender shrimp, aromatic vegetables, and spices over rice, perfect for a hearty, spicy meal that brings Southern comfort to the table.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. unpeeled medium shrimp ⓘ
- 2 tsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 carrot ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 3 cloves minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 1/4 c. water ⓘ
- 1 c. long grain uncooked rice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Peel and devein the shrimp.
- Cook the shrimp in hot oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink.
- Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon; cover and chill.
- Add the carrot, onion, green pepper, celery, and garlic to the Dutch oven; cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, water, rice, salt, chili powder, thyme, red pepper, parsley, and sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 45 minutes or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the cooked shrimp and parsley; simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until the mixture is thoroughly heated.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding smoked sausage or andouille to the jambalaya. If you want a bit of heat, increase the ground red pepper to taste. You can substitute the shrimp with chicken or a mix of proteins if preferred. To save time, you can use pre-chopped vegetables or frozen mixed vegetables. This dish pairs well with a side of cornbread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the jambalaya hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley for freshness. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a light salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of roasted root vegetables or a refreshing coleslaw. This dish is also perfect for meal prep or casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover jambalaya in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave, covering the dish to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creole Shrimp Jambalaya contains roughly 618 calories, with 30g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (348% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (143% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for a quicker thaw.
What can I substitute for the rice?
If you're looking for a low-carb option, you can substitute the rice with cauliflower rice. It will provide a similar texture without the carbs. Alternatively, quinoa can be used for a nutty flavor and added protein.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spice level, you can add more ground red pepper or include diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. For a unique twist, try incorporating a splash of hot sauce just before serving.
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).