Jambalaya Stir-Fry
A vibrant shrimp and ham stir-fry infused with chili and lemon, served over rice for a flavorful, colorful meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 c. thinly-sliced green onions ⓘ
- 1 large green bell pepper, cut in 1/8 inch wide strips ⓘ
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut in 1/8 inch wide strips ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chopped cooked ham ⓘ
- 1 lb. raw shrimp, shelled and deveined ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lite soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- Hot steamed rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat butter and oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic, green onions, bell peppers, and celery. Cook until peppers and celery are almost tender.
- Stir in chopped ham. Add shrimp and cook, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink from gray.
- Combine lemon juice, soy sauce, and cornstarch; mix well and stir into the shrimp and vegetable mixture.
- Add chili powder and mix well.
- Continue cooking until the mixture is slightly thickened.
- Serve hot over steamed rice.
- Sprinkle with almonds before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. If you don't have shrimp, chicken or sausage can be substituted effectively. To enhance the flavor, try using smoked paprika in place of chili powder. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also add a burst of freshness to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Jambalaya Stir-Fry over a bed of hot steamed rice, which soaks up the delicious flavors. A side of crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad would complement the meal nicely. For a complete experience, consider pairing it with a light seafood dish like Clam And Cheese Dunk for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Jambalaya Stir-Fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jambalaya Stir-Fry contains roughly 723 calories, with 9g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2309mg per serving (100% 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 ingredients in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. However, it's best to cook the shrimp just before serving to maintain their tenderness and flavor.
What can I do if I don't have fresh shrimp?
Frozen shrimp is a great alternative and can be used directly in the recipe. Just ensure they are thawed and well-drained before adding them to the stir-fry. Alternatively, diced chicken or sausage can be used for a different flavor profile.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and can be portioned out for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Just follow the storage guidelines to keep it fresh and delicious.
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).