Pork Jambalaya
Pork Jambalaya combines tender pork chops with flavorful rice and vibrant vegetables, cooked in a savory broth with a hint of spice. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a comforting taste of Southern-inspired flavors with a simple, one-pan approach.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
- In a small lightly greased ovenproof skillet, brown chops on both sides.
- Remove chops and set aside.
- Pour off all but 2 teaspoons of drippings.
- Add chopped celery, scallions, and green pepper to the skillet.
- Saute until tender.
- Stir in uncooked rice, chicken broth, garlic salt, and red pepper.
- Bring to a boil.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet.
- Cover and bake in a 375°F oven for about 30 minutes or until chops are tender.
- Fluff rice with a fork before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a bit of extra flavor, consider adding diced tomatoes or smoked sausage to the jambalaya. You can substitute the pork chops with chicken for a different protein option. Adjust the level of red pepper to suit your heat preference. If using brown rice instead of white, increase the cooking time and liquid accordingly. This dish pairs wonderfully with Baked Cornbread Dressing for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pork jambalaya hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness. This dish goes well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Escalloped Potatoes, which complement the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the rice has dried out. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Jambalaya contains roughly 579 calories, with 35g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (71% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2007mg per serving (87% 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 other types of meat in this jambalaya?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can substitute the pork chops with chicken, shrimp, or even sausage. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, especially for quicker-cooking proteins like shrimp.
What can I do if I don't have chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth or even water can work as a substitute. For added flavor, you could enhance water with a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more red pepper or include diced jalapeños or hot sauce during the cooking process. Just be sure to taste as you go to achieve your desired spice level.
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).