Shrimp Or Crawfish Jambalaya
A flavorful Cajun-inspired dish combining shrimp or crawfish with seasoned rice, vegetables, and bold spices, perfect for a hearty, spicy meal that delights seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. peeled and deveined shrimp or crawfish ⓘ
- 4 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic minced ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. butter ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green onions chopped fine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup parsley chopped fine ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook rice separately and set aside.
- Melt butter in a heavy pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, chopped celery, chopped bell peppers, and minced garlic to the melted butter.
- Cook uncovered until the onions wilt, about 5 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for about 15 minutes.
- Add 1 1/2 cups water and season with salt, black pepper, cayenne, and sugar.
- Cook uncovered over medium heat for 40 minutes, stirring constantly until oil floats to the top.
- Add shrimp or crawfish and cook for an additional 20 minutes.
- Dissolve cornstarch in 1/2 cup water and add to the pot.
- Cook for another 5 minutes until thickened.
- Mix the cooked rice into the seafood and vegetable mixture.
- Add chopped green onions and parsley, then stir to combine.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the shrimp or crawfish with other seafood like clams or even chicken. To save time, use pre-cooked rice. For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add some hot sauce to taste. Ensure to stir constantly to prevent sticking and achieve that perfect consistency. This dish pairs beautifully with Dill-Glazed Whitefish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped green onions and parsley for a fresh touch. This jambalaya goes great with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a complete seafood feast, consider pairing it with Fresh Shrimp or browse more seafood recipes for additional ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the pot to prevent drying out and warm over low heat until heated through. Microwaving is also an option, but stir halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Or Crawfish Jambalaya contains roughly 627 calories, with 11g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and potassium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1322mg per serving (57% 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 or crawfish for this jambalaya?
Yes, frozen shrimp or crawfish can be used. Just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before adding them to the pot. This will help maintain the dish's texture and flavor. Cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly.
What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?
If you prefer, olive oil or a plant-based butter can be used as a substitute for traditional butter. This will give the dish a different flavor profile while still providing the necessary fat for sautéing the vegetables. Adjust quantities according to your taste.
How can I make this jambalaya vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace shrimp or crawfish with hearty vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. You can also add plant-based protein like tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of water to enhance the flavor, and incorporate a variety of spices to maintain depth.
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).