Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya
A classic Louisiana one-pot meal packed with spicy andouille sausage, plump shrimp, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables. This rich, savory rice dish is a true taste of New Orleans comfort food, ready in about an hour.
For 6 servings
6 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Brown the Sausage
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until well-browned and crispy on the edges.
- d.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the flavorful rendered fat in the pot.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the 'Holy Trinity'
- b.Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot with the sausage fat.
- c.Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits (the 'fond').
- 3
Step 3
- a.Bloom Spices and Toast Rice
- b.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- c.Add the Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir constantly for another 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- d.Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes to toast the grains and coat them in the spices and fat.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Jambalaya
- b.Pour in the chicken broth and add the undrained diced tomatoes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot again.
- c.Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir to combine.
- d.Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover tightly with a lid and simmer for 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Add and Cook Shrimp
- b.After 20 minutes, remove the lid and quickly arrange the shrimp in a single layer over the top of the rice.
- c.Immediately replace the lid and continue to cook on low for another 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through. The residual steam will cook them perfectly.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for allowing the rice to absorb the final bit of steam and for the flavors to meld.
- c.Remove and discard the bay leaf. Fluff the jambalaya gently with a fork, incorporating the shrimp into the rice.
- d.Stir in most of the sliced green onions and fresh parsley.
- e.Serve hot, garnished with the remaining green onions and parsley.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, use smoked Andouille sausage. If you can't find it, kielbasa or another smoked pork sausage is a good substitute.
- 2Do not stir the rice while it is simmering. This develops a gummy texture; letting it steam undisturbed is key to fluffy rice.
- 3The 'fond' (browned bits) left by the sausage is packed with flavor. Be sure to scrape it up when you add the vegetables and broth.
- 4Don't add the shrimp until the very end. They cook in minutes and will become tough and rubbery if overcooked.
- 5Jambalaya is even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. It's a great dish for meal prepping.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
For a Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya, replace the shrimp with 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces. Brown the chicken after the sausage and set it aside, adding it back with the sausage in Step 4.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon or more. You can also add a finely minced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the 'holy trinity' in Step 2.
Vegetarian JambalayaVegetarian Jambalaya
Omit the sausage and shrimp. Use 1 lb of plant-based sausage (browned as directed) and add 1 can (15 oz) of kidney beans or black beans (rinsed and drained) along with the broth. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
With both shrimp and sausage, this dish provides a significant amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Selenium
Shrimp is an excellent source of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports thyroid function and a healthy immune system.
Source of Lycopene
The cooked tomatoes in this Creole-style jambalaya are a great source of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
A 1.5-cup serving of this Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya contains approximately 550-600 calories. The exact number can vary based on the type of sausage used and the amount of oil.