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Shrimp Jambalaya

Shrimp Jambalaya

This Shrimp Jambalaya recipe delivers a flavorful blend of Cajun spices, fresh shrimp, and aromatic vegetables in a comforting one-pot meal. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick, bold, and family-friendly dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Proteins

  • 1 lb fresh or frozen peeled shrimp

Vegetables

  • 1 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices

Grains

  • 1 cup long grain white rice

Liquids and Fats

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, oregano, and thyme)
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Holy Trinity: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, celery, and bell peppers. Cook until softened and aromatic, about 5 minutes, creating the flavor base for the jambalaya.
  2. Add Garlic and Cajun Seasoning: Stir in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly toast the spices and develop deeper flavors.
  3. Incorporate Tomatoes and Rice: Add diced tomatoes with their juices, then pour in the rice. Stir well to combine so the rice begins absorbing the seasoned vegetable mixture.
  4. Pour in Chicken Broth and Simmer: Add chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for about 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Stir in the Shrimp: Fold the shrimp into the pot, cooking for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep shrimp juicy and tender.
  6. Final Taste and Serve: Stir the jambalaya, taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more Cajun seasoning if desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or green onions for extra brightness.

Notes

  • Use fresh shrimp when possible for best taste and texture.
  • Don’t skip the onion, celery, and bell pepper combination known as the Holy Trinity for authentic flavor.
  • Simmer gently to ensure rice cooks evenly and avoids burning or sticking.
  • Adjust the spiciness to your preference gradually by modifying the Cajun seasoning amount.
  • Allow the jambalaya to rest covered for a few minutes after cooking to meld the flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Shrimp Jambalaya, Cajun, Seafood, One-Pot, Spicy Dinner, Quick Dinner, Gluten Free