If you’ve ever been to NOLA, you’ve probably tasted (and fallen in love with) shrimp jambalaya. My passion for the dish started in the city of jazz too, so I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. I promise it will transport you right back to New Orleans, no matter where you are. Word to the wise: don’t let this recipe intimidate you! Sure, there are quite a few ingredients, but the actual cooking process is ridiculously easy. If you can sauté, you can make this shrimp jambalaya. Plus, all those ingredients add up to some serious flavor. 🤤 This dish also keeps really well in the fridge and reheats nicely, so you can put those leftovers to good use. Finally, it’s super customizable, so you can customize the proteins, seasonings, and just about anything. More on this later.😉
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Shrimp Jambalaya
Make the Shrimp Stock
Seasonings – Add 1-2 teaspoons of butter or oil to a saucepan or skillet. Then throw in the shrimp shells, the remaining scraps of onion, garlic, celery, and aromatics like bay leaf and thyme. (Photos 1-2)Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly to keep it from burning.Add Liquid – When the scraps are soft, add 4-5 cups of water to the pan. (Photo 3)Simmer – Bring everything to a boil, lower the heat, and let it simmer for 10- 20 minutes. (Photo 4)Reserve – Sieve and reserve the stock.
Shrimp Jambalaya
Season Shrimp – Place the shrimp in a plate or bowl—then season with salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning. Toss to coat evenly and set aside.Prep Skillet – Heat a heavy pot (skillet, Dutch oven, or another oven-safe pot) over medium heat. Add about 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet.Saute Sausage – Add the sausage and brown for a few minutes when the oil is hot. Then remove the sausage and set it on a plate. (Photos 7-8)Sautee Shrimp – Add the shrimp to the same pan and brown for 2-3 minutes. Then remove them and place them on the plate with the sausage. (Photos 5-6)The Holy Trinity – Add more oil to the pan, then add the onions, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, and then add garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes. (Photos 9-10)Rice – Then stir in the rice and crushed tomatoes, followed by shrimp stock, Creole seasoning, salt, and pepper. (Photo 11)Add Sausage – Return the sausage to the pot. Bring it all to a boil before reducing the heat to barely a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes. (Photo 12)Add Shrimp – Then add the shrimp on top of the jambalaya and gently stir it in.Final Stretch – Cover the jambalaya with a lid and continue cooking while occasionally stirring until the shrimp is pink and cooked through. It will take 4-5 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the shrimp you use.Serve – Finally, remove the dish from the heat, sprinkle it with green onions and parsley, and serve warm.
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can make this a few days ahead and store it in the fridge in an airtight container. It actually tastes better the next day. Then reheat serving-size amounts in the microwave or reheat the whole pan of food on the stove on low or medium heat. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking to the bottom and burning.
Serving and Storage Instructions
Serve jambalaya warm and garnish it with chopped green onions and parsley. Then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. You can also freeze shrimp jambalaya in an airtight container for two months. Reheat your delicious leftovers on the stove or in the microwave.
What Goes With Shrimp Jambalaya
I like simple side dishes because they let the jambalaya really shine. A side of homemade cornbread and collard greens will complete the meal. Side salads are also nice with jambalaya. So try a simple wedge or kale salad to balance out the comforting warmth of the jambalaya with something fresh and crunchy. P.S. Don’t forget the sweet iced tea. 😉
More Crazy Delicious Creole Recipes to Try
Conclusion
Bring all the flavors of New Orleans home with this classic jambalaya recipe. Are you a big fan of Southern soul food? If so, follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more recipes like this one!
Watch How to Make It
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