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Shrimp Jambalaya

Shrimp Jambalaya
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Shrimp Jambalaya is a vibrant one-pot Louisiana dish that combines perfectly spiced shrimp, fluffy long-grain rice, and savory vegetables. Bursting with bold Cajun flavors and cooked in under 45 minutes, this comforting and exciting meal is ideal for busy weeknights and can be customized to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood and Protein

  • 1 lb fresh or frozen peeled shrimp

Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain rice

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Liquids

  • 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

Spices and Herbs

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 to 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil or butter over medium heat in a large pot. Sauté chopped onions, celery, and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to develop sweetness and aroma.
  2. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the spices release their fragrance, forming the backbone of the dish’s signature flavor.
  3. Incorporate Rice and Tomatoes: Add the rice and diced tomatoes to the pot, stirring well to coat the rice with the spices and oil. This helps infuse each grain with flavor before adding liquid.
  4. Pour in Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes or until rice is cooked and liquid absorbed.
  5. Cook the Shrimp: Stir in the shrimp, cover again, and cook an additional 5 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to keep shrimp tender and juicy.
  6. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove the pot from heat, sprinkle chopped green onions and parsley on top for freshness, and give it a gentle stir before serving.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Shrimp: Whenever possible, fresh shrimp elevate the dish with their texture and flavor.
  • Don’t Skip Sautéing the Aromatics: This step develops depth and complexity in the flavor profile.
  • Keep an Eye on Rice Texture: Adjust liquid amounts based on your rice variety to avoid mushy jambalaya.
  • Season Gradually: Taste as you go to balance spices perfectly without overpowering the shrimp.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit covered for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp jambalaya, cajun shrimp recipe, one-pot jambalaya, shrimp and rice, cajun dinner, spicy shrimp recipe, gluten free jambalaya

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/shrimp-jambalaya/