Spicy Jambalaya with Shrimp (Print Version)
A flavorful Creole dish packed with shrimp, turkey sausage, rice, and bold Cajun spices.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 8 oz turkey sausage, sliced into rounds
02 - 12 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
→ Aromatic Vegetables
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
08 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices
→ Rice & Broth
09 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
10 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
11 - 1 tbsp olive oil
12 - 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
13 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
14 - ½ tsp dried thyme
15 - ½ tsp dried oregano
16 - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
17 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Garnishes
18 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
19 - 2 spring onions, sliced
20 - Lemon wedges for serving
# Steps:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add turkey sausage and cook until browned, 4–5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
02 - In the same pot, add onion, bell pepper, celery, and jalapeño. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute until spices become aromatic.
04 - Add diced tomatoes with juices and rice. Stir thoroughly to coat the rice in spices and vegetable mixture.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice begins to absorb liquid.
06 - Return browned sausage to the pot. Cover and continue simmering for 10 minutes until rice is nearly tender.
07 - Gently fold in shrimp. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque and rice is fully tender.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
09 - Fluff jambalaya with a fork. Garnish with chopped parsley and sliced spring onions. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The turkey sausage keeps it lighter while still delivering that smoky depth you crave
- Everything cooks in one pot, meaning maximum flavor with minimal cleanup
02 -
- Rinse your rice until water runs clear to prevent gummy results
- Letting the jambalaya rest covered before serving makes all the difference for texture
03 -
- Prep all ingredients before starting because the recipe moves quickly once you begin cooking
- Use a heavy pot to prevent hot spots that can scorch the rice at the bottom