If you're craving a hearty, spicy dish that feels like a trip straight to Bourbon Street, this Spicy Shrimp Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage is exactly what you need. Loaded with plump shrimp, smoky sausage, and vibrant spices, this recipe captures the spirit of an authentic jambalaya recipe while keeping it approachable enough for an easy dinner recipe. Inspired by traditional jumbolia recipes and my love for cajun creole recipes, this dish is perfect when you want a touch of Louisiana magic in your kitchen.
Spicy Shrimp Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot (essential for even heat distribution)
Wooden spoon (ideal for scraping up flavorful bits from the bottom)
Chef’s knife and cutting board (a good, sharp knife makes chopping those vegetables effortless)
Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 12 ounces Andouille sausage sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust for spice preference
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Brown the Sausage
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large Dutch oven. Add the Andouille sausage slices and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the onion, bell peppers, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Spice It Up
Stir in the cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the spices bloom for about 30 seconds.
Add Rice and Tomatoes
Pour in the rice and diced tomatoes, stirring to coat the rice in the flavorful oils and spices.
Simmer
Add the chicken broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Shrimp and Sausage
After 20 minutes, fold in the browned sausage and raw shrimp. Cover and cook for an additional 7-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Finish and Serve
Remove the bay leaves, adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Pairings
This spicy shrimp jambalaya pairs wonderfully with cornbread, buttery biscuits, or even a simple green salad to balance the heat. For a true new orleans food recipes experience, serve it with a cold beer like Abita or a refreshing hurricane cocktail. If you're leaning into a louisiana gumbo recipe authentic night, you can also start with a small bowl of seafood gumbo recipe louisiana before digging into your jambalaya!
FAQs
1. What kind of shrimp should I use?
Large, raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp work best. You want them to be hearty enough to hold their texture through the cooking process.
2. Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute. Thighs stay juicy and flavorful, making them perfect for a sausage jambalaya recipe.
3. What's the best sausage for jambalaya?
Authentic jambalaya calls for Andouille sausage — a smoked, spicy sausage integral to Cajun recipes Louisiana authentic. If unavailable, a good quality smoked sausage will do.
4. Is this different from a Louisiana gumbo recipe authentic?
Yes! While both are Cajun creole recipes staples, gumbo is more of a stew served over rice, often thickened with a roux. Jambalaya cooks the rice directly in the pot, absorbing all the flavors.
5. Can I make this a seafood jambalaya recipe?
Definitely. Feel free to add crab meat, crawfish tails, or even chunks of firm fish like catfish to enhance the seafood jambalaya vibe.
6. What if I want a homemade jambalaya without too much spice?
Simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and opt for a mild Cajun seasoning blend.
7. Is this similar to new Orleans jambalaya recipe or new Orleans gumbo recipe?
This spicy shrimp jambalaya is very much in the tradition of jumbolia recipes from New Orleans but leans toward the creole jambalaya recipe style, thanks to the inclusion of tomatoes. New Orleans gumbo, however, is typically roux-based and served soupy.
8. Tips for making the best jambalaya recipe:
- Use a heavy pot to maintain even heat.
- Don’t rush the sautéing process; build deep flavors layer by layer.
- Let the rice absorb all the broth without lifting the lid too often.
9. Is there a jambalaya recipe easy enough for beginners?
This one definitely is! By following simple steps and using basic ingredients, even novice cooks can whip up a homemade jambalaya worthy of a New Orleans feast.
