Spicy Jambalaya Shrimp Turkey (Printable)
Vibrant jambalaya with shrimp, turkey sausage, and bold spices for a flavorful, hearty meal.
# What's Needed:
→ Proteins
01 - 8 oz turkey sausage, sliced into rounds
02 - 12 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
→ Aromatics and 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 and Cooking Liquid
09 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
10 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
→ Spices and Seasonings
11 - 1 tbsp olive oil
12 - 2 tsp Cajun seasoning blend
13 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
15 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
16 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
17 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Garnishes
18 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
19 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
20 - Lemon wedges for serving
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add turkey sausage slices and cook 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate and reserve.
02 - In the same pot, add onion, bell pepper, celery, and jalapeño. Sauté 5-6 minutes until vegetables are softened and onion is translucent.
03 - Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and cayenne. Cook 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
04 - Add diced tomatoes with their juices and rice to the pot. Stir thoroughly to coat rice with spices and distribute vegetables evenly.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer 15 minutes until liquid is mostly absorbed.
06 - Return browned sausage to the pot. Cover and continue simmering 10 minutes until rice is nearly tender.
07 - Gently fold shrimp into the mixture. Cover and cook 5-7 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque and rice is fully tender.
08 - Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Let stand covered 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
09 - Fluff rice with a fork. Garnish with chopped parsley and sliced spring onions. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
# Tips for Success:
01 -
- The turkey sausage keeps it lighter than traditional versions while still delivering that smoky depth
- Everything cooks in one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor development
- The heat level is completely customizable, so everyone at the table stays happy
02 -
- Resist the urge to lift the lid while the rice simmers, that trapped steam is essential for proper cooking
- The rice will continue absorbing liquid during the resting period, so do not worry if it seems slightly loose when you turn off the heat
03 -
- Toasting your rice in the spiced vegetable mixture for an extra minute before adding liquid adds a wonderful nutty depth
- If using brown rice, increase the broth by half a cup and extend the cooking time by about 10 minutes