Spicy Jambalaya Shrimp Turkey (Printable)
A flavorful Cajun one-pot dish featuring shrimp, turkey sausage, and aromatic spices.
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 10 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 10 oz turkey sausage, sliced (andouille or smoked)
03 - 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced (optional)
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
07 - 2 celery stalks, diced
08 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
09 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
10 - 2 spring onions, sliced (for garnish)
→ Rice & Liquids
11 - 1½ cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
12 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
13 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
14 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Spices & Seasonings
15 - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
16 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
17 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
18 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
19 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
20 - 1 bay leaf
21 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
22 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
# How To Make:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add turkey sausage and chicken if using; sauté until browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
02 - In the same pot, add onion, bell peppers, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
03 - Add tomato paste, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, Cajun seasoning, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat vegetables.
04 - Pour in diced tomatoes with juices. Add rice and bay leaf; mix well to combine.
05 - Return sausage and chicken to pot. Pour in chicken stock, bring to boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Nestle shrimp into rice mixture. Cover and cook 8 to 10 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque and rice is tender. Remove from heat and rest covered for 5 minutes.
07 - Fluff with fork, discard bay leaf, and garnish with parsley and spring onions before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It is the rare one-pot meal that actually feels like a party on your plate, not a compromise.
- The turkey sausage keeps things lighter without sacrificing that essential smoky backbone you crave from Cajun cooking.
02 -
- Shrimp added too early become tough and sad; they are the final guest to the party.
- If your rice is still crunchy after the stated time, add a splash of hot water, cover, and give it five more minutes without panic.
03 -
- Toast your rice in the dry pot for two minutes before adding liquid; it creates a nutty armor that helps grains stay separate.
- Save a few shrimp to sear separately and perch on top; the visual drama is worth the extra pan.