Best 3 Gulf Coast Jambalaya Rice Recipes

In the heart of Louisiana, where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico, lies a culinary treasure that embodies the vibrant spirit of the region: Jambalaya. This iconic dish, a symphony of flavors and textures, is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Gulf Coast. With its aromatic blend of spices, tender meats, succulent seafood, and fluffy rice, Jambalaya is a celebration of the region's bountiful harvest and diverse culinary influences. From the smoky andouille sausage to the plump shrimp and succulent chicken, every ingredient in this dish tells a story of the Gulf Coast's unique character. Whether you prefer the classic Creole version or the more rustic Cajun rendition, Jambalaya promises an unforgettable culinary experience that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant shores of Louisiana.

**The article offers a comprehensive guide to creating this beloved dish, featuring three distinct recipes that cater to various preferences and skill levels:**

1. **Classic Creole Jambalaya:** This recipe stays true to the traditional Creole approach, using a flavorful roux as the foundation for the dish. With a focus on the "holy trinity" of celery, bell peppers, and onions, this version emphasizes the harmonious balance of spices and ingredients that define Creole cuisine.

2. **Easy One-Pot Jambalaya:** Designed for those seeking convenience without compromising on taste, this recipe simplifies the cooking process by using a single pot. By combining all the ingredients in one pot, this method streamlines the preparation and allows the flavors to meld seamlessly, resulting in a flavorful and hassle-free Jambalaya.

3. **Authentic Cajun Jambalaya:** This recipe delves into the rustic charm of Cajun cooking, using bold spices and a dark roux to create a rich and deeply flavorful dish. With its emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, this version captures the essence of Cajun cuisine, offering a taste of the bayous and the vibrant culture of Louisiana.

Let's cook with our recipes!

GULF COAST JAMBALAYA

Gulf Coast Jambalaya image

Make and share this Gulf Coast Jambalaya recipe from Food.com.

Provided by PanNan

Categories Pork

Time 1h20m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves minced garlic
1 large green pepper, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
1/4 cup butter (or bacon drippings, if you have them)
2 tablespoons minced parsley
1/2 lb cubed ham (preferably Cure 81 or other cured ham)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
2 large bay leaves
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
2 teaspoons salt
1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 cups cold water
2 cups converted rice (raw)
1 1/2 lbs fresh shrimp or 1 1/2 lbs frozen raw shrimp, shelled and deveined

Steps:

Saute onion, garlic, green pepper and celery in butter or bacon grease in large heavy pan over moderate heat for 12 minutes or until onion is golden brown.
Add parsley, ham, thyme and bay leaves.
Fry, stirring often for another 5 minutes.
Add pepper sauce, salt tomatoes, tomato sauce and the water.
Simmer for five minutes.
Add rice, adjusting heat so liquid boils very gently, cover and cook for 30 minutes.
Add shrimp to float on top (don't mix in- it's intended to steam on the top), re-cover and simmer an additional 10 minutes (depends on size of shrimp) or until shrimp are cooked, rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Taste for salt and pepper needed.
Toss lightly and serve.

GULF SHRIMP JAMBALAYA

Gulf Shrimp Jambalaya image

Provided by Anne Burrell

Time 1h42m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

2 pounds medium gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined, shells reserved
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound andouille sausage, cut into rounds
2 green peppers, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch dice
3 ribs celery, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 Spanish onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
Kosher salt
Pinch crushed red pepper
3 cloves garlic, smashed and finely chopped
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups long-grain rice
2 fresh bay leaves
1 bundle fresh thyme
5 scallions, whites and greens thinly sliced, for garnish

Steps:

For the shrimp stock: toss the shrimp shells in a large pot and fill with water. Bring the water to a boil, turn off the heat and let sit for at least 15 to 20 minutes, although longer is fine. Strain the shells and discard.
Coat a large, wide pot with olive oil and bring to medium-high heat. Add the andouille and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the sausage starts to brown. Add the peppers, celery, and onion to the pan, season with salt and a pinch crushed red pepper. Cook 7 to 8 minutes or until the mixture has softened and is very aromatic. Toss in the garlic and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes. Add the tomatoes and cayenne. Stir in the rice.
Add 4 cups shrimp stock, bay leaves, and thyme bundle. Season with salt and taste it to make sure you are on the way to something delicious. Cover and cook over medium heat for 25 minutes.
Stir in the shrimp and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink. Serve garnished with chopped scallions.

FORGOTTEN JAMBALAYA

Forgotten Jambalaya image

During chilly months, I fix this slow cooker jambalaya recipe at least once a month. It's so easy...just chop the vegetables, dump everything in the slow cooker and forget it! Even my sons, who are picky about spicy things, like this easy jambalaya. -Cindi Coss, Coppell, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 4h50m

Yield 11 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef or chicken broth
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
3 celery ribs, chopped
2 medium green peppers, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
3 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
2 teaspoons dried basil
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1-1/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 pound smoked sausage, halved and cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/2 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
Hot cooked rice

Steps:

In a 5-qt. slow cooker, combine the tomatoes, broth and tomato paste. Stir in the celery, green peppers, onion, garlic, seasonings and pepper sauce. Stir in chicken and sausage. , Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until chicken is no longer pink. Stir in shrimp. Cover and cook 15-30 minutes longer or until shrimp turn pink. Serve with rice. Freeze option: Place individual portions of cooled stew in freezer containers and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding a little water if necessary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 230 calories, Fat 13g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 75mg cholesterol, Sodium 1016mg sodium, Carbohydrate 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 20g protein.

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make your jambalaya taste its best. Look for plump shrimp, firm chicken, and colorful vegetables.
Don't skimp on the spices: Jambalaya is all about the spices! Be generous with the Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic, and thyme. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Cook the rice properly: The rice is the foundation of jambalaya, so it's important to cook it correctly. Rinse the rice before cooking to remove any starch, and then cook it in a flavorful broth. You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water, but be sure to add some salt and pepper to taste.
Don't overcrowd the pan: When you're adding the vegetables and meat to the pan, don't overcrowd it. Otherwise, the ingredients will steam instead of sautéing, and they won't develop their full flavor.
Cook the jambalaya until the rice is tender: Jambalaya is typically cooked until the rice is tender and slightly chewy. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, but it can vary depending on the type of rice you're using.

Conclusion:

Jambalaya is a delicious and versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. It's a great way to use up leftover chicken, shrimp, or vegetables, and it's also a great meal to prepare for a crowd. With its bold flavors and hearty ingredients, jambalaya is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting recipe to try, give jambalaya a try!