By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on October 9, 2023 | Last Updated on October 9, 2023
Welcome to the vibrant world of Cajun cuisine, where every dish is a symphony of flavors and textures. Today, we delve into one of the most iconic recipes from this culinary tradition – Cajun Ninja Jambalaya. This one-pot wonder, brought to life by the internet sensation, the Cajun Ninja, is a celebration of the robust and hearty nature of Southern Louisiana’s cooking.
Packed with chicken, andouille sausage, and shrimp, this Jambalaya is not just a dish, it’s an experience. The trio of meat is perfectly complemented by the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking – onion, bell pepper, and celery. Add to that a tantalizing blend of spices, and you have a meal that’s bursting with flavor and soul.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking to try something new, this recipe promises to be an exciting culinary adventure. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on this delicious journey to create the Cajun Ninja Jambalaya.
What is Cajun Ninja Jambalaya?
Cajun Ninja Jambalaya is a traditional Louisiana dish that has been given a special twist by the Cajun Ninja, a popular internet chef known for his unique takes on classic Cajun and Creole dishes. This particular recipe for Jambalaya is loaded with hearty ingredients such as chicken, andouille sausage, shrimp, onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic.
It also includes a flavorful spice mix that brings together the heat of chili, the smokiness of paprika, the earthiness of thyme, and the pungency of garlic, among other flavors.
This Jambalaya embodies the essence of Cajun cooking, which is known for its bold flavors and generous use of meats and seafood. The dish is cooked all in one pot, making it not just a flavor explosion but also a convenient meal to prepare. What makes the Cajun Ninja’s version stand out is his careful balance of flavors and his emphasis on using quality ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Ninja Jambalaya?
There are several reasons why you’ll love this Cajun Ninja Jambalaya. Firstly, it delivers an authentic taste of New Orleans right to your kitchen, no matter where you are. Each bite of this Jambalaya is a celebration of the rich culinary heritage of Southern Louisiana.
Secondly, it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the year and for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this Jambalaya fits the bill perfectly.
Thirdly, despite its complex flavors, this recipe is easy to follow, making it accessible for both novice and experienced home cooks. The Cajun Ninja provides clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure that you can recreate this delicious dish successfully.
Finally, the Jambalaya is a complete meal in itself, packed with protein from the chicken, sausage, and shrimp, and carbohydrates from the rice. Plus, it includes a variety of vegetables, making it a balanced and satisfying dish.
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The Ingredients
- Celery: Celery adds a nice crunch and freshness to the dish. It’s one of the “holy trinity” in Cajun cooking (along with bell peppers and onions).
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Red pepper flakes: These add a bit of heat to the dish, which is a characteristic feature of Cajun cuisine.
Andouille Sausage: This is a smoked sausage made using pork, garlic, pepper, onions, wine, and seasonings. It’s a common ingredient in Southern Louisiana cooking and adds depth of flavor to the Jambalaya. - Hot chili-infused oil: This gives an extra kick of spice to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
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Chicken broth: This forms the base of the dish, providing moisture and helping to distribute and meld flavors.
Fine-grind sea salt: An essential seasoning, it enhances all the other flavors in the dish. - Large shrimp: Shrimp adds a seafood element that’s very common in Cajun cooking, bringing a unique flavor and texture.
- Salted butter: Butter adds richness and depth to the dish, and helps in sautéing the vegetables and making the roux.
- Rinsed white rice: The rice absorbs all the flavors in the dish, and its starchiness helps to thicken the broth, making it a key component of Jambalaya.
- Cayenne pepper: Another source of heat, cayenne pepper is a staple in Cajun seasoning.
- Chicken breast: This provides a meaty element to the dish. Chicken is often used in Jambalaya for its ability to take on flavors well.
- Green bell peppers: These are part of the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking. They add a slight sweetness and crunch to the dish.
- Smoked Paprika: This gives a smoky flavor which enhances the rustic, hearty nature of Jambalaya.
- Minced garlic: Garlic adds a pungent, spicy flavor that’s essential in Cajun cooking.
- Cajun Seasoning Mix: This mix typically includes several spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, pepper, and oregano. It’s what gives the dish its distinctive Cajun flavor.
- Green onions: These are often used as a garnish. They add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- Flour: Used in making the roux, which is a cooked mixture of butter and flour that thickens and flavors the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds heat and sharpness, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor.
- Ground Thyme: This herb adds a subtle, earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Garlic powder: Adds more of that essential garlicky flavor, but in a form that distributes evenly throughout the dish.
- Canola oil: Used for sautéing, it has a neutral flavor that doesn’t interfere with the other ingredients.
- Medium carrots: Carrots add a hint of sweetness, balancing out the heat and savoriness of the dish.
- Diced onion: The third component of the “holy trinity,” onions add a depth of flavor that’s essential in Cajun cooking.
- Roasted and ground coriander: This spice adds a warm, nutty, slightly citrusy flavor that enhances the complexity of the dish.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Begin by prepping all the ingredients: chop the vegetables, rinse the rice, and slice the sausage. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.
Step 2: Heat the Pot
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add canola oil. This will be the starting point for your jambalaya.
Step 3: Sauté the Holy Trinity
Once the pot is heated, add in the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper, often referred to as the “holy trinity” in Cajun cuisine. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes until they become slightly softened.
Step 4: Add Andouille Sausage
Incorporate the andouille sausage into the pot and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This adds a rich and smoky flavor to the dish.
Step 5: Include Chicken Breast
Add the chicken breast to the pot and continue sautéing until it starts to brown on all sides. This step contributes a savory dimension to your jambalaya.
Step 6: Create a Roux
Make a well in the center of the pot by pushing the ingredients towards the edges. Add butter and let it melt. Once melted, introduce the flour to create a roux. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes until the roux turns a dark brown color, enhancing the dish’s depth of flavor.
Step 7: Add Chicken Broth and Spices
Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to incorporate it into the roux. Then, add hot chili-infused oil, salt, Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, ground thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well to combine, infusing the jambalaya with bold and spicy flavors.
Step 8: Introduce Rice
Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir until it’s evenly coated with the broth and seasonings. This step ensures that the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors.
Step 9: Simmer
Let the mixture come to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Allow it to simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This lets the rice absorb the liquid and become tender.
Step 10: Add Shrimp
After the initial simmering period, add the shrimp and stir. Cover the pot again and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked.
Step 11: Taste and Adjust
Taste your jambalaya and adjust the seasoning if needed, ensuring it has the perfect balance of flavors.
Step 12: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your homemade Cajun Ninja jambalaya hot, garnished with green onions on top. Savor the delightful blend of spices and textures in this delicious dish!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, you can omit the sausage and replace it with tofu or more vegetables.
- You can also substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- To make this dish even spicier, add in some extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
- If you want a smokier flavor, you can use smoked chicken or turkey instead of regular chicken breast.
- Serve with a side of cornbread or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth.
Nutrition Information
How to store Cajun Ninja jambalaya?
- Jambalaya tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the jambalaya in a pot with a splash of water or chicken broth and heat over medium-low heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- You can also freeze jambalaya for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- For best results, do not reheat frozen jambalaya in the microwave as it may become mushy. Instead, thaw and reheat on the stovetop as described above.
Variations
- For a seafood jambalaya, you can use a mix of shrimp, crab, and crawfish instead of chicken.
- Use different types of sausage such as chorizo or kielbasa for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Instead of rice, you can use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Add in some diced tomatoes for a bit of acidity and freshness.
- For a heartier dish, add some diced potatoes or sweet potatoes along with the rice.
Cajun Ninja Jambalaya Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tsp hot chili-infused oil
- 3 lbs chicken breast
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 stalks celery
- 8 cloves minced garlic
- 4 medium carrots
- 2 green bell peppers
- 2 lbs large shrimp 31-40/lb
- 2 cups diced onion
- 24 ounces Andouille Sausage
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1 cup flour
- 3 cups rinsed white rice
- 2 bunches of green onions
Cajun Seasoning Mix:
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 4 tsp fine grind sea salt
- 2 tbsp smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp roasted and ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp ground Thyme
Instructions
- Begin by prepping all the ingredients, including chopping the vegetables, rinsing the rice, and slicing the sausage.
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the canola oil.
- Once heated, add in the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper (the “holy trinity”). Sauté for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add in the andouille sausage and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Next, add in the chicken breast and continue to sauté until it starts to brown on all sides.
- Create a well in the center of the pot by pushing the ingredients towards the edges. Add in the butter and let it melt.
- Once melted, add in the flour to create a roux. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes until the roux turns a dark brown color.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to incorporate it into the roux.
- Add in the hot chili-infused oil, salt, Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, ground thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Add in the rinsed rice and stir until it’s coated with the broth and seasonings.
- Let the mixture come to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 20-25 minutes, add in the shrimp and stir. Cover again and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions on top.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, you can omit the sausage and replace it with tofu or more vegetables.
- You can also substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- To make this dish even spicier, add in some extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
- If you want a smokier flavor, you can use smoked chicken or turkey instead of regular chicken breast.
- Serve with a side of cornbread or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth.
FAQs
What type of rice should I use for Cajun Ninja Jambalaya?
For the Cajun Ninja Jambalaya, the type of rice you use can significantly affect the final texture of the dish. Long-grain white rice is recommended because it has a firm, light texture when cooked and does not stick together as much as other types of rice.
This means that each grain remains distinct and separate, adding to the richness of the Jambalaya. The grains of long-grain rice are sturdier and do not break down easily during the cooking process, ensuring that your Jambalaya doesn’t turn mushy or overly sticky – a characteristic that is crucial to achieving the ideal consistency of this dish.
Can I substitute other meats in this recipe?
As for substituting meats, the beauty of Jambalaya lies in its versatility. While the traditional Cajun Ninja Jambalaya recipe calls for chicken, andouille sausage, and shrimp, you can easily substitute these with other meats to suit your preference. If you’re a fan of pork or beef, feel free to replace the chicken or sausage with these meats.
Is it necessary to use hot chili-infused oil?
No, you can omit this ingredient if you don’t have it or prefer a milder flavor. Alternatively, you can add in extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to achieve the desired level of spiciness.
Wrapping Up
Jambalaya is a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week ahead. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be making cajun ninja jambalaya like a pro in no time! Be sure to try out different variations and adjust the spice level to your preference. Plus, don’t forget to store any leftovers for a quick and tasty meal later on.
Please leave your reviews and comments below. We would love to hear how your cajun ninja jambalaya turned out!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
