How to Make jambalaya at home

How to Make jambalaya at home is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Justin Holmes on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 38 min | Total: 1 hr 3 min

Cost: $51.21 total, $12.80 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 slices Bacon (cut into 1‑inch pieces)
  • 8 oz Smoked Sausage (sliced into 1/4‑inch rounds (e.g., kielbasa or andouille))
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper (seeded and sliced into strips)
  • 1 Onion (medium, diced)
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder (adds depth)
  • 1 tsp Paprika (for color and mild flavor)
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Salt (UFO salt – regular kosher salt works)
  • 1.5 cup Jasmine Rice (rinsed until water runs clear)
  • 1 can Canned Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel) (14‑oz can, undrained)
  • 3 cup Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
  • 1 lb Raw Shrimp (peeled and deveined; medium‑large)
  • 2 stalks Green Onions (chopped)
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 2 tbsp Baron Burton’s Breakfast 2 Sauce (adds umami; optional hot sauce can be used instead)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Bacon and Sausage

    Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat, add the bacon pieces and let them render for about 1 minute, then add the sliced sausage and cook until both are browned and the bacon is crisp, about 4‑5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  2. Add Peppers and Onion

    Add the sliced green bell pepper and diced onion to the skillet. Sprinkle with onion powder, paprika, cayenne, oregano, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened, about 4 minutes.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  3. Toast the Rice

    Stir in the rinsed jasmine rice, spreading it in an even layer. Let it toast for 2‑3 minutes, stirring once to coat the grains with the rendered fat and prevent burning.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  4. Add Tomatoes and Stock

    Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (including liquid) and the chicken stock. Stir to combine, scraping any bits stuck to the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  5. Simmer Rice

    Reduce heat to low and let the rice simmer, covered, for 15‑20 minutes. Stir once halfway through. The liquid should be mostly absorbed and the rice tender.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: low

  6. Add Shrimp

    Scatter the raw shrimp over the rice, give a quick stir to distribute, then re‑cover and cook for 5‑10 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: low

  7. Finish with Green Onions and Seasonings

    Remove the lid, let the skillet rest for 3‑4 minutes. Stir in chopped green onions, garlic powder, and the optional sauce (or hot sauce). Taste and adjust salt or cayenne if needed.

    Time: PT4M

  8. Serve

    Spoon the skillet contents onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with extra green onions if desired. Serve hot.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
12g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (if using gluten‑free sausage), Dairy‑Free, High‑Protein

Allergens: Shellfish

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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How to Make jambalaya at home

Recipe by Justin Holmes

A quick, one‑pan dinner packed with smoky bacon, sausage, shrimp, and veggies, all simmered with jasmine rice, canned tomatoes with green chilies, and a touch of spice. Ready in about 30‑40 minutes, this hearty skillet meal feeds the whole family.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
8m
Prep
41m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
59m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$51.21
Total cost
$12.80
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Browning the bacon and sausage for flavor
  • Toasting the rice to prevent sticking
  • Ensuring the rice absorbs liquid before adding shrimp
  • Cooking shrimp just until pink to avoid rubbery texture

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw shrimp with clean hands and separate cutting board to avoid cross‑contamination
  • Cook shrimp to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C)
  • Be careful when lifting the hot skillet lid – steam can burn

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Spicy Shrimp Sausage Rice Skillet in American home cooking?

A

The dish reflects the American tradition of one‑pan comfort meals that combine protein, starch, and vegetables for quick family dinners. It borrows flavors from Southern Cajun and Creole cooking—using sausage, bacon, and canned tomatoes with green chilies—while staying adaptable to everyday pantry staples.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of a shrimp‑sausage rice skillet exist within the United States?

A

In the Gulf Coast, cooks often use Andouille sausage, add bell peppers and celery (the “holy trinity”), and finish with a splash of hot sauce. In the Southwest, chorizo replaces sausage and corn is added. The core concept—protein, rice, and a tomato‑based broth—remains the same.

cultural
Q

How is Spicy Shrimp Sausage Rice Skillet traditionally served in Southern cuisine?

A

It is typically served straight from the skillet, sometimes topped with chopped parsley or green onions, and accompanied by crusty cornbread or a simple green salad. The dish is meant to be communal, with everyone scooping from the same pan.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Spicy Shrimp Sausage Rice Skillet commonly associated with in American families?

A

Because it’s quick and hearty, families often make it for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or game‑day meals. It’s also a popular “pot‑luck” option when guests need a filling, crowd‑pleasing dish that can be kept warm on the stove.

cultural
Q

How does Spicy Shrimp Sausage Rice Skillet fit into the broader American comfort‑food tradition?

A

It combines familiar comfort ingredients—bacon, sausage, rice, and cheese‑free seasoning—into a single pot, echoing the convenience of casseroles and skillet meals that have long been staples in American kitchens.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Spicy Shrimp Sausage Rice Skillet versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include smoked sausage (or Andouille), bacon, jasmine rice, canned Rotel tomatoes, and raw shrimp. Substitutes can be turkey bacon, chicken sausage, basmati rice, or fresh diced tomatoes with chopped green chilies if Rotel isn’t available.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with Spicy Shrimp Sausage Rice Skillet?

A

A crisp coleslaw, a simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette, or buttery cornbread complement the rich, spicy flavors. For a lighter side, steamed green beans or roasted asparagus work nicely.

cultural
Q

What makes Spicy Shrimp Sausage Rice Skillet special or unique in American skillet cuisine?

A

Its blend of land and sea proteins, the quick‑toast rice technique that prevents soggy grains, and the use of canned Rotel for instant heat and acidity set it apart from typical chicken‑or‑beef skillet meals.

cultural
Q

How has Spicy Shrimp Sausage Rice Skillet evolved over time in home cooking?

A

Originally a stovetop adaptation of jambalaya, home cooks have streamlined it by using pre‑cooked bacon, canned tomatoes, and instant rice‑toasting methods, reducing cooking time from an hour to under 40 minutes while keeping bold flavors.

cultural
Q

What are common misconceptions about Spicy Shrimp Sausage Rice Skillet?

A

Many think the dish must be heavily spiced; however, the heat level is adjustable with cayenne and hot sauce. Another myth is that the rice must be pre‑cooked—toast‑and‑simmer yields fluffy rice without pre‑cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Spicy Shrimp Sausage Rice Skillet?

A

Over‑toasting the rice can cause burning, adding shrimp too early makes them rubbery, and neglecting to cover the skillet during simmering leads to dry rice. Follow the timing steps and keep the heat low once the liquid is added.

technical
Q

Why does this Spicy Shrimp Sausage Rice Skillet recipe use canned Rotel tomatoes instead of fresh diced tomatoes?

A

Canned Rotel provides both diced tomatoes and green chilies in one product, delivering consistent heat and acidity while saving prep time. Fresh tomatoes lack the chilies and require extra seasoning to achieve the same flavor profile.

technical
Q

Can I make Spicy Shrimp Sausage Rice Skillet ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Cook the skillet fully, let it cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of stock if the rice looks dry. Shrimp retain texture best when reheated quickly.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Spicy Shrimp Sausage Rice Skillet?

A

The rice should be tender with a light golden‑brown crust on the bottom, the sausage and bacon browned, and the shrimp pink and slightly curled. The sauce should be glossy, coating the grains without being soupy.

technical
Q

How do I know when the shrimp in Spicy Shrimp Sausage Rice Skillet is done cooking?

A

Shrimp are done when they turn opaque pink and curl into a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp become firm and rubbery, so remove the skillet from heat as soon as the color change is complete.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Justin Holmes specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Justin Holmes focuses on fast, family‑friendly meals that can be prepared in 30‑40 minutes, emphasizing one‑pan dishes, practical shortcuts, and approachable flavor combinations for home cooks of all skill levels.

channel
Q

What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Justin Holmes?

A

Justin Holmes’ cooking philosophy centers on simplicity, speed, and flavor. He often uses pantry staples, minimal equipment, and step‑by‑step narration, encouraging viewers to cook confidently without fancy techniques or hard‑to‑find ingredients.

channel

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