Spice Up Your Keto Menu with Our Mouthwatering Keto Jambalaya Recipe!
What is Keto Jambalaya Made Of?
🧑🍳 Keto jambalaya includes low-carb ingredients like cauliflower rice, shrimp, chicken, and andouille sausage, along with veggies such as bell peppers, onions, and celery. It’s seasoned with classic Creole spices like cayenne pepper, paprika, and thyme for that Cajun taste. This one-pot dish is high in protein and healthy fats, perfect for those on a keto diet.
Welcome to the world of keto jambalaya – where Louisiana flavor meets low-carb goodness! If you’re on a keto journey but crave hearty, soul-warming meals, we have the solution for you. Say farewell to bland diet food and hello to a dish full of vibrant colors and bold flavors.
Our keto jambalaya recipe transforms traditional Cajun flavors into a low-carb version without compromising taste. Imagine juicy shrimp, tender chicken, and flavorful andouille sausage mingling in a tasty tomato sauce. The twist? We’re using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, keeping the carb count low without compromising on texture or flavor.
Whether you’re a seasoned keto veteran or just starting your low-carb adventure, this recipe will surely become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s easy to make, packed with protein and veggies, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
So, grab your apron and get ready to spice things up in the kitchen. This keto jambalaya is about to become your new favorite comfort food!
Table of Contents
- What is Jambalaya?
- Keto Jambalaya Recipe
- Tips for Making Low-Carb Keto Jambalaya
- What to Serve with Keto Jambalaya
- How to Store Cauliflower Rice Jambalaya
- More Keto Recipes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
What is Jambalaya?
Jambalaya is a flavorful and hearty dish that originates from the Creole and Cajun cuisines of Louisiana, United States. It’s a one-pot meal that typically combines meat, seafood, vegetables, and rice, cooked together with a variety of herbs and spices.
One of the defining characteristics of jambalaya is its versatility, as there are countless variations of the dish, each reflecting the unique culinary influences of the region and the preferences of the cook.
Traditionally, jambalaya is made in two main styles: Creole and Cajun. Creole jambalaya is tomato-based and often includes tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, celery, chicken, sausage, and seafood such as shrimp or crawfish.
Cajun jambalaya, on the other hand, is typically brown and does not contain tomatoes. It’s made with ingredients like smoked sausage, chicken, and sometimes game meats like duck or rabbit, along with the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking: onions, bell peppers, and celery.
Despite these differences, both styles of jambalaya share a rich history and a reputation for being a comforting and delicious meal enjoyed by people worldwide.
However, most jambalaya recipes are made with white rice, making it unsuitable for keto. But this keto-friendly jambalaya uses cauliflower rice for a lower carb and keto option.
Keto Jambalaya Recipe
This sausage jambalaya recipe replaces rice with cauliflower rice for a quick one-pot dinner! Ready in 20 minutes, it’s packed with shrimp, andouille sausage, three peppers, and Cajun seasoning: a dream for taste and texture lovers!
Ingredients
Shrimp: Opt for large or jumbo shrimp for maximum juiciness and flavor absorption. Look for shelled shrimp for added convenience.
Andouille sausage: Using andouille sausage provides an authentic flavor to the jambalaya, but chorizo is a suitable alternative. Make sure to choose a keto-friendly sausage.
Vegetables: Garlic, onion, yellow/red/green bell pepper, and celery are essential vegetables that provide flavor, color, and crunch to this dish.
Cauliflower rice: Traditional jambalaya has rice, but for a low-carb keto option, we swap it with cauliflower rice. You can grate your own or use a pre-packaged one.
Cajun seasoning: Cajun or creole seasoning is essential for delicious jambalaya!
Chicken broth: Traditional recipes often feature chicken for flavor and moisture, but chicken broth also serves this purpose in our recipe. Another option is using a bouillon cube dissolved in hot water.
Diced tomatoes: Use diced canned tomatoes without added sugar or spices.
Other: Use salt and pepper to taste and chopped parsley or green onions for serving.
Here are the exact ingredients you will need for this delicious recipe:
- 1 lb shrimp
- 1 lb Andouille sausage
- 1 Tbsp oil
- 1 1/2 large onions
- 3 large bell peppers
- 2 stalks celery
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 cups cauliflower rice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 3/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
Instructions
Remove the tails from the shrimp and cut the sausage into bite-sized pieces.
Put the oil in a large non-stick skillet or Dutch oven. Cook the sliced sausage until golden brown in the hot skillet. Take out the sausage.
Add the onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Then, mix in the bell peppers and celery, cooking until tender.
Stir in the garlic, cauliflower rice, salt, pepper, and Cajun seasonings. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and shrimp. Simmer until the liquid reduces and the mixture thickens. Finally, add the sausage and simmer for another minute.
Take the jambalaya off the heat, season with more salt and pepper, and serve right away.
Nutrition
This flavorful keto jambalaya recipe makes up to 8 servings. Each serving contains:
- Calories: 235
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 5.5g
- Net Carbs: 4.5g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 17g
Tips for Making Low-Carb Keto Jambalaya
One option for keto jambalaya is to include chicken, which this recipe doesn’t cover. The traditional jambalaya recipe includes chicken sausage and shrimp. To include chicken, add 1-2 diced chicken breasts (or 2-3 chicken thighs) with the sausage. Cook until done, then proceed to add the garlic.
Before adding the garlic, ensure the heat is high enough to evaporate excess liquid after cooking the peppers and onions. If not, everything will steam rather than caramelize.
When cooking shrimp, move the uncooked pieces to the bottom of the pot for browning and thorough cooking. If any turn opaque, stir them to the top.
To avoid extra liquid, simmer on high heat towards the end. For a thicker jambalaya, simply let the mixture simmer longer.
Cauliflower rice has a high water content that must evaporate. Avoid using frozen cauliflower rice to prevent adding extra liquid to the dish, which could lead to a watery consistency.
Enhance flavor by adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning to taste by adding salt or Cajun seasoning. Finish with a sprinkle of green onions and parsley.
What to Serve with Keto Jambalaya
When you serve keto jambalaya, consider low-carb options that match its flavors and textures, staying true to ketogenic principles. Here are some ideas:
Grilled or Sautéed Shrimp: For an extra protein boost, consider serving grilled or sautéed shrimp on the side. It complements the seafood flavors in the jambalaya and adds variety to the meal.
Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and avocado dressed with a vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy richness of the jambalaya.
Steamed or Sautéed Vegetables: Serve a side of steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted Brussels sprouts to add extra fiber and nutrients to your meal.
Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini noodles, also known as zoodles, are a great alternative to pasta and pair well with the flavors of jambalaya.
Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw made with cabbage, mayonnaise, and vinegar adds a cool and crunchy element to balance out the spiciness of the jambalaya.
Avocado: Sliced avocado or guacamole can add creaminess and healthy fats to your meal while enhancing the flavors of the jambalaya.
How to Store Cauliflower Rice Jambalaya
For storage, once the jambalaya cools down, place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Freeze any leftover jambalaya with cauliflower rice by allowing it to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container or a freezer bag with the air flattened out, and freeze for 2-3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For microwave reheating, heat for 30-40 seconds, or warm on the stovetop.
More Keto Recipes
If you like this delicious low-carb jambalaya recipe, try some more of these flavorful keto dishes:
- Cauliflower Mushroom Risotto
- Low-Carb Shrimp and Grits
- Keto Nachos
- Low-Carb Chili
- Keto Squash Casserole
- Marry Me Chicken
- Keto Beef Stroganoff
Frequently Asked Questions
Is keto jambalaya supposed to be wet or dry?
Cauliflower rice jambalaya, a delightful dish with a Cajun-flavored sauce, is crafted with a perfect balance of spices and ingredients. It shouldn’t have a soupy consistency but rather a texture that’s more akin to gumbo, rich and flavorful without being overly liquid.
Can you make low-carb keto jambalaya more saucy?
You can boost your jambalaya’s flavor by adding an extra can of diced tomatoes, but this will up the carb count. Keep this in mind if you’re watching your carbs. Despite this, the dish stays delicious as is.
Is this keto jambalaya spicy?
Yes, the amount of Cajun seasoning mentioned in the recipe adds to the spiciness of the keto jambalaya. If you’d like a less spicy taste, you can cut down the Cajun seasoning from two tablespoons to one. This tweak lets you customize the dish to suit your preferred heat level and guarantees a tasty meal.
Does jambalaya always have rice?
While rice is found in many traditional jambalaya recipes, like Creole-style ones, some versions skip the rice. For instance, Cajun-style jambalaya minus rice is known as “brown jambalaya.” These versions blend meats, veggies, and spices in a tasty broth or sauce without rice. Modern jambalaya adaptations, such as low-carb or keto versions, swap rice for alternatives like cauliflower rice to meet dietary needs while keeping the dish’s essence.
Final Thoughts
Our journey into the world of low-carb jambalaya has proven that low-carb eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. By embracing the vibrant spices and hearty ingredients of traditional Cajun cuisine, we’ve created a dish that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also aligns with ketogenic principles.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out on your low-carb journey, our keto jambalaya recipe offers a delicious and fulfilling option for any mealtime occasion.
With its rich layers of flavor and comforting textures, this dish has the power to transport you to the bustling streets of New Orleans or the tranquil bayous of Louisiana with every bite. And the best part? You can enjoy all the savory goodness without worrying about the carb count.
The next time you’re craving a taste of the South while staying true to your dietary goals, turn to our keto jambalaya recipe for a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
In the world of low-carb cooking, keto jambalaya stands as a shining example of how creativity and innovation can transform classic dishes into something new and exciting, all while staying true to their roots.
So, grab your apron and get ready to savor the flavors of Louisiana in a way that’s both delicious and keto-friendly.