Jambalaya is a classic Creole dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds! This flavorful and hearty dish is made with simple ingredients.
The unique blend of flavors creates an irresistibly delicious meal that can be prepared in just a few minutes. Whether it’s served as a weeknight dinner or a weekend potluck, this Cajun jambalaya is sure to be a hit.
Follow these easy steps to learn how to make this delicious jambalaya. This is chock full of exciting ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds and have everyone coming back for more!
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What is Cajun Ninja Jambalaya?
Cajun Ninja Jambalaya is a classic Creole dish that has been around for centuries. This Southern-style jambalaya is made with smoked sausage, chicken thighs, pork shoulder, and plenty of vegetables like onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic.
The ingredients are cooked with long-grain rice and a variety of spices to create an incredibly flavorful dish. The Cajun Ninja Jambalaya is also incredibly versatile, as it can be made with whatever ingredients you have on hand.
What does it taste like?
Cajun Ninja Jambalaya is a delicious and hearty dish that is bursting with flavor. The smoked sausage, chicken thighs, pork shoulder, vegetables, rice, and spices come together to create an incredibly flavorful meal.
It has a smoky taste from the sausage and the cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick that will leave you wanting more! The sweet bell peppers, juicy chicken, and tender pork combine with the savory broth to create a truly unique flavor.
The richness of the broth is enhanced by the beef bouillon cubes, while the browning sauce adds an extra depth of flavor. The hot sauce adds a bit of heat that brings all of these flavors together into a delicious and satisfying meal.
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How did I first get introduced to the Cajun Ninja Jambalaya?
I first heard of the Cajun Ninja Jambalaya when I stumbled across a video by its creator, Chef Ninja. The video featured a step-by-step guide to making this delicious dish in his signature style.
Chef Ninja is an award-winning chef from New Orleans who has gained fame for modernizing traditional Cajun cuisine. He is known as the “Cajun Ninja” because of his unique approach to cooking which combines flavors from around the world with the home-style tastes of Southern Louisiana.
I was immediately intrigued by this recipe and wanted to give it a try. After watching Chef Ninja’s video, I was inspired to recreate his jambalaya at home. I quickly gathered the necessary ingredients and followed his instructions, step-by-step.
The result was an incredibly delicious dish that even my picky eaters couldn’t get enough of! Everyone in my family loved it and we have since added it to our regular rotation of meals.
I’ve since returned to Chef Ninja’s video several times for tips and inspiration. He is an amazing chef and I’m so grateful that I was able to discover his amazing Cajun Ninja Jambalaya dish!
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite in no time. Gather your ingredients and follow the instructions to recreate this sensational dish in your own kitchen.
How to make Cajun Ninja Jambalaya?
Making Cajun Ninja Jambalaya is easy and can be completed in just a few simple steps.
Ingredients
- Pork Roast: This cut of pork can be used in a variety of preparations, including roasts and braised dishes. It’s especially well-suited for slow cooking, as the connective tissue slowly breaks down over time, resulting in tender meat that is flavorful and juicy.
- Boneless Chicken Thighs: Boneless chicken thighs are incredibly versatile; they may be pan-fried, braised, or grilled. The flavor and texture of dark meat chicken are richer than that of white meat chicken and its fat content makes it especially juicy.
- Smoked Sausage: Smoked sausage is a type of cured, smoked pork sausage that can be found in most grocery stores. It adds a smoky, salty flavor to dishes; this type of sausage is especially popular in Louisiana dishes, such as jambalaya.
- Rice: Long grain rice adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture to jambalaya. When cooked, the grains remain separate and fluffy, making it the perfect addition to this classic dish.
- Onions: Onions are an essential ingredient for adding flavor to dishes. Using both yellow and green onions in this recipe adds depth of flavor and a light sweetness that complements the smoky sausage.
- Bell Pepper: Bell peppers add a sweet, mild flavor to jambalaya; they also provide the dish with added texture. The red bell pepper used in this recipe adds a bright pop of color that stands out among the other ingredients.
- Bunch Green Onions: Green onions are a milder version of the regular onion; their flavor is slightly sweet and they add a crunchy texture to dishes. They also add a vibrant color contrast that makes this dish look as good as it tastes!
- Celery: Celery adds a vegetal, earthy flavor to jambalaya that enhances the other flavors in this dish. It also adds a crunchy texture and a bright pop of color.
- Garlic: Garlic is an essential ingredient for adding flavor to dishes; its pungent, savory flavor is perfect for jambalaya.
- Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil provides the necessary fat needed to brown the pork and chicken in this recipe.
- Kosher Salt and pepper (to season pork): Kosher salt and ground black pepper are used to season the pork before it is seared. The salt draws out moisture and helps to achieve a golden-brown crust on the meat, while the pepper adds a spicy flavor.
- Beef Bouillon Cubes: Beef bouillon cubes are added to the jambalaya for flavor. The bouillon cubes dissolve in the liquid, providing a rich, beefy flavor that enhances all of the other ingredients in this dish.
- Salt: Salt is used to season the jambalaya and bring out all of its flavors.
- Cajun or Creole Seasoning: Cajun and Creole seasonings are a blend of spices that add a spicy, smoky flavor to dishes. They provide the authentic flavor that makes jambalaya so delicious!
- Browning Sauce: Browning sauce is a type of liquid seasoning containing caramelized sugar, molasses, and Worcestershire sauce. The browning sauce adds additional depth of flavor and a stunning color to the jambalaya.
- Water: Water is used to cook the rice and vegetables and create a flavorful broth.
- Hot Sauce: Hot sauce adds an extra kick of heat and flavor to the jambalaya. Feel free to adjust the amount according to your taste preferences!
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Prepare the pork & chicken
- Trim any excess fat from the pork and season it with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan.
- Once the oil is hot, add the pork and chicken thighs to the pan, cooking each side for 4-5 minutes until they are golden brown.
Step 2
Cook the sausage
- Add the smoked sausage to the pan and cook until it is lightly browned on all sides.
- Remove the pork, chicken, and sausage from the pan and set aside.
Step 3
Sauté vegetables & seasonings
- In the same skillet, add the onions, bell pepper, green onion, celery, and garlic and cook until they are softened.
- Add in the beef bouillon cubes, salt, cajun or creole seasoning, browning sauce, and stir to combine.
Step 4
Add rice & liquid
- Add in the rice and mix it with the vegetables. Let it cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the water and hot sauce. Stir and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5
Assemble jambalaya
- Once the liquid has been absorbed, add it back to the cooked pork, chicken, and sausage. Stir everything together and cook for 5 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips
- If you’re looking for a spicy kick, add more hot sauce or additional cajun or creole seasoning.
- For a smokier flavor, try adding smoked paprika to the dish.
- If you don’t have any beef bouillon cubes on hand, you can use chicken broth instead.
- To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, try adding cooked black beans or lentils instead of pork and chicken.
- If you’re looking for a heartier meal, try adding cooked shrimp or diced ham to the jambalaya.
- For added crunch, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top before serving.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Cajun Ninja Jambalaya?
Here are some delicious sides that go great with jambalaya:
- Garlicky roasted green beans
- Crispy sweet potato fries
- Creamy macaroni and cheese
- Buttered cornbread
- Baked garlic bread
- Sauteed okra with tomatoes and onions.
How to store leftover Cajun Ninja Jambalaya?
Here are some tips for storing jambalaya:
- Let the jambalaya cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate the leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.
- When ready to reheat, microwave the jambalaya covered in a microwave-safe dish until warm.
- If the jambalaya has dried out in the refrigerator, add a splash of water or broth to help rehydrate it before reheating.
Can pregnant women eat this?
It is generally recommended that pregnant women eat meals that are low in saturated fats and cholesterol, which is why Cajun Ninja Jambalaya is a great dish for expecting mothers.
The pork used in this can be replaced with cooked chicken or turkey to reduce the amount of fat and cholesterol in the meal. Additionally, the vegetables provide plenty of vitamins and minerals that are essential for a pregnant woman’s diet.
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- Pork Roast – 1 lb.
- Boneless Chicken Thighs – 1 lb.
- Smoked Sausage – 1 lb.
- Rice – 2 Cups
- Onions – 2 pcs
- Bell Pepper – 1
- Bunch Green Onion -1
- Celery – 2 Sticks
- Garlic – 4 Cloves
- Vegetable Oil – 1 tbsp.
- Kosher Salt and pepper to season pork
- Beef Bouillon Cubes – 3
- Salt – 3 tsp
- Cajun or Creole Seasoning – ½ tbsp.
- Browning Sauce – 3 tsp
- Water – 3 ½ Cups
- Hot Sauce – 3 tsp
Instructions
- Prepare the pork and chicken by trimming off any excess fat and seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add one tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. When hot, add in the pork and chicken thighs, cooking each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Add the smoked sausage to the pan and cook until lightly browned on both sides. Once cooked through, remove the pork, chicken, and sausage from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add in the onions, bell pepper, green onion, celery, and garlic; sautéing until softened. Then stir in beef bouillon cubes, salt, Cajun or Creole seasoning, and browning sauce.
- Add in the rice and mix with the vegetables; cooking for one minute. Pour in the water and hot sauce; stirring to combine before bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and let simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is completely absorbed.
- Once the liquid has been absorbed, add the cooked pork, chicken, and sausage to the jambalaya; stirring everything together and cooking for an additional five minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- If you’re looking for a spicy kick, add more hot sauce or additional cajun or creole seasoning.
- For a smokier flavor, try adding smoked paprika to the dish.
- If you don’t have any beef bouillon cubes on hand, you can use chicken broth instead.
- To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, try adding cooked black beans or lentils instead of pork and chicken.
- If you’re looking for a heartier meal, try adding cooked shrimp or diced ham to the jambalaya.
- For added crunch, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top before serving.
Nutrition
FAQs
Is jambalaya spicy?
Jambalaya can be as spicy as you like it! You can add more cajun or creole seasoning, hot sauce, or smoked paprika to make it spicier.
Can I make this with brown rice?
Yes, you can replace the white rice with brown rice if desired. The cooking time will need to be adjusted to accommodate for the longer cooking time of brown rice.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make jambalaya in a slow cooker by following the instructions for your specific slow cooker model. You may need to adjust the quantities and cook times accordingly.
Is Cajun Ninja Jambalaya gluten-free?
Yes, this jambalaya is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef bouillon cubes and browning sauce. Additionally, be sure to check the labels of any other ingredients used to make the dish to ensure that they are also gluten-free.
Wrapping Up
In this article, we have shared a delicious guide for Cajun Ninja Jambalaya. This dish is packed with flavor and packs a spicy kick! We also provided some tips for customizing the jambalaya to your tastes, storing leftovers, and making sure it’s safe for pregnant women.
Making this jambalaya is easy and requires only a few simple steps. If you have any questions about the recipe, please leave them in the comments below and we will be happy to answer them for you.
Please share this article with anyone who loves jambalaya. Thank you for reading.
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more