Cajun Ninja Jambalaya Recipe: A Taste of Louisiana’s Finest

Welcome to the flavorful world of Cajun cuisine, where a dash of spice, a pinch of tradition, and a whole lot of heart come together to create mouthwatering masterpieces. Today, we’re diving into the Cajun Ninja Jambalaya Recipe, a culinary gem hailing from the kitchen of none other than Jason Derouen, the mastermind behind the popular cooking channel, “The Cajun Ninja.”

Jason Derouen, known as the Cajun Ninja, has captured the hearts and taste buds of viewers worldwide with his charismatic and down-to-earth approach to Cajun cooking. With a passion for sharing the rich culinary traditions of his Louisiana heritage, Jason’s recipes are not just about food; they’re a celebration of culture, community, and Cajun pride.

Join us as we unravel the secrets of Jason’s signature Jambalaya recipe. From the sizzle of sautéed onions to the hearty blend of meats and spices, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that pays homage to the Cajun spirit. So, put on your apron and let the Cajun Ninja guide you through a journey of taste, tradition, and a whole lot of spice!

Cajun Ninja Jambalaya Recipe Overview:

This classic Louisiana dish is a flavorful medley of rice, meats, and spices that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of New Orleans. With a delightful combination of smoky, savory, and spicy flavors, this jambalaya is perfect for gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner. 

Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Serving Quantity: 6-8 servings

Tools:

• 2 Large pots
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Gloves
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients:

• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups rice
• 2 sticks celery, chopped
• 3 beef bouillon cubes
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 pound pork roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Kosher salt and pepper (to season pork)
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• ½ tablespoon Cajun or Creole seasoning
• 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
• 3 ½ cups water
• 1 tablespoon browning sauce
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce

Instructions:

First, add some salt and pepper to the pork to make it tasty. Then, in a big pot, heat some vegetable oil on medium-high heat. Put the pork in the pot and cook it until it turns brown on all sides. Take the pork out of the pot and keep it aside.

Then put some salt and Cajun seasoning on the chicken pieces. In the same pot, heat a bit of oil on medium-high heat, and cook the chicken until it’s brown and cooked through, which takes about 10 minutes. Put them in a bowl.

[Tips: You can cook chicken with the pork in the same pot. In that case, you have to add chicken after 10 minutes of cooking pork. Adding chicken and pork at the same time will dry out the chicken.]

Now cook the sliced smoked sausage in the pot. Keep cooking and stirring sometimes for another 10 minutes to mix the flavors. Then keep them in another bowl.

In the same pot, put the onions, green onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook them until they get soft and smell nice. It usually takes about 20 minutes.

Mix the beef bouillon cubes with 3 ½ cups of hot water until they dissolve. Pour this into the pot, and then add the rice. Stir everything really well.

Add the salt, Cajun or Creole seasoning, browning sauce, and hot sauce. Then, add all the meat and sausage. Mix everything again. Let it boil first. Now you can add your rice to the pot. Give it a nice mix.

Turn down the heat, cover the pot, and let it cook for around 25 minutes. You want the rice to be soft and soak up most of the liquid. Stir it sometimes so it doesn’t stick to the pot. After 25 minutes, remove the pot from the heat. Give it 5 minutes rest.

Once the rice is soft and the meat is tender, your Cajun Ninja Jambalaya is ready! You can sprinkle extra green onions on top if you like. Serve it hot and enjoy!

Also Try: Savor the Flavor: Chuckwagon Steak Recipe for Hearty Dining

What Is Jambalaya?

Jambalaya is a popular and flavorful dish that originated in Louisiana, particularly among the Creole and Cajun communities. It’s a one-pot dish known for its rich blend of meats, spices, and rice. Jambalaya is often considered a quintessential part of Southern and Louisiana cuisine.

The dish typically consists of the following key ingredients:

• Rice: Long-grain white rice is commonly used, although variations may include brown rice or other grains.

• Meats: Jambalaya can feature a variety of meats, with common choices being chicken, sausage (such as Andouille), shrimp, crawfish, pork, and sometimes even game meats like rabbit or alligator.

• Vegetables: Onions, bell peppers, and celery, often referred to as the “holy trinity” in Cajun and Creole cooking, are essential flavor bases for jambalaya. Garlic and tomatoes are also frequently used.

• Spices: Cajun or Creole seasonings, which include ingredients like paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and bay leaves, give jambalaya its distinctive and spicy flavor profile.

There are two primary variations of jambalaya: Creole and Cajun.

• Creole Jambalaya: This version is typically tomato-based and is considered to be more of a city or New Orleans style. It often includes a variety of meats and seafood.

• Cajun Jambalaya: The Cajun version is typically brown or “red” jambalaya. It’s made without tomatoes and often uses browned meat as the base flavor. Sausage and game meats are commonly found in Cajun jambalaya.

The preparation of jambalaya involves sautéing the meats, vegetables, and spices, and then simmering them with the rice until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the flavorful liquid. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’s known for its bold and spicy taste, making it a favorite in Southern and Creole-Cajun cuisine.

FAQs:

Can I use long-grain rice instead of the recommended rice?

Yes, you can use long-grain rice. However, the texture and cooking time may vary slightly.

Can I make a vegetarian version of this jambalaya?

There is a vegetarian version of this recipe. For the vegetarian version, you have to use vegetable bouillon cubes or vegetable broth for flavor. Add extra vegetables like okra or bell peppers for depth of flavor.

Can I use pre-cooked rice for this recipe to save time?

You can use pre-cooked rice, but it may not absorb the flavors as well as uncooked rice during the simmering process. Using uncooked rice allows it to soak up the delicious flavors and spices.  Using uncooked rice is more authentic.

How spicy is this jambalaya with the recommended amount of hot sauce?

The recommended amount of hot sauce adds a mild to moderate level of spiciness. Adjust the quantity to your preference for more or less heat.

Can I freeze the leftover jambalaya for future meals?

You can freeze leftover jambalaya for later consumption. Keep the dish aside to cool to room temperature.  Put the leftovers in airtight containers or freezer bags, and store it in the freezer. Add a little water or broth while reheating the leftovers. It will maintain the desired consistency of the dish.

Conclusion:

Now that you’ve got the recipe for Cajun Ninja Jambalaya, it’s time to embrace the flavors of Louisiana in your own kitchen. Gather your ingredients and follow the simple steps to get ready for delicious cuisine. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a friends & family dinner this jambalaya recipe is sure to satisfy your craving. So, wear your apron, start cooking, and get ready to transport your taste buds to the heart of Cajun country.