Low Carb Jambalaya Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you're looking for a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying, this low carb jambalaya is perfect. It brings the heat and spice of traditional jambalaya without the carbs, making it a great choice for those following a keto or low-carb diet. The rich flavors from the andouille sausage and shrimp combined with the tender riced cauliflower make this dish a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish, which makes it a great weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 lb Andouille or kielbasa sausage, thinly sliced

• 2 bell peppers, diced

• ½ large onion, diced

• ½ cup celery, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 lb shrimp; peeled, deveined, and thawed

• 4 cups cauliflower; riced (frozen or fresh work)

• 1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes

• ¼ cup chicken broth

• 2 tablespoon cajun seasoning

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• Green onions and fresh parsley diced for garnish

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced bell peppers, onions, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.

2. Add the sliced sausage to the pot and sauté for another 4-5 minutes until browned.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, cajun seasoning, and sea salt to the pot. Mix well and bring to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes.

5. Stir in the riced cauliflower and shrimp, then cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the shrimp are fully cooked and the liquid is reduced.

6. Remove the pot from heat and serve hot, garnished with freshly diced green onions and parsley.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Jambalaya: Skip the sausage and shrimp, and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. For a protein boost, you can add tofu or plant-based sausage.

• Spicy Kick: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of cajun seasoning or add a bit of hot sauce to taste.

• Rice Alternatives: Instead of cauliflower rice, you can try other low-carb rice alternatives like broccoli rice or zucchini noodles for a different texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the jambalaya in a pot over low heat on the stove, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

2. Can I use regular rice instead of cauliflower rice?

While regular rice is not low carb, you can definitely use it if you don't mind the added carbs. However, using cauliflower rice helps keep the dish low-carb and keto-friendly.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze this low carb jambalaya. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for about 1-2 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

4. How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?

The shrimp should be pink and opaque when fully cooked. They will curl up slightly and turn a bright pinkish color. Be careful not to overcook them as they can become rubbery.

5. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the dish.

6. Can I use chicken instead of sausage?

Yes, chicken is a great substitute for sausage. You can use chicken breast or thighs, diced, and cook them in the same way as the sausage.

7. Is this recipe spicy?

The level of spice depends on the amount of cajun seasoning you use. If you're sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount or choose a mild cajun seasoning.

8. What can I serve this with?

This low carb jambalaya is a complete meal on its own, but you could serve it with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables for an extra serving of greens.

9. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! If you can’t find Andouille sausage, kielbasa or any other smoked sausage works well in this dish.

10. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this dish in an Instant Pot. Use the sauté function for the initial steps, then add all the ingredients, seal the pot, and cook on manual high pressure for 5-7 minutes. Quick release the pressure and stir in the shrimp.

Conclusion

This low carb jambalaya recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the bold flavors of traditional southern cooking without the carbs. It’s quick, easy, and packed with delicious ingredients, making it an ideal dinner for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week. Whether you stick to the original version or try out a few variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.