The Best Keto Jambalaya Recipe: Spicy, Hearty & Flavorful

Spicy aromas of keto jambalaya dance through my kitchen, promising a low-carb twist on classic Louisiana comfort food.

My culinary adventures always lead me to reinvent traditional recipes with healthier ingredients.

Cauliflower rice becomes the perfect canvas for bold Cajun spices and succulent proteins.

Memories of New Orleans street food inspire this vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that satisfies without the carbohydrate overload.

Protein-rich shrimp and andouille sausage create layers of complex flavors that will make you forget you’re eating a diet-friendly meal.

Each bite promises a zesty celebration of Creole cooking traditions, reimagined for mindful eaters.

You won’t believe how deliciously satisfying this keto version can be.

Keto Jambalaya That’s Big On Spice And Low On Carbs

• Speedy Keto-Friendly Meal: Whips up a delicious low-carb dinner in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, satisfying meal.
• Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Combines chicken, sausage, and shrimp to create a protein-rich dish that keeps you full and energized without loading up on carbs.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet or Dutch oven, making this recipe a time-saving and hassle-free cooking experience.
• Customizable Spice Adventure: Allows easy adjustment of heat levels with Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper, letting you personalize the flavor to match your spice tolerance.

Ingredients Tossed in Keto Jambalaya

• Andouille Sausage: Spicy sausage that adds deep, smoky flavor and authentic Cajun character.
• Chicken: Lean protein that provides substantial texture and absorbs recipe seasonings.
• Shrimp: Tender seafood that brings classic coastal Louisiana taste and delicate protein.

• Cauliflower Rice: Low-carb rice substitute perfect for keto diets with light, neutral base.
• Celery, Bell Peppers, Onion: Classic Cajun holy trinity vegetables offering aromatic foundation.
• Garlic: Pungent flavor enhancer with robust depth for overall dish complexity.
• Diced Tomatoes: Tangy base that provides moisture and slight acidic background.

• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that builds rich, savory undertones throughout dish.
• Cajun Seasoning: Signature spice blend capturing traditional Louisiana flavor profile.
• Smoked Paprika, Thyme, Cayenne: Warming spices creating multi-dimensional, robust taste.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Umami-rich condiment adding depth and subtle tang.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus finish that cuts through rich flavors.
• Fresh Parsley: Light, fresh herb for garnish and subtle green note.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat for sautéing and preventing sticking.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth finish to final dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced flavor enhancement.

Steps to Make Keto Jambalaya

Step 1: Brown The Saucy Meats

Grab a large skillet and warm some olive oil over medium heat.

Toss in andouille sausage and sizzle until golden brown.

Scoop out the sausage and set aside.

Next, slide chicken pieces into the same pan and cook until they develop a beautiful caramel-like color.

Remove and keep warm.

Step 2: Wake Up The Veggie Base

• Crisp celery
• Vibrant bell peppers
• Sweet onions
• Zesty garlic

Sauté these until they soften and release their aromatic magic.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Juicy diced tomatoes
• Rich chicken broth
• Cajun seasoning
• Smoky paprika
• Earthy thyme
• Sea salt
• Cracked black pepper
• Fiery cayenne
• Tangy Worcestershire sauce

Bring everything to a rolling boil, then drop the heat and let it simmer and mingle for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Introduce Seafood And Low-Carb Base

• Succulent shrimp
• Fluffy cauliflower rice
• Creamy butter

Cover and cook until shrimp turns blush pink.

Step 5: Final Flavor Explosion

Return sausage and chicken to the skillet.

Stir everything together.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and shower with chopped parsley.

Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in!

Jambalaya Tips For A Keto Makeover

• Brown andouille sausage until edges are crispy for maximum flavor development without burning.
• Use fresh cauliflower rice and pat dry to prevent excess liquid, ensuring a non-soggy jambalaya texture.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning gradually, tasting as you go to control heat level and match personal preference.
• Add shrimp last and cook just until pink to prevent rubbery texture and maintain delicate seafood tenderness.
• Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice to keep the dish keto-friendly while maintaining authentic jambalaya taste profile.

Jambalaya That Packs For Spicy Meals On Repeat

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping the jambalaya fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled jambalaya to freezer-safe containers, where it will stay good for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Warm portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying and restore moisture.
• Heat individual servings in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain the dish's delicious consistency.

Fiery Sips With Jambalaya

• Spice Up with Zinfandel: Bold red Zinfandel wine perfectly complements the spicy, robust flavors of this keto jambalaya, cutting through the richness while enhancing the Cajun seasonings.
• Crisp Celery Mocktail Pairing: Create a refreshing celery-based mocktail with sparkling water, fresh lemon, and a dash of hot sauce to mirror the dish's zesty profile and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Cool Avocado Salsa Side: Prepare a quick avocado salsa with diced tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice to provide a creamy, cool contrast to the spicy, warm jambalaya, balancing the intense flavors and adding freshness.
• Herbal Kombucha Complement: Choose an herb-infused kombucha like lavender or ginger to provide a tangy, probiotic-rich beverage that cuts through the dish's richness while offering a light, refreshing counterpoint.

Keto Jambalaya Versions

• Low-Carb Seafood Focus: Replace chicken and sausage with extra shrimp and crab meat for a lighter seafood-only version that maintains keto principles while offering a different protein profile.
• Vegetarian Keto Alternative: Swap proteins with cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and plant-based sausage alternatives like tempeh or seitan, adding extra spices to maintain robust flavor without meat.
• Spicy Cajun Heat Boost: Increase cayenne pepper, add jalapeños, and incorporate hot sauce for those seeking an intensely spicy jambalaya experience while keeping the keto macronutrient balance.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Eliminate butter and replace with coconut oil or olive oil, ensuring the recipe remains suitable for individuals with dairy restrictions while preserving the authentic Cajun taste profile.

FAQs

• Why use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice?

Cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative that keeps this jambalaya keto-friendly. It reduces total carbohydrate content while providing a similar texture and absorbing all the delicious Cajun flavors.

• Is this jambalaya spicy?

The recipe has a moderate heat level from Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing cayenne according to your personal taste preference.

• Can I substitute the proteins in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap andouille sausage with any low-carb sausage, and replace chicken or shrimp with other proteins like turkey, duck, or even tofu for a different protein option while maintaining the keto profile.

• How do I know the shrimp is fully cooked?

Shrimp turns pink and becomes opaque when fully cooked. It typically takes about 5 minutes of cooking. Avoid overcooking to prevent a rubbery texture and maintain its tender, delicate flavor.

Keto Jambalaya Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy keto jambalaya brings Louisiana’s bold flavors to low-carb dining without compromising taste. Savory shrimp, andouille sausage, and cauliflower rice create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 ounces (170 grams) andouille sausage, sliced

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups cauliflower rice
• 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious skillet or Dutch oven and warm olive oil over medium heat, creating an aromatic cooking environment.
2. Introduce andouille sausage to the hot surface, allowing it to develop a rich golden-brown exterior for approximately 3 minutes. Transfer the seared sausage to a separate plate.
3. Utilize the same pan to brown chicken pieces, ensuring each side achieves a beautiful caramelized color within 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside with the sausage.
4. Gently lower diced celery, vibrant bell peppers, aromatic onions, and minced garlic into the pan, letting them soften and release their flavors for 3-4 minutes.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes, fragrant chicken broth, and a blend of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and Worcestershire sauce.
6. Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and allow the liquid to simmer, melding the complex flavors for 10 minutes.
7. Introduce succulent shrimp and cauliflower rice, complementing with a touch of butter. Cover and cook until shrimp transforms to a delicate pink hue, approximately 5 minutes.
8. Reunite the previously cooked sausage and chicken with the simmering mixture, stirring to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
9. Brighten the dish with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of vibrant parsley, creating a final layer of flavor and visual appeal.
10. Serve immediately, presenting a keto-friendly jambalaya bursting with southern-inspired complexity.

Notes

• Switch andouille sausage for turkey sausage to reduce fat content and provide a leaner protein option.
• Substitute cauliflower rice with zucchini noodles for added variety and different nutrient profile.
• Use coconut aminos instead of Worcestershire sauce to make the recipe completely gluten-free and lower in sodium.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on individual spice tolerance, allowing customization for different heat preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Cajun/Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg