Bj’s Jambalaya Recipe

There’s something magical about a big, hearty pot of jambalaya, and BJ’s Restaurant does it right with their bold, flavorful version. This homemade take on BJ’s Jambalaya Recipe brings all that restaurant-style goodness straight to your kitchen-loaded with Cajun andouille sausage, tender shrimp, and bold spices that warm you from the inside out.

What makes this dish so lovable is the layering of flavors. We start with seared sausage, then sauté up the classic “holy trinity” of onion, celery, and bell pepper. Add in garlic, tomatoes, and a powerful blend of Cajun and Creole spices, and you’ve got a one-pot wonder that’s both comforting and exciting.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or spicing up your dinner routine, this recipe hits all the right notes. It’s soulful, filling, and surprisingly easy to make!

Why You’ll Love Bj’s Jambalaya

First off, it’s bursting with deep, smoky flavor and just the right amount of heat. If you love Cajun food, this is going to become a go-to. The seasoned shrimp, golden seared sausage, and fluffy jasmine rice create that perfect balance of protein, spice, and comfort.

Second, it’s a one-pot meal, which makes cleanup a breeze. And the leftovers? Even better the next day.

Lastly, this recipe is flexible. Add chicken, use different peppers, or even toss in a dash of hot sauce for extra kick. However you customize it, you’ll have a rich, restaurant-quality dish right at home.

Ingredients Required for Bj’s Jambalaya Recipe

Before you start, make sure you have all the following ingredients listed below for this Bj’s Jambalaya Recipe

Proteins & Grains:

• 1 lb large shrimp (cleaned and deveined)
• 1 package Cajun andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 ½ cups long grain jasmine rice (rinsed)

Vegetables:

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Liquids:

• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Kitchen Equipment Needed

1. Large saucepan or Dutch oven
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife and cutting board
5. Mixing bowl (for shrimp)
6. Lid for the pan

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes

Recipe for Bj’s Jambalaya

Just follow these easy steps to make your own Bj’s Jambalaya at home

1: Season the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with some of the Cajun, Creole, and garlic powder seasonings. Mix well and set aside while you prep everything else.

2: Sear the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.

3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add diced onions, green bell peppers, and celery. Cook until soft and tender. Add garlic and stir until fragrant. Then stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste.

4: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning
Pour in the diced tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the rest of the seasonings, including bay leaves and paprika. Stir in the chicken broth and return the sausage to the pot.

5: Simmer with Rice
Once the broth and sausage are in, bring everything to a gentle simmer. Rinse the jasmine rice and stir it into the pot. Cover with a lid and let it cook for about 10 minutes on medium heat. This allows the rice to absorb all the flavorful liquid and begin to soften for the final stage.

6: Add the Shrimp
Add the seasoned shrimp, stir gently, and cover again. Let cook for another 10 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and the rice is fully cooked. Adjust texture to your liking-leave uncovered if you prefer a drier jambalaya.

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How to Store Bj’s Jambalaya Properly?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

What to Pair and Serve with Bj’s Jambalaya

1. With a Side of Cornbread
We love serving jambalaya with warm, buttery cornbread. It soaks up all the spicy juices and gives the meal a sweet, soft contrast that just works beautifully.

2. Topped with Fresh Green Onions
A handful of sliced green onions on top adds a fresh crunch and bright flavor. We always do this-it’s simple but makes the dish look and taste even better.

3. With a Crisp Garden Salad
Because jambalaya is rich and hearty, we sometimes pair it with a light side salad. Think cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette-it balances out the boldness nicely.

4. With Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette
We’ve dunked garlic bread into this dish more times than we can count. The crispy, garlicky crust adds a great texture, and it’s perfect for scooping up extra sauce.

5. With a Cold Glass of Sweet Tea or Lemonade
There’s something about cooling off the Cajun heat with a glass of sweet tea. We almost always make a pitcher when jambalaya’s on the menu.

6. Topped with Hot Sauce for Extra Kick
For the spice lovers in our house, hot sauce is a must. A few dashes of Louisiana hot sauce or even sriracha brings extra fire and flavor.

7. Served Over Creamy Grits
This might sound different, but try it once-jambalaya spooned over creamy grits is rich, bold, and ridiculously good. Total Southern comfort.

8. With Fried Plantains on the Side
We’ve served this dish with fried plantains before, and the sweet-savory combo is unforgettable. It brings a little Caribbean twist that works surprisingly well.

9. As a Stuffed Bell Pepper Filling
We’ve used leftover jambalaya to fill roasted bell peppers-it’s a great way to reinvent the dish and impress dinner guests without extra work.

10. With a Side of Coleslaw
A cold, tangy coleslaw cuts through the richness of the jambalaya and adds a nice crunch. It’s a refreshing contrast that we really enjoy.

My Personal Experience With this Recipe and Some Tips

I made this jambalaya for my family, and wow-everyone loved it! The shrimp was juicy, the sausage was smoky, and the rice had so much flavor. It felt just like something from a real restaurant. We ate every bite, and now they always ask me to make it again!

Easy Tips for Jambalaya:

1. Use fresh shrimp -It tastes better than frozen.

2. Don’t skip the garlic -It adds yummy flavor.

3. Toast the tomato paste -It makes it sweeter.

4. Rinse your rice -It keeps it from getting sticky.

5. Add shrimp last – So it doesn’t get rubbery.

6. Let it rest -The flavors get better after cooking!

FAQs on Bj’s Jambalaya Recipe

Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about the Bj’s Jambalaya Recipe.

1. Should I cover jambalaya when cooking?

Yes, but not the whole time. We like to cover it after adding the rice so it cooks evenly and soaks up all the broth. Just make sure to uncover it near the end if you want it a little drier, like BJ’s version.

2. How to cut onions for jambalaya?

We dice them pretty small. Just peel the onion, slice it in half, then make small cuts both ways to get tiny pieces. It helps the onion cook down fast and mix well into the dish without big chunks.

3. How long should jambalaya rest?

After cooking, we usually let it rest for about 5 minutes. That short time helps the rice settle and makes the dish a bit thicker. Plus, the flavors really come together after it sits.

4. How long is jambalaya good for?

It keeps really well! In our experience, it tastes great for up to 3 days in the fridge. Just keep it in a sealed container and reheat it with a splash of broth or water to freshen it up.

5. Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, but keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook. We tried it once, and had to add extra broth and cook for 15-20 minutes more. It still turned out great, just be patient.

6. Can I make this jambalaya spicier?

Definitely. We’ve added hot sauce or extra Cajun seasoning before and it gave the dish a nice kick. Just be careful not to overpower the other flavors. Add spice a little at a time and taste as you go.

7. Can I freeze jambalaya?

Yes, and we’ve done it many times. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It reheats well in the microwave or stovetop. Just add a little water or broth while reheating so it stays moist.

8. Do I have to use andouille sausage?

It’s traditional and tastes amazing, but we’ve also tried smoked sausage or even turkey sausage when that’s all we had. The flavor is still great, just not as bold as with andouille.

9. What vegetables can I add to this jambalaya?

Aside from onions, bell peppers, and celery, we’ve also tossed in red bell peppers or a handful of chopped green onions at the end. It’s an easy way to add more color and flavor.

10. Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?

Yes! We’ve made it with diced cooked chicken breast, and it turned out just as tasty. You can even use both chicken and shrimp for a mix like BJ’s restaurant does.

This homemade BJ’s Jambalaya Recipe is everything you want in a comforting, spicy one-pot meal. From the sizzling sausage to the plump, juicy shrimp, every bite is packed with flavor.

Try this out for your next family dinner or weekend treat, and let the bold Cajun flavors bring your table to life. Don’t forget to share it with a friend who loves Southern cooking!

I’d love to hear your thoughts-leave a comment on the blog and let me know How it came out! Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook and YouTube for more delicious updates. Your support truly means everything to me.