Bubba Gump Jambalaya Recipe

Bubba Gump’s Jambalaya is a popular dish that captures the essence of Southern cuisine.

This flavorful recipe is perfect for those seeking a comforting and hearty meal that is guaranteed to impress.

With a rich blend of chicken, shrimp, sausage, and white rice, this jambalaya offers a satisfying combination of textures and taste.

This special recipe is inspired by Bubba Gump’s, a well-known restaurant with a focus on Southern, seafood-inspired dishes.

The vibrant spices and savory ingredients work together to create a gastronomic experience that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Southern cooking.

As you embark on the journey of preparing this delicious Bubba Gump’s Jambalaya, you will be introduced to a world of flavors that make up the core of this celebrated dish.

With its well-balanced blend of spice, protein, and rice, this jambalaya is sure to become a cherished staple in your repertoire of Southern cuisine.

How to Make Bubba Gump Jambalaya

Ingredients List

• 2 slices bacon
• 1 pound chicken pieces (boneless, skinless)
• 1 pound uncooked shrimp (veins and shells removed)
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 red onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 20 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 tablespoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cups white rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon file powder
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• Seasonings: salt, cayenne pepper, and hot pepper sauce to taste

Step-by-step process

Step 1

Prepare the bacon: In a large Dutch oven, cook 2 slices of bacon over medium heat until crisp.

Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the Dutch oven.

Brown the chicken: Season your chicken pieces with a blend of spices, such as Cajun seasoning or salt and pepper.

Turn the heat to medium-high and brown the pieces of chicken in the bacon drippings for about 5 minutes.

Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2

Cook the sausage: Add the sliced smoked sausage to the Dutch oven and cook for about 5 minutes until the edges are browned.

Remove the sausage and set aside.

Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced red onion, celery, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the Dutch oven.

Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until they become soft and fragrant.

Combine ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, Cajun seasoning, and dried thyme.

Cook for a few minutes until well combined.

Add the white rice and stir well.

Step 3

Add chicken broth and proteins: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, stirring to ensure there are no clumps of rice.

Add the browned chicken pieces, cooked sausage, and uncooked shrimp to the mixture, stirring gently to combine.

Simmer the jambalaya: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the Dutch oven, and let the jambalaya simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken is tender.

Step 4

Season and serve: Once the jambalaya is fully cooked, add the reserved bacon pieces, file powder, and Worcestershire sauce.

Season with thyme, salt, cayenne pepper, and hot pepper sauce to taste.

Stir well before serving your delicious Bubba Gump Jambalaya!

Enjoy!

Side Dishes for Bubba Gump Jambalaya

When enjoying a flavorful Bubba Gump Jambalaya, you might want to complement this dish with some equally delicious side dishes.

Here are some options that will enhance your jambalaya experience:

Grilled Shrimp

Grilled shrimp is a delicious and light side dish that pairs well with the robust flavors of jambalaya.

You can season the shrimp with a blend of spices that will complement the flavors of your jambalaya or simply use a pinch of salt and pepper.

Serve the grilled shrimp with lemon wedges to add a zesty touch.

Roasted Okra

For an easy and delicious veggie side, try oven-roasting some okra.

The crispy texture and nutty taste of roasted okra make it an ideal companion for your hearty jambalaya.

Plus, it’s a nod to the southern origins of this iconic dish.

Ingredient Substitutes

Green Bell Pepper

If you want to replace green bell pepper in your jambalaya, try using another variety of bell pepper, such as red, yellow, or orange.

These peppers offer similar textures and slightly different flavor profiles while still maintaining the overall integrity of the dish.

Celery Stalks

In case you don’t have celery stalks at hand, you can use fennel, bok choy, or leeks as a substitute.

These vegetables offer a slightly different taste, but their crunchy texture will provide a good contrast in the jambalaya.

Shrimp Mixture

If you can’t find fresh shrimp or don’t want to use shrimp in your jambalaya, you can replace it with another type of seafood, like scallops, fish, or crab.

Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking your seafood.

How to Store Bubba Gump Jambalaya

Storing your Bubba Gump Jambalaya properly is essential to maintaining its delicious flavor and freshness.

Here are some recommended storage methods to ensure that your jambalaya remains a scrumptious dish even after reheating:

Refrigeration

After cooking your Bubba Gump Jambalaya, allow the dish to cool to room temperature.

Once cooled, transfer the jambalaya into an airtight container.

Place the container in the refrigerator and store it for up to 3-4 days.

When you’re ready to serve, reheat the jambalaya in a saucepan or microwave until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Freezing

For longer-term storage, consider freezing your Bubba Gump Jambalaya.

To do this, let the dish cool to room temperature and then transfer it into a freezer-safe, airtight container or a resealable plastic freezer bag.

Store the jambalaya in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, thaw the jambalaya in the refrigerator overnight, and then warm it up in a saucepan or microwave until it reaches the recommended internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the Pan

One common mistake when making Bubba Gump Jambalaya is overcrowding the pan while browning the chicken, shrimp, and sausage.

To avoid this, make sure you cook the ingredients in batches.

This will ensure even cooking and the proper development of flavors.

Skimping on Seasoning

A well-seasoned Southern dish like Bubba Gump Jambalaya relies on its flavorful combination of Cajun seasoning, garlic, onions, and more.

Make sure to follow the recipe, and don’t skimp on these key ingredients.

Proper seasoning will bring out the best flavors of the chicken, shrimp, and sausage.

Not Cooking the Rice Properly

Jambalaya is a rice-based dish, and getting the rice cooked perfectly is crucial.

After adding the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, ensure the heat is lowered to a simmer, and keep a small crack open in the lid for steam to escape.

Cook until the rice is tender but not mushy or overdone.