Name: Zatarain's Jambalaya In A Rice Cooker
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 package smoked or andouille sausage, cut into 1/4 inch pieces.; 1 tablespoon oil.; 2 and 1/2 cups water.; 1 package Zatarain's Jambalaya Mix.

With only 1 package of smoked or andouille sausage (cut into 1/4 inch pieces), 1 tablespoon of oil, 2 and 1/2 cups of water, and 1 package of Zatarain’s Jambalaya Mix, you can make your Zatarain’s Jambalaya in your rice cooker. This Zatarain’s Jambalaya recipe will only take you 45 minutes to make and serves 4. Serve your Zatarain’s Jambalaya with cornbread, green salad, and garlic bread.

To make your Zatarain’s Jambalaya in the rice cooker, start by heating oil and browning the sausage for 3-5 minutes. Add water and the Jambalaya mix, stirring well. Finally, close the lid and cook on the standard rice setting for about 25-30 minutes.

So, are you ready to try this simple and delicious one-pot meal? It’s a perfect way to bring a taste of New Orleans to your kitchen with minimal effort!

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What Is Zatarain’s Jambalaya?

Zatarain’s Jambalaya is a popular pre-packaged mix that offers a quick and flavorful way to make the classic New Orleans dish, Jambalaya. It typically contains rice, spices, and seasonings, requiring only the addition of meat like sausage, chicken, or seafood. This mix is a convenient solution for a hearty and delicious meal, embodying the vibrant flavors of Cajun cuisine.

Zatarain's Jambalaya Package — Zatarain’s Jambalaya Package

Can I Cook Zatarain’s Jambalaya in a Rice Cooker?

Yes, you can easily cook Zatarain’s Jambalaya in a rice cooker. Start by sautéing the sausage in the rice cooker if it has a sauté function. Then, add 2 and 1/2 cups of water and the Jambalaya mix. Stir well, close the lid, and set it to the standard rice cooking setting. The rice cooker will handle the cooking time and temperature, making it a convenient method.

Rice Cooker Zatarain’s Jambalaya Ingredients

1 package smoked or andouille sausage, cut into 1/4 inch pieces.
1 tablespoon oil.
2 and 1/2 cups water.
1 package Zatarain’s Jambalaya Mix.

How To Make Zatarain’s Jambalaya In A Rice Cooker

Start with the Sausage: If your rice cooker has a sauté function, use it to heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the sausage slices and cook them for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a nice brown color. This step is crucial for adding a rich flavor to your Jambalaya.
Alternative Sausage Cooking Method: If your rice cooker doesn’t have a sauté function, don’t worry. Simply brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat on your stove. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and keep it aside. This method ensures your sausage is perfectly cooked for the Jambalaya.
Prepare the Rice Cooker: Pour 2 and 1/2 cups of water into the rice cooker. If you used a skillet for the sausage, remember to add any leftover drippings from the skillet into the rice cooker. These drippings are packed with flavor and will enhance the overall taste of your dish.
Adding the Jambalaya Mix: Now, it’s time to add the Zatarain’s Jambalaya Mix into the rice cooker. Stir the mix thoroughly with the water to ensure it’s well blended. This step is essential for a uniform flavor distribution in your Jambalaya.
Combine Sausage with the Mix: Add the previously browned sausage pieces back into the rice cooker. Stir them into the mix to distribute them evenly. This integration is key to ensuring every spoonful of your Jambalaya is filled with the savory taste of the sausage.
Set the Rice Cooker: Close the lid of your rice cooker and set it to the standard rice cooking setting. The cooking time will vary based on your rice cooker model, but it usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Trust your rice cooker to handle the timing perfectly.
Let the Jambalaya Rest: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Jambalaya to sit in the rice cooker for about 5 minutes. This resting period lets the flavors meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dish.
Final Stir and Serve: After the resting period, stir the Jambalaya to fluff up the rice and mix all the ingredients well. Your Jambalaya is now ready to be served, offering a delightful combination of spicy sausage, aromatic spices, and perfectly cooked rice.

Recipe Tips

Perfect Rice Texture: To avoid mushy rice, ensure you use the exact water ratio mentioned. It’s crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your Jambalaya. Also, resist the urge to open the lid while cooking, as this lets steam escape, which is essential for perfectly cooked rice.
Layering Flavors: Brown the sausage well to develop a deep flavor base. If you’re adding vegetables, sauté them until they’re just tender. These steps are key in layering flavors, ensuring each ingredient contributes its best taste to the dish.
Freshness Factor: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or green onions as a garnish before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of freshness, balancing the rich and hearty flavors of the Jambalaya.
Serving Suggestion: Serve your Jambalaya with a side of lemon wedges. The citrusy zing from a squeeze of lemon can elevate the flavors, adding a refreshing note that cuts through the dish’s richness, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Zatarain's Jambalaya In A Rice Cooker — Zatarain’s Jambalaya In A Rice Cooker

Recipe Variations

Shrimp and Chicken Twist: Elevate your Jambalaya by adding shrimp and diced chicken breast. Cook the chicken with the sausage, and add the shrimp in the last 5 minutes of cooking. This combination introduces a delightful seafood twist and extra protein, making your dish heartier and more flavorful.
Vegetarian Delight: For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and add bell peppers, onions, and black beans. These ingredients not only add a spectrum of colors but also infuse the dish with rich, earthy flavors, making it a hit among vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Spicy Creole Kick: If you love a bit more heat, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper and some diced jalapeños. This fiery addition will give your Jambalaya a spicy Creole kick, perfect for those who enjoy an extra zing in their meals.
Cheesy Jambalaya Bake: After cooking, sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheddar cheese over your Jambalaya and bake it for 10 minutes. This cheesy crust adds a gooey, indulgent layer to the dish, creating a delightful contrast with the spicy, savory flavors underneath.

How Long to Cook Zatarain’s Jambalaya in a Rice Cooker?

Cooking Zatarain’s Jambalaya in a rice cooker usually takes about 25-30 minutes. After sautéing the sausage and adding the mix with 2 and 1/2 cups of water, close the lid and set your rice cooker to its standard cooking setting. The rice cooker will automatically adjust the cooking time, ensuring the Jambalaya is perfectly cooked.

What To Serve With Zatarain’s Jambalaya

Complement your Zatarain’s Jambalaya with a variety of sides like cornbread, green salad, garlic bread, steamed vegetables, or coleslaw. These sides add balance and variety, enhancing the flavors of the Jambalaya.

How To Store Zatarain’s Jambalaya

In The Fridge:

Your leftover Zatarain’s Jambalaya can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When stored properly in airtight containers, it maintains freshness and prevents drying out.

In The Freezer:

Freeze your Zatarain’s Jambalaya for longer storage, up to 2-3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality. Just remember to cool it down to room temperature before freezing to ensure safety and quality.

How To Reheat Zatarain’s Jambalaya

To reheat your Zatarain’s Jambalaya leftovers, place them in the rice cooker on a standard setting for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring it’s heated through evenly. Alternatively, reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed.

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