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    Home » Recipes » Vegetarian

    Spicy Vegan Jambalaya

    Published: Jun 9, 2014 · Last Updated: Jan 10, 2023

    Jump to Recipe

    This easy vegan jambalaya is full of fresh produce and ready in under an hour - the perfect healthy vegan recipe for busy weeknights. 

    This post contains affiliate links: if you buy something we'll earn a small commission at no cost to you.

    Vegan jambalaya on a wooden plate, garnished with fresh cilantro. this recipe

    I am a huge fan of dinners that are quick, easy, and don't involve a last-minute trip to the grocery store. This spicy (vegan!) jambalaya definitely falls into that category.

    I grew up on jambalaya that was loaded with shrimp, chicken, and andouille, but when I went vegetarian I had to improvise a bit. Turns out jambalaya is just as good without the meat and fish! (Side note: Make sure you're using a vegan Worcestershire sauce if you're cooking this for strict vegans or vegetarians!)

    Even now that I'm back to being an omnivore, this vegan jambalaya recipe is still one of my favorites for a quick dinner or a Meatless Monday dish.

    Wooden spoon stirring fresh chopped cilantro into a skillet of jambalaya.

    If I'm particularly hungry, I'll throw in some portobello mushrooms or tofu to give it a bit more oomph, but for the most part I eat it just like you see it here. Full of tomatoes and cilantro (two of my favorite things in the universe) with a nice kick from the jalapeño and paprika.

    Wooden spoon stirring jambalaya in a large skillet.
    Love this jambalaya? Check out these easy vegan biscuits!

    This recipe is cooked entirely in one big pot, which makes for low-maintenance cooking and easy-peasy cleanup.

    I recommend using a large, flat-bottomed skillet or even a good dutch oven here so you have plenty of room to stir everything around without any spills.

    This is also a great blank-canvas recipe: start with this simple vegan jambalaya, and add your favorite veggies or proteins to make it even heartier!

    I love adding extra sautéed peppers and onions, crispy tofu, or mushrooms - and be sure to check out the comments for some great suggestions from other readers!

    Silver fork taking a bite of jambalaya.

    Basically, here's your homework assignment: Make this vegan jambalaya. It's easy. It's fast. It's oh-so-delicious.

    Just a winning combination, really.

    THE WINNINGEST.

    Vegan jambalaya on a wooden plate, garnished with fresh cilantro, next to a large skillet full of more jambalaya.

    Print
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    Spicy Vegan Jambalaya

    ★★★★★ 4.8 from 32 reviews
    • Author: Jessie
    • Prep Time: 10 mins
    • Cook Time: 40 mins
    • Total Time: 50 minutes
    • Yield: Serves 4
    • Category: Main Dish
    • Cuisine: Cajun Inspired
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    Description

    An easy vegan jambalaya for busy weeknights or Meatless Mondays!


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 large yellow onion, diced
    • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
    • 4 large stalks celery, diced
    • 1 heaping Tablespoon diced jalapeño (use more or less depending on how spicy you like things - 1 Tbsp. gives it a nice kick)
    • 4 cups diced fresh tomatoes (you could also use whole cherry tomatoes or one large can of crushed tomatoes)
    • 2 cups uncooked brown rice
    • 4.5 cups vegetable stock
    • 2 teaspoons vegan worcestershire sauce (you can find some good vegan varieties online or, if you don't have any of the vegan stuff handy, just leave it out!)
    • 3 bay leaves
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 2 teaspoons hot sauce (I use Sriracha)
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • 1.5 cups chopped cilantro, plus extra for garnish

    Instructions

    1. Heat oil in a large skillet or saucepan (use one that has a tight-fitting lid).
    2. Add onion, garlic, celery, and jalapeño to oil and sauté until onions are translucent, about 3 minutes.
    3. Add tomatoes and cook an additional minute or two to soften them up.
    4. Add rice, vegetable stock, worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, paprika, hot sauce, salt, and pepper to pan and stir to combine. Cover and bring mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 20-40 minutes, until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and cooked through.
    5. Stir in fresh cilantro and serve immediately. Garnish with extra cilantro.

    Notes

    This jambalaya has a nice kick to it - use more or less jalapeño and paprika depending on how spicy you like things. Add cooked shrimp or andouille to make this a heartier meat dish.

    If you don't have vegan Worcestershire sauce handy, leave it out, or - if you aren't a vegan/vegetarian - just use regular Worcestershire. I like this vegan variety from Annie's.

    Serve with my easy vegan biscuits or easy Crusty French bread!

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: Makes 4 Servings
    • Calories: 510
    • Sugar: 9.2 g
    • Sodium: 776.5 mg
    • Fat: 13.3 g
    • Carbohydrates: 89.5 g
    • Protein: 9.7 g
    • Cholesterol: 0 mg

    Keywords: main dish, vegan, vegetarian, rice

    Tag @lifeasastrawberry on Instagram to show us what you're cooking! Nutrition information is calculated per serving; it is approximate and will vary based on many factors.

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    More Vegetarian Recipes

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    I'm Jessie, and I like to talk about food. Tag your recipes #LifeAsAStrawberry on social media to share your creations! Learn about our team!

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    Reader Interactions

    Discussion

    1. Shari

      November 02, 2021 at 12:33 pm

      Very good! I’ve made it twice now exactly as written. May add vegan sausage next time

      ★★★★

      Reply
      • Team Life As A Strawberry

        November 03, 2021 at 5:52 pm

        YIPPEE! We love the addition of vegan sausage!

        Reply
    2. Jessica

      December 28, 2020 at 6:35 am

      Have you tried in the instant pot? Just curious if the amount of liquid changes and how long.
      Thank you

      Reply
      • Team Life As A Strawberry

        January 08, 2021 at 3:09 pm

        We haven't tested it in the Instant Pot so I can't say for sure! You may be interested in this Instant Pot Jambalaya recipe from Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats.

        Reply
    3. Deeksha

      October 18, 2020 at 6:22 am

      Looking So tasty. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Team Life As A Strawberry

        October 19, 2020 at 5:11 pm

        Thanks, Deeksha. Enjoy!

        Reply
    4. Harilal's

      May 26, 2020 at 9:02 am

      Amazing recipes!!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    5. JOJO

      May 03, 2020 at 2:34 pm

      Made this today and my family loves it. We are trying to incorporate more vegetables in our meals and my children are very hard to please. I skipped the jalapeños and Sriracha for my kids and husband. I put in extra jalapeños and Sriracha in mine and I love the heat and the different flavor. This recipe is definitely going to be in our family recipe box. Thank you for sharing!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    6. Diane

      March 29, 2020 at 6:35 pm

      Looks relish. Will make tomorrow.

      Reply
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