Jambalaya is a popular rice-based Creole recipe that is often served in Louisiana. You’ll find different sources of protein in the dish, including sausage or shrimp. If you have some leftovers and are unsure how to reheat them, you’ll find a few options below.
To reheat your leftover jambalaya, you can use the oven, microwave, or stovetop. All three of these methods will be effective and will allow you to enjoy your meal the next day.
How to Reheat Jambalaya in the Oven
Reheating jambalaya in the oven is a very easy method to choose. You just need to wait for the oven to preheat and then set a timer while the jambalaya is warming. You can choose to place a lid over the jambalaya while it’s heating, so it doesn’t get dried out and hard.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Empty your jambalaya into an oven-safe dish, such as a casserole dish.
- Heat the jambalaya for 8-12 minutes or until adequately warmed through.
- Carefully remove the hot dish and allow it to cool for a moment before serving.
While it may seem time-consuming to preheat an entire oven for jambalaya, this is a great way to reheat your dish. The oven is often the best choice for reheating leftovers due to the even distribution of heat.
How to Reheat Jambalaya in the Microwave
If you want your jambalaya quickly and without any hassle, the microwave is your best bet. Within 60 seconds, you can be digging into your delicious food.
- Place the jambalaya into a microwave-safe dish or bowl.
- Heat the leftover jambalaya for 45-60 seconds, depending on how much you have.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave and give it a moment to cool, if you can wait!
Depending on what type of protein you have in your jambalaya, you may find that the texture changes. Shrimp, for example, can be a bit rubbery after being microwaved.
If you microwave your jambalaya for too long, you can find that the rice turns mushy. You shouldn’t need much longer than 60 seconds to properly reheat your jambalaya.
How to Reheat Jambalaya on the Stove
If you want to reheat your jambalaya on the stovetop, all you’ll need is a pan that will fit your leftovers. You don’t need to cover the dish, as this will cause steam and can overcook the rice.
- Heat a pan on low before adding the jambalaya.
- Continue heating the pan for another 5-8 minutes, mixing the jambalaya a few times.
- Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove once the food is reheated to your desired temperature.
This method is great if you have a large batch of jambalaya that you want to reheat. You’d just choose a pan that’s the correct size to contain all your leftover jambalaya. If you turn the heat too high, you may find that the rice can burn slightly.
How Long Can You Keep Jambalaya Leftovers?
If you store your leftover jambalaya in a tightly sealed container, it can last up to 3-4 days. Depending on what type of mix-ins you have included, it may be a day or two less. Shrimp won’t do as well in the fridge as sausage, for example.
Unfortunately, jambalaya doesn’t freeze very well due to the rice. Rice will have a mushy texture after it’s been frozen and thawed. This doesn’t make for a very pleasant eating experience.
It’s best to consume your leftovers quickly, so there’s no risk of anything going bad. If the jambalaya has been in your fridge for quite a few days, it may be best to toss it. You don’t want to risk getting sick due to bacteria growth.
In Conclusion
Jambalaya is full of all kinds of wonderful flavors. When in Louisiana, it’s a dish worth ordering. If you can make it at home, all the better! You can enjoy delicious Creole flavors whenever hunger strikes.
If you have leftovers, you can choose to reheat them in the oven, microwave, or on the stove. All three methods are quick and fairly simple. You’ll have a scrumptious plate of jambalaya on your plate in under 20 minutes.