Cajun Rice is a flavorful, zesty side dish that’s perfect for any meal. With a mix of aromatic spices, bell peppers, and a touch of heat, it brings a little Southern flair to your plate. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Cajun Rice is the perfect side dish to pair with grilled meats, seafood, or even just a hearty vegetable stew. The combination of spices and veggies makes each bite burst with flavor. It’s a little spicy, a little smoky, and a whole lot of delicious. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and makes any meal feel special. If you love bold, comforting flavors, this rice will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Find the full list of ingredients and measurements below.)
Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Spices
Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Let the spices toast in the oil for about 1 minute to bring out their flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
Add the rice to the pan, stirring it into the vegetables and spices. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast and absorb the flavors.
Step 4: Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Remove the pot from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, and then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For a richer flavor, use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water to cook the rice.
- If you prefer a spicier version, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables.
- This rice can easily be made in a rice cooker for an even easier prep—just sauté the veggies and spices first, then add everything to the rice cooker.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Try swapping the bell pepper for diced celery or carrots for a slightly different flavor.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for a heartier, more nutritious dish (though it may take longer to cook).
- For a vegetarian version, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and leave out any meat additions.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Cajun Rice pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish. It also makes a great side dish for a rich gumbo or jambalaya. You can even serve it with a simple salad to balance out the flavors.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover Cajun Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it or heat it in a saucepan with a splash of broth or water to loosen up the rice.
4 FAQs
- Can I make this rice ahead of time?
Yes, Cajun Rice can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before serving. - Can I use instant rice for this recipe?
While it’s best to use long-grain rice for the best texture, you can substitute with instant rice if you’re in a pinch. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. - Is Cajun Rice spicy?
It does have a mild heat due to the Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper, but you can always adjust the spice level to your preference. Reduce or omit the cayenne if you want it milder. - Can I make this rice without Cajun seasoning?
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can create your own mix using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Conclusion
Cajun Rice is a bold and flavorful side dish that elevates any meal. Whether you’re serving it with seafood, grilled meats, or a veggie-heavy dish, it adds just the right amount of spice and color. It’s easy, versatile, and guaranteed to bring a little Southern heat to your kitchen!
Print
Spicy Cajun-Style Rice with Bold Flavors
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (add 2 extra servings for larger portions) 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Rice
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cajun Rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s packed with bold Cajun seasonings, peppers, onions, and garlic. It’s a perfect side dish to accompany any Cajun or Southern-inspired meal, but it can also be served as a standalone dish. The mix of spices and vegetables makes this rice a deliciously savory, satisfying option. This dish is simple to make, with the right balance of heat and smokiness, giving your meal a true taste of the South!
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (green, red, or yellow)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp ground thyme
- 1/4 tsp ground oregano
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Veggies: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Add the Rice and Spices: Add the rice to the pan and stir it into the vegetables. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast. Add the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and black pepper. Stir to coat the rice and vegetables in the spices.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, and add the diced tomatoes and bay leaf. Stir everything together, then bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Rice: Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the rice cook for 18-20 minutes (or follow the cooking time instructions for brown rice). Avoid stirring the rice while it’s cooking.
- Fluff and Serve: Once the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed, remove the pan from the heat. Fluff the rice with a fork and discard the bay leaf.
- Garnish: Garnish the rice with green onions and serve alongside your favorite Cajun dishes, such as gumbo, jambalaya, or grilled shrimp.
Notes
- For a spicier rice, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Add protein by stirring in cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp to turn this into a one-pot meal.
- You can also substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Use brown rice for a healthier alternative, but keep in mind that brown rice will need a longer cooking time (about 35-40 minutes)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: ~600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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