Cajun Rice Recipe

Introduction

Cajun Rice is a flavorful and comforting side dish that brings a taste of Louisiana to your table. With a blend of spices, sautéed peppers, and onions, this rice is perfect alongside your favorite Cajun or Creole meals.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 3 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/4 teaspoons Kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Be careful not to let it burn. Once melted, add the diced red and green bell peppers along with the diced yellow onion. Stir to coat and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
2. Step 2: Pour in the chicken broth and add the kosher salt, garlic powder, ground thyme, paprika, black pepper, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Step 3: Stir in the long-grain white rice, then cover the saucepan with a lid. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
4. Step 4: Let the rice simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until it is fully cooked and tender. Once done, remove from heat and keep it covered for 10 minutes to rest.
5. Step 5: After resting, remove the bay leaf, fluff the rice gently with a fork, then serve and enjoy your flavorful Cajun Rice!

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth without compromising on flavor.
• Add a diced jalapeño pepper along with the bell peppers if you prefer extra heat.
• Try stirring in some cooked andouille sausage or shrimp after cooking for a heartier dish.
• Use brown rice instead of white for a nuttier flavor, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Storage

Store leftover Cajun Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or oil and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What can I serve Cajun Rice with?

This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted chicken, seafood like shrimp or crawfish, and classic Cajun dishes such as jambalaya or gumbo.

Cajun Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 115 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x

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Description

A flavorful and aromatic Cajun Rice recipe featuring sautéed bell peppers and onions simmered with garlic, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf for a perfectly seasoned side dish that pairs wonderfully with any Cajun or Southern meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced

Liquids

• 3 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Spices & Seasonings

• 1 1/4 teaspoons Kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf

Other Ingredients

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice

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Instructions

1. Sauté vegetables: Add the butter to a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Ensure the butter does not burn. As soon as it melts, add the diced red and green bell peppers and yellow onion, stirring to coat them in the butter. Sauté the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
2. Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth along with Kosher salt, garlic powder, ground thyme, paprika, black pepper, and the bay leaf. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Add rice and simmer: Stir in the long-grain white rice, then cover the saucepan with a lid. Reduce the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the rice: Let the rice simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it is fully cooked and tender to your preference. Avoid lifting the lid too frequently to maintain steam.
5. Rest the rice: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice stand, covered, for 10 minutes to allow the grains to firm up and absorb any remaining moisture.
6. Fluff and serve: After the resting period, remove the bay leaf, fluff the rice gently with a fork, then serve hot as a deliciously seasoned side dish.

Notes

• Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control salt content.
• For a spicier kick, consider adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
• Long-grain white rice is preferred for fluffiness; avoid using instant rice.
• Keep the heat moderate to prevent burning the butter or vegetables.
• Covering the pot during simmering is key for the rice to cook evenly.
• Resting the rice after cooking helps improve texture and flavor absorption.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun

Keywords: Cajun Rice, Cajun side dish, Cajun recipe, seasoned rice, bell pepper rice, easy Cajun rice, one pot rice, southern rice dish