Looking for a side dish that’s packed with flavor and spice? This Cajun Rice is exactly what you need! With a perfect balance of zesty Cajun seasoning, bell peppers, and onions, this rice is the ultimate accompaniment to a wide variety of meals. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or a hearty stew, this dish will elevate any meal to a whole new level. It’s the perfect side to bring some Southern heat to your dinner table!
Ready to spice things up? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Flavorful – Packed with the perfect amount of spice and seasoning.
- Versatile – Goes with a wide range of proteins or can be enjoyed on its own.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level and ingredients based on your taste.
Ingredients
(Full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!)
For the Cajun Rice
- Long grain white rice – Or use brown rice for a healthier alternative.
- Olive oil – For sautéing the veggies and rice.
- Bell pepper – Diced, for color and flavor.
- Onion – Chopped, for sweetness and depth.
- Garlic – Minced, for a flavorful base.
- Cajun seasoning – For that signature zesty and spicy flavor.
- Crushed tomatoes – Adds richness and a little acidity.
- Chicken broth – To cook the rice and infuse it with flavor.
- Salt & pepper – To taste.
Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes, until the veggies are softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Rice
Stir in the rice, and cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to lightly toast in the oil and veggies.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Add the Cajun seasoning, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the rice simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Step 5: Fluff & Serve
Remove the rice from the heat, let it sit for a few minutes, then fluff with a fork. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding salt and pepper to your liking.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Adjust the spice – If you prefer a milder version, use less Cajun seasoning or opt for a mild variety.
- Add protein – This dish can easily be turned into a one-pot meal by adding shrimp, sausage, or chicken.
- Use stock – For even more flavor, use chicken stock or vegetable broth instead of regular broth.
- Make it smoky – Add a pinch of smoked paprika to give the dish an extra smoky depth.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Vegan Version – Use vegetable broth and skip the meat, making it a perfect vegetarian dish.
- Add heat – For a spicier kick, toss in some jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Swap the rice – You can use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version, but you might need to adjust cooking times.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
- Grilled Chicken – Cajun rice pairs perfectly with a juicy, grilled chicken breast or thigh.
- Shrimp – Serve with grilled or sautéed shrimp for a full Cajun-inspired meal.
- Stew or Gumbo – This rice is a fantastic side dish for Southern-style stews, gumbos, or jambalaya.
- Salad – A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the rice.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: This rice freezes well, so you can store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. You can also reheat on the stove with a bit of liquid.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice can be used. Just be aware that it will take longer to cook, and you may need to add a little more liquid.
2. Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! This rice actually tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld, so it’s great for meal prep.
3. How can I make it spicier?
Add more Cajun seasoning, or toss in some red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or a bit of hot sauce.
4. Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes! Add shrimp, sausage, or even chicken to make this a more filling meal.
In Conclusion
This Cajun Rice is a fantastic, easy-to-make side dish that’s full of bold flavors and spice. It’s perfect for pairing with a wide variety of main dishes, or you can turn it into a one-pot meal by adding protein. Whether you’re craving something comforting, flavor-packed, or simply want to add a little Cajun flair to your dinner, this rice is the way to go!
How do you like to spice up your rice? Let me know your favorite twist on this dish!
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Cajun Rice – Bold, Flavorful, and Easy to Make!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (normal) 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cajun Rice is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that brings a bold kick to any meal. Seasoned with Cajun spices, it’s a quick and easy way to add some heat and zest to your dinner. Whether served alongside grilled meats, shrimp, or vegetables, this rice will become your go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (more if you like it spicy!)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for more heat)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for richness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
- Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the oil and vegetables. Let the rice toast lightly for about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Seasonings and Broth
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Add the chicken or vegetable broth and tomato paste (if using), then stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let the rice simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Fluff and Serve
- Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit for about 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve!
Notes
- Customize the heat: Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.
- Add protein: You can mix in cooked sausage, chicken, or shrimp for a one-pot meal.
- Make it a meal: Serve the Cajun rice with grilled shrimp or roasted vegetables for a complete dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg