Cajun Rice
Cajun Rice is super flavorful from the combination of bell peppers, red onion, and a hint of smokiness from the Cajun seasoning!
SIMPLE FLAVORFUL RICE RECIPE
You can not go wrong with this easy and delicious Cajun Rice. With just a few pantry staple ingredients and only 45 minutes (most of which is just the time it takes for the rice to soak up the broth) you can enjoy some of this rice too! This tasty rice can go with just about anything which makes this a go-to recipe for me. I love bulking it out a bit with veggies and chicken, or tossing some in my favorite Stuffed Peppers. So many options for this affordable side dish!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
I do not think so and I am pretty sensitive to spice. Cajun rice has a mild to very moderate spice level. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of seasoning.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add some cayenne pepper and/or a dash of hot sauce.
I’m gonna let y’all in on a little secret, I never rinse rice. I know some people swear by it but I just never have and my rice always turns out the perfect texture. However, if you are used to rinsing your rice, then I am not judging. You do what you prefer and are use to doing – you don’t need my permission. I’m not your Mom, right?
Stir in some cooked sausage, shrimp, or chicken for a heartier meal. Any of these would be incredible with this flavorful rice. I would use already cooked meats. Add them in at the end just to warm up.
Feel free to add other vegetables like celery, tomatoes, or corn to bulk this rice out a bit more.
Cajun rice pairs perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, or a fresh green salad. It’s also great as a filling for stuffed peppers or as a base for a rice bowl with your favorite toppings.
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. Keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the chicken broth to 4 cups and increase the simmering time to about 40-45 minutes.
Yes, you can prepare Cajun rice in a rice cooker. Follow the instructions for sautéing the vegetables in a pan, then transfer everything to the rice cooker. Add the rice, seasoning, and broth, and cook according to your rice cooker’s white rice setting.
Store any leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Cajun rice can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)
- olive oil
- medium green bell pepper– I prefer green pepper over all the other peppers but I know some people don’t like green peppers, so use what you like.
- medium red onion – I like the red onion for color. It adds to the color of the rice but having said that, you could also use a sweet yellow onion.
- low-sodium chicken broth – the cajun seasoning has salt in it already so this is why I suggest low sodium chicken broth. You can always add more salt to your taste but you can’t take it out. Saltiness is very subjective so this will help you control that. You could use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you need to keep this vegetarian.
- Cajun seasoning– wondering what’s actually in cajun seasoning? Well, it typically includes a blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, white pepper, thyme, oregano, and sometimes salt. You can make your own or use a store-bought mix.
- long-grain white rice – this is not the recipe to use the quick cooking rice or Minute Rice so please do not substitute. See another option in the FAQ section.
HOW TO MAKE CAJUN RICE
In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper and red onion. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the rice, spices and broth. Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet or pot with a lid and let the rice simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
CRAVING MORE RECIPES?
Cajun Rice
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium green bell pepper seeded and diced
- 1 medium red onion diced
- 3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced green bell pepper and red onion. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the rice, spices and broth. Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet or pot with a lid and let the rice simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Rice turned out beautifully. Was a hit at my dinner party.
Perfect recipe
Thank you so very much Laurel (love your name by the way!) I really appreciate you taking the time to come back and comment, it means so much!
My family loved it! I added some Slap Yo Mama Cajun seasoning to it to make it spicier and it turned out perfect.
Made for my wife and I. We both give two big thumbs up. Will make again for sure.
can we use an instant pot.
Hi William! I have not tested this in an instant pot. I hate for anyone to waste ingredients if I haven’t personally tried it so I don’t like to guess. If you give it a try though, I’d love to know how it goes for you!