Description
Spicy Cajun-Style Rice delivers a mouthwatering explosion of Southern Louisiana’s culinary passion. Sizzling proteins, aromatic spices, and perfectly seasoned rice create a delectable dish that transports you to the heart of Cajun cuisine with each flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Grain:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cup brown rice (optional)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
- 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes, drained
Liquid, Seasoning, and Herbs:
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Ignite flavor development by heating olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, introducing chopped onions, vibrant bell peppers, and minced garlic. Allow vegetables to soften and release aromatic essence for approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Introduce uncooked rice into the vegetable mixture, gently toasting grains while incorporating robust Cajun seasoning, smoky paprika, earthy thyme, oregano, and cracked black pepper. Ensure complete spice integration across rice and vegetable landscape.
- Create liquid foundation by carefully pouring chicken broth, incorporating diced tomatoes and introducing a bay leaf. Blend ingredients thoroughly, encouraging a gentle simmer to develop complex flavor profiles.
- Seal culinary potential by covering skillet with tight-fitting lid, reducing heat to minimal setting. Allow rice to transform and absorb liquid essence for 18-20 minutes, maintaining undisturbed cooking environment.
- Evaluate rice doneness by confirming liquid absorption and tender grain texture. Remove from heat, delicately separating rice grains using a fork and extracting bay leaf.
- Elevate presentation by scattering freshly chopped green onions across surface. Complement dish with traditional Cajun accompaniments like gumbo, jambalaya, or succulent grilled seafood.
Notes
- Customize Heat Levels by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning to match personal spice tolerance.
- Swap Proteins easily by using vegetable broth for vegetarian version or adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage directly into the rice.
- Brown Rice Takes Longer cooking time, so adjust liquid and simmer duration accordingly to ensure perfect texture.
- Boost Nutritional Value by incorporating additional vegetables like celery, carrots, or spinach during the sauté stage for extra nutrients and flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg