Make a comforting pot of rice to bring the authentic flavours of the South to your weeknight meals. Our Cajun rice recipe combines aromatic spices with hearty, yet simple ingredients. This dirty rice dish will satisfy your craving for Cajun food, all in just 1 hour of cooking time.
History of Cajun Rice
Cajun rice is a single-pot recipe that combines accessible and affordable ingredients like rice, spices, and proteins. The use of fresh garlic, black pepper and cayenne contributes to its distinct taste. In Louisiana’s wetlands, it’s served as an affordable side dish or a complete meal. This recipe evolved as a versatile base for countless high nutritional values dishes like Cajun chicken.
Looking for other Southern Louisiana rice recipes or rice dressings? Or maybe a simple, yet tasty side dish to accompany ground sausage, air fryer chicken wings or baked fish, like our rice cooker Thai curry scented rice with Salmon? Are you on a daily diet and need nutrition advice or guidance on daily values? Consult our recipe cards to get your weeknight meals planning going!
Whichever you have in your pantry; brown rice, parboiled rice, jasmine rice, leftover rice or uncooked rice, tomato paste or tomato puree, vegetable broth or low-sodium chicken broth, ground pork sausage or Cajun sausage, we have a hot dish for you to try.
Cajun rice vs. dirty rice: what’s the difference?
Cajun rice serves as a broader term that may encompass variations using seafood, like seasoned shrimp, or vegetarian options with beans.
Dirty rice traditionally refers to a dish prepared in a rice skillet with ground meats that “dirty” the rice by imparting a rich, browned hue. For a Cajun dirty rice recipe, you can use any meat, and even chicken gizzards, chicken livers, etc.
Most Southern recipes also incorporate aromatics like:
- The holy trinity of onion, celery, and green pepper (you can use yellow onions, white onions, sweet peppers, etc.)
- Garlic cloves for added depth
- Cajun spice mix made of cayenne pepper, chili powder and pepper flakes
Why choose basmati or parboiled long-grain white rice
Nobody likes mushy rice! The type of rice used can significantly impact the texture and taste of your Cajun dirty rice recipe. Both basmati rice and long-grain rice are ideal choices due to their light, non-sticky qualities.
- Basmati rice adds a subtle complexity that complements Cajun spices perfectly.
- Parboiled rice offers a traditional base with excellent absorption for broth and seasonings.
Both varieties cook quickly, making them ideal for recipes like Cajun shrimp and rice, a perfect side dish for weeknight dinners or large gatherings.
The recipe
Cajun “Dirty” Rice
Step 1
Heat a large pot over high heat. Add the oil, and when hot, crumble in the ground meat. Cook over high heat until the meat is mostly cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Add in the bell pepper, onion, celery and garlic. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened slightly.
Step 2
Stir in the Cajun seasoning, chili powder and garlic powder and cook for another minute to toast the spices. Add in the Dainty Long and Wild Rice and stir it all together. Continue sautéing for 2 minutes.
Step 3
Pour in the chicken stock or water and the salt and bring to a simmer over high heat. Immediately reduce to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and allow to cook for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow to rest for 10 more minutes.
Step 4
When done, uncover, stir gently, and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed. Stir in the green onions and parsley and serve with hot sauce on the side.
Cajun seasoning: simpler than it seems
Crafting an authentic Cajun dirty rice recipe starts with meat like ground chicken liver, ground pork sausage or ground beef combined with Cajun seasoning, green pepper, cloves of garlic, beef broth or chicken broth.
Cajun seasoning can have different spice levels, from hot heat to medium. It combines simple ingredients like garlic powder, pepper flakes, chili powder, kosher salt, onion powder, paprika, and curly parsley for garnish. Paired with long-grain white rice or basmati, it ensures every grain is infused.
Want to craft a warm pot of rice high in nutritional values, and impress your guests with a relatively short cook time? All you need is a slotted spoon, a wooden spoon, and a deep skillet or a medium-sized saucepan. Use an airtight container to store the leftover. It’s even better the next day!
