Description
This easy Louisiana-style Cajun rice is a bold, savory side dish packed with classic Cajun flavors, ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for weeknights, cookouts, or any meal needing a little Southern flair.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked, about 195g)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian, 480ml)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
- 2 scallions, sliced (for garnish, optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup smoked sausage, sliced (85g)
- Optional: 1/2 cup canned tomatoes, drained and diced (120g)
- Optional: Red bell pepper (swap for green, or use both)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cool water using a fine mesh strainer until the water runs almost clear. Set aside to drain.
- Dice the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Mince the garlic. If using sausage, slice and set aside.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until veggies soften and onions are translucent.
- Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning and minced garlic. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant, but do not let the garlic brown.
- Stir in the rinsed rice, coating every grain with the spiced mixture.
- Pour in chicken broth (or veggie broth). Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
- If the liquid is gone but rice is still firm, add 2-3 tablespoons more broth, cover, and cook another 2 minutes.
- Once rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Remove lid, fluff rice gently with a fork. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with sliced scallions and serve hot.
Notes
For vegetarian, use vegetable broth and skip sausage. For gluten-free, ensure Cajun seasoning is certified gluten-free. Rinse rice well for fluffier texture. Brown sausage first if using, and add extra veggies as desired. Let rice rest after cooking for best texture. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Louisiana, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 3/4 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 34
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Cajun rice, Louisiana rice, easy side dish, Southern rice, spicy rice, weeknight side, gluten-free, vegetarian option, quick rice recipe, authentic Cajun