Elevate your side dish game with our Spicy Cajun Rice, a flavorful and zesty upgrade inspired by the bold tastes of Louisiana, featuring a vibrant mix of bell peppers, onions, and Cajun spices with a delightful kick of heat, perfect as a companion to your favorite proteins or as a delicious dish on its own, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice (like jasmine or basmati)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- ½ small onion (finely diced)
- ½ bell pepper (red, green, or yellow, diced)
- 1 celery stalk (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt (adjust if using broth)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth)
- 2 green onions (sliced for garnish)
Instructions
Sauté the aromatics
- Heat 1 tbsp butter or olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add ½ small finely diced onion, ½ diced bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), and 1 finely diced celery stalk. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
- Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Toast the spices
- Add 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste), ½ tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt (adjust if using broth), and ¼ tsp black pepper.
- Stir and let the spices toast for about 30 seconds to enhance their flavors.
Cook the rice
- Add 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice (such as jasmine or basmati) and stir to coat it in the spices and oil.
- Pour in 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (or water), along with 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce and 1 tsp hot sauce (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
Fluff and finish
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with 2 sliced green onions.