Flavorful Cajun Spiced Rice

Cajun Rice is a wonderfully flavorful side dish that brings together the sweetness of bell peppers, the sharpness of red onion, and a gentle smokiness courtesy of Cajun seasoning. It’s an easy recipe that transforms simple pantry staples into a dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of meals or stands on its own as a comforting base.

I first tried this recipe on a busy weeknight and was amazed by how such simple ingredients combined into something so tasty. Now it’s a regular on my meal rotation, especially when I want a quick side that feels special.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Olive oil adds a fruity richness and helps soften the vegetables gently
• Medium green bell pepper: Medium green bell pepper for a mild, slightly bitter crunch, choose firm peppers without soft spots
• Medium red onion: Medium red onion imparts sweetness and a gorgeous color contrast, select onions with a tight, shiny skin
• Low sodium chicken broth: Low sodium chicken broth provides depth while keeping saltiness under control, vegetable broth can be used to make it vegetarian
• Cajun seasoning: Cajun seasoning blends smoky, spicy, and herbaceous notes, homemade versions let you control heat while store bought saves time
• Long grain white rice: Long grain white rice holds its shape well and absorbs flavor nicely, avoid quick cooking rice for best texture

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables:

In a large skillet or pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add diced green bell pepper and chopped red onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are soft and the onions turn translucent. This step releases the natural sweetness and develops the base flavor.

Add Rice and Spices:

Stir in the uncooked long grain white rice along with the Cajun seasoning. Mix thoroughly so the rice grains are coated with the seasoning and combined with the softened vegetables. This helps infuse every bite with that signature Cajun flavor.

Pour in Broth and Simmer:

Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and stir gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes without lifting the lid. This cooking method ensures the rice absorbs the broth evenly and cooks to tender perfection.

Rest and Fluff:

Remove the pot from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the steam to finish cooking the rice and makes it fluffier. Fluff gently with a fork before serving to separate the grains and enhance the texture.

One thing I love about this recipe is the Cajun seasoning blend. It’s a simple mix but brings such complexity with its smoky, spicy, and herbaceous notes. I remember making this once for a family gathering and everyone went back for seconds, asking what the secret was. Spoiler it was the perfect balance of spices.

Storage Tips

Store leftover Cajun rice in an airtight container inside the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer safe container for up to three months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to bring back moisture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t like green bell peppers, swap in red, yellow, or orange bell pepper for a sweeter tone. Vegetables like celery, corn, or tomatoes can also add new flavors and textures. Brown rice can be used but requires more broth and a longer cooking time, usually closer to 40 to 45 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This Cajun rice works wonderfully as a base for stuffed peppers, alongside grilled meats, or topped with sautéed shrimp or chicken for a hearty meal. A fresh green salad on the side balances the savory richness of the rice.

Serve warm as a flavorful side or a base for proteins. Enjoy!

Common Recipe Questions

→ Is this Cajun spiced rice spicy?

The spice level is mild to moderate, adjustable by changing the amount of Cajun seasoning or adding cayenne pepper for extra heat.

→ Can I add proteins to this dish?

Yes, cooked sausage, shrimp, or chicken can be stirred in at the end to make a heartier meal without altering cooking times.

→ Should I rinse the rice before cooking?

Rinsing is optional. Skipping it retains some starch for a slightly creamier texture, but rinsing can produce a fluffier result based on preference.

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice works well but requires increased cooking time and broth, about 40-45 minutes and 4 cups of liquid.

→ How can I store and reheat leftovers?

Store cooled rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

→ Can this rice be made in a rice cooker?

Absolutely. Sauté the vegetables separately, then combine all ingredients in the rice cooker and cook on the white rice setting.