Description
This Copycat Popeye’s Cajun Rice recipe delivers a bold, flavorful side dish that’s easy to make at home. With a perfect blend of Cajun spices, sautéed vegetables, and tender rice cooked in savory chicken broth, this dish captures the essence of the beloved fast-food favorite while allowing you to control the ingredients and seasoning to your liking.
Ingredients
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a medium pot over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the pot and sauté them until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning; cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
- Toast the rice: Add the long-grain rice to the pot and stir well, coating all grains with the oil and vegetable mixture for about 1-2 minutes.
- Add broth and cook: Pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer gently for 20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Rest the rice: Remove the pot from heat but keep it covered. Let the rice sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to finish steaming.
- Fluff and serve: Use a fork to fluff the rice gently, then serve immediately as a spicy, savory side dish.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and salt according to your preferred spice level and taste.
- For extra protein and flavor, consider adding cooked sausage pieces during the sautéing step.
- Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
