Best 5 Authentic Cajun Dirty Rice Recipes

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If you're a fan of bold, flavorful dishes, Cajun dirty rice is a must-try. A classic Southern comfort food, this dish combines long-grain rice, ground pork or chicken, the "holy trinity" of celery, onion, and bell pepper, and a variety of aromatic spices. The result is a rich, savory dish with a slightly spicy kick that's sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, creating an authentic Cajun dirty rice is easier than you might think. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can enjoy this Louisiana delicacy right in your own home.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CAJUN-STYLE DIRTY RICE



Cajun-Style Dirty Rice image

Classic Louisiana-style seasonings are the key ingredients in the best Cajun dirty rice recipe. Think of dirty rice as a Cajun rice pilaf. Don't knock it until you try it!

Provided by Elise Bauer

Categories     Side Dish     Cajun     Chicken Liver     Pilaf     Rice     Southern

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 cup long-grain rice (Carolina, basmati, jasmine, etc)
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 cup chicken livers
3 slices of bacon, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper or 1-3 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 green onions, chopped

Steps:

  • Cook the rice: Cook the rice according to the package instructions, but use chicken broth for one third of the cooking liquid. So, for example, if the package says to use 3 cups of water for 1 1/2 cups of rice, use 2 cups of water and 1 cup of chicken broth. Once the rice has finished cooking, remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Turn the rice out onto a sheet pan and drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over it. Mix to combine and let cool.
  • Mash or purée the chicken livers: While the rice is cooking, mash and finely chop the chicken livers, or purée briefly in a blender.
  • Cook the bacon until crispy: In a large pan that can eventually hold the rice plus everything else, put 1 tablespoon of oil plus the bacon in and cook over medium-low heat until the bacon is crispy.
  • Brown the pork and vegetables: Add the ground pork and increase the heat to high. Allow the meat to brown before stirring. As soon as the pork starts to brown, add the final tablespoon of oil and add the celery, jalapeños, and onions. Brown them all over medium-high heat. You may notice the bottom of the pan getting crusty. Keep it from burning by lowering the heat if needed. Add the minced liver and cook for a few minutes more.
  • Deglaze the pan: Add the remaining cup of chicken broth and deglaze the pan by scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
  • Add seasonings and cooked rice: Add the Cajun seasoning and turn the heat to high. Boil away most of the chicken stock and then add the cooked rice. Toss to combine.
  • Turn off the heat and add the green onions: Toss once more to combine and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 626 kcal, Carbohydrate 65 g, Cholesterol 163 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 28 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Sodium 1499 mg, Sugar 2 g, Fat 27 g, ServingSize Serves 4, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

LOUISIANA DIRTY RICE - CAJUN STYLE



Louisiana Dirty Rice - Cajun Style image

Don't let the name keep you from trying this savory Louisiana classic. Dirty Rice is generally served as a side dish, but is fairly substantial and would make a satisfying main course for lunch or a light supper.

Provided by Alan in SW Florida

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h30m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/2 lb chicken gizzard
1 1/4 cups canned chicken broth
1 cup water
2 slices bacon
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 1/4 cups)
1 cup chopped scallion (green onions, about 5 medium)
2 medium carrots, chopped (about 1 cup)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (ground red pepper)
1 cup raw rice
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 lb chicken liver

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, bring the gizzards, chicken broth, and water to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the gizzards are tender, about 45 minutes. Reserving the broth, remove the gizzards, and when they are cool enough to handle, mince them and set them aside.
  • In a Dutch oven or flameproof casserole, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 10 minutes. Reserving the fat in the pan, drain the bacon on paper towels; crumble and set aside.
  • In the bacon fat, saute the gizzards over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the green and red bell peppers, the onion, scallions, carrots, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Cook over medium heat until vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the rice and reserved broth. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Stir once, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken livers and saute until firm, about 5 minutes. Let the livers cool slightly, then coarsely chop them. Toss the chicken livers and bacon with the rice. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

CAJUN DIRTY RICE



Cajun Dirty Rice image

Don't be afraid to brown the rice in this recipe! The crispy, caramelized parts are the best.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken

Time 1h

Yield Serves 4 to 6

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, well rinsed and drained (3 3/4 cups cooked)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped (1 cup)
1 rib celery, thinly sliced (3/4 cup)
1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped into small pieces (3/4 cup)
2 tablespoons minced garlic (from 4-6 cloves)
1/2 pound chicken liver, patted dry and chopped (1 cup)
Thinly sliced jalapenos and hot sauce, preferably Crystal, for serving

Steps:

  • Bring rice, 1 3/4 cups water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until rice is tender, 15 minutes. Uncover, fluff with a fork, and set aside to cool.
  • Combine broth, Worcestershire, soy sauce, paprika, and oregano and set aside. Heat a large skillet (preferably cast-iron) over high. Add 1 tablespoon oil and beef; season with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally to break up and brown meat all over, about 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate.
  • Return skillet to high heat. Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil, onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Sprinkle with salt. Cook, scraping brown bits from bottom of pan and stirring often so garlic doesn't burn, until just starting to soften, about 3 minutes. Add liver and cook, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring occasionally until rice is heated through and browned in places, 3 minutes. Return beef to skillet and add broth mixture. Cook until liquid is completely absorbed and rice gets browned and crisp in places, stirring and scraping every 30 seconds, about 5 minutes more. Check seasoning. Serve with sliced jalapenos and hot sauce.

CAJUN DIRTY RICE



Cajun Dirty Rice image

One of our family's all-time favorites. Make it as spicy or mild as you please. It is hearty on a cold winter's night. If you are cooking for a crowd, this recipe can easily be doubled. Be sure to serve this with cornbread!

Provided by SEISEN

Categories     Side Dish     Rice Side Dish Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 pound lean ground beef
1 pound beef sausage
1 onion, finely diced
1 (8 ounce) package dirty rice mix
2 cups water
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, sausage, and onion; drain.
  • In a large pan, combine rice mix and 2 cups water. Add diced tomatoes and chilies. Stir in the kidney beans. Bring to a boil, then add meat mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Return to boil, reduce heat, and cover, stirring occasionally. Cook for 25 minutes, until rice is easily fluffed with a fork.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 484.8 calories, Carbohydrate 41.4 g, Cholesterol 72.3 mg, Fat 23.5 g, Fiber 7 g, Protein 26.2 g, SaturatedFat 9.6 g, Sodium 1541.4 mg, Sugar 0.6 g

CAJUN DIRTY RICE



Cajun Dirty Rice image

I grew up in Louisiana and we had this at least once a week. Now, I only make it every now and then because I am watching my cholesterol. This recipe does not have as many livers and so the liver flavor is not overpowering as in some recipes. Just the way I like it. The secret to this recipe is using a variety of meats and cooking the gizzards for a good long time. Adopted from Louisiana Cajun Magic Cookbook by Chef Paul Prudhomme. This recipe requires active cooking (stirring) for a good 20-25 minutes. The rest of prep is chopping and ingredient prep time. Passive cook time is for the times the recipe needs minimal attention and is just simmering. We eat this both as a main dish and a side accompaniment.

Provided by Caryn Dalton

Categories     Cajun

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/2 lb chicken gizzard, cooked and chopped fine
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon canola oil or 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 lb ground pork
2 tablespoons cajun magic poultry magic seasoning (or try copycat Prudhomme's Poultry Magic)
1 teaspoon cajun magic poultry magic seasoning (or try copycat Prudhomme's Poultry Magic)
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup uncooked rice (preferably converted)
2 cups pork stock or 2 cups water
1/2 cup turkey (finely chopped) or 1/4-1/2 lb lean ground beef, browned

Steps:

  • Place chicken gizzards and bay leaves in a saucepan and cover with water to one inch above gizzards. Bring to a simmer and cook with cover on at least 30 minutes while chopping and preparing ingredients. When done preparing ingredients, drain gizzards, (reserve water if you want to use for part of stock) and chop fine.
  • While gizzards are cooking, chop veggies and gather spices. I personally use my food processor to speed up the process of grinding the livers and chopping the veggies.
  • If you are going to sub out the chicken livers for ground beef or ground turkey, brown it while browning the pork mixture and then reserve -- drained. If you are using roasted chicken, shred it now and reserve.
  • Place oil, simmered, drained & chopped gizzards & ground pork in a large heavy skillet over high heat and stir well; cook until meat is thoroughly browned, 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain all oil off and put back on burner.
  • Lower heat to medium and stir in Poultry Magic, mustard and cumin. Then, add onion, celery, bell pepper and garlic; stir thoroughly, scraping pan bottom well. Add butter and stir until melted. Reduce heat to medium and cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly and scraping pan bottom well. (if you are not using a heavy-bottomed skillet, mixture will stick a lot).
  • Add rice and cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring and scraping pan bottom constantly (the rice should crackle and pop and look similar to puffed rice cereal). Add stock and stir until any mixture sticking to pan bottom comes loose; cook about 4 minutes over high heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Then stir in ground (or chopped fine) chicken livers (or your subbed ingredient), cover pan and turn heat to low; cook about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and leave covered until rice is tender, about 10 minutes. (The rice is finished this way so as not to overcook livers and to preserve their delicate flavor) Remove bay leaves and serve immediately.
  • For liver haters, substitute ground beef or chicken. Still tastes good, but it's not authentic Creole.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 233.3, Fat 10.1, SaturatedFat 4.4, Cholesterol 124.2, Sodium 41, Carbohydrate 22.2, Fiber 1, Sugar 1.1, Protein 12.8

Tips:

  • Use premium ingredients: Choose high-quality long-grain rice, such as Jasmine or Basmati, for the best texture and flavor. Use fresh vegetables and herbs for maximum flavor.
  • Cook the rice perfectly: Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess starch. Use a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of liquid for fluffy, separate grains.
  • Sauté the vegetables and meat: Sautéing the vegetables and meat before adding them to the rice pot enhances their flavor and adds depth to the dish.
  • Use flavorful seasonings: Don't be afraid to use bold seasonings, such as Cajun seasoning, garlic, onion, and paprika. Adjust the amount of seasoning to your taste.
  • Add some heat: If you like spicy food, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeño to the dish for a kick.
  • Let the flavors meld: After cooking, let the dirty rice rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Conclusion:

Authentic Cajun dirty rice is a flavorful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. With its bold flavors, unique texture, and endless variations, it's a must-try for any food lover. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or experiment with different ingredients and techniques, you're sure to create a delicious and satisfying dish that will impress your taste buds. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's get cooking!

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