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Popeyes Cajun Rice Copycat recipe

Popeyes Cajun Rice Copycat

When it comes to enjoying a good plate of Cajun rice, the possibilities are endless.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Southern
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Tablespoon
  • pan

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 cup chicken gizzards minced (optional for authenticity)
  • 1/2 yellow onion minced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper minced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp celery seed
  • 1 tsp creole seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp coarse ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups long grain rice
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions
 

Step 1: Heat the Oil

  • Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. This is where magic begins.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

  • Next, add one pound of ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as you go. If you’re opting for chicken gizzards as a pop of flavor, toss them in now as well.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

  • When the meat is almost done, stir in the minced onion and bell pepper. Sauté these together until they become soft. The aromas will fill your kitchen, drawing everyone in.

Step 4: Season It Up

  • Time to spice things up! Add garlic powder, celery seed, creole seasoning, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt into the mix. Stir it all together and let the spices bloom in the heat for about a minute.

Step 5: Add Rice

  • Once the spices dance together, add two cups of long-grain rice. Stir well until the rice is evenly coated with the meat and spices.

Step 6: Pour in the Broth

  • Add four cups of beef broth and half a cup of water to the pot. Raise the heat to high and bring everything to a boil.

Step 7: Simmer and Cover

  • After reaching a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow it to simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This gives the rice time to absorb all those wonderful flavors.

Step 8: Fluff and Serve

  • Check if the rice is tender and has absorbed all the broth. If so, take a fork and fluff it up. Dish it out, and watch as your family or friends dig in.

Notes

  • Reduce the spice: If you're sensitive to heat, you can cut back on cayenne or eliminate it altogether.
  • Add protein: Experiment by adding shrimp or sausage for additional flavor and nutrition.
  • Use stock: For a deeper flavor, use homemade broth if possible.
  • Let it sit: Allowing the dish to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking can enhance the flavors even more.
  • Garnish wisely: Green onions or parsley make great, colorful garnishes that add freshness.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gFiber: 2g
Keyword Popeyes Cajun Rice Copycat
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