Copycat Popeye’s Cajun Rice
Recreate the vibrant flavors of Popeye’s Cajun rice with this easy and customizable recipe that combines savory meats, vibrant vegetables, and authentic Cajun spices.
Ingrédients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice Rinsed before use
- 2 cups chicken broth Use low-sodium if preferred
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Meats
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground chicken Can substitute with turkey
Vegetables
- ½ cup onion Finely diced
- ¼ cup green bell pepper Finely diced
- 2 tablespoons celery Finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic Minced
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for heat
- ¾ teaspoon salt Adjust to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions Optional garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients and finely dice the onion, green bell pepper, celery, and garlic.
Cooking Rice
- In a medium pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the long-grain white rice, lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes until tender.
Cooking Meat
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chicken, breaking them apart as they cook for about 5-7 minutes until browning.
Adding Vegetables
- Stir in the diced onion, bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Seasoning
- Mix in the tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, and cayenne, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
Combining
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet, mixing until well combined and slightly crispy.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
Serving
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For freezing, use freezer-safe bags.