Cajun Fried Rice | Authentic Southern Pork & Rice Recipe

Cajun Fried Rice

Bring a taste of the Bayou to your dinner table with our Cajun Fried Rice. This isn't your average fried rice; it starts by toasting the grains to golden perfection before simmering them with the "Holy Trinity" of Cajun cooking—green pepper, onion, and celery. Packed with savory pork and a hint of cumin, this one-skillet meal is hearty, smoky, and full of Southern character.

A large skillet of Cajun fried rice with diced tomatoes, green peppers, celery, and cubes of savory pork by kitchentalking101.

Prep Time Cook Time Yield
10 Minutes 25 Minutes 6 Servings

 Ingredients

  • The Grains: 2 cups Uncooked long grain rice, 3 tbsp Canola oil.
  • The Holy Trinity: 1 medium Green pepper (diced), 1 small Onion (chopped), 1 Celery rib (thinly sliced).
  • Liquid Gold: 2 1/4 cups Water, 1 can (14.5 oz) Chicken broth.
  • Seasoning & Veggies: 1 medium Tomato (diced), 1 1/2 tsp Salt, 1/2 tsp Ground cumin, 1/4 tsp Pepper.
  • The Protein: 1 cup Cubed cooked pork.

 Instructions

  1. Toast the Rice: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the uncooked rice and sauté, stirring frequently, until the grains are lightly browned and fragrant.
  2. Sauté the Trinity: Add the green pepper, onion, and celery to the skillet. Continue to sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Simmer: Stir in the water, chicken broth, diced tomato, salt, cumin, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil.
  4. Slow Cook: Reduce the heat to low; cover the skillet tightly and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
  5. Finish: Gently fold in the cubed cooked pork. Heat through for another minute or two, fluff with a fork, and serve hot.

 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories 315 kcal
Protein 12g
Carbohydrates 48g

 Pro Tips for Cajun Success

  • Don't Skip the Toast: Browning the dry rice in oil before adding liquid creates a nutty depth of flavor that defines this dish.
  • The Pork: This is a great way to use leftover roast pork or even thick-cut ham. Ensure the cubes are small enough to get some in every bite.
  • Spice it Up: If you like heat, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to give it that extra Cajun "kick."

 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use brown rice instead?
A: You can, but you will need to increase the liquid by about 1/2 cup and the simmering time to 40-45 minutes.
Q: What can I use instead of pork?
A: Andouille sausage is a classic Cajun alternative, or you can use leftover rotisserie chicken.

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